December 2004

Dear Fellow Book Lovers:

HOLIDAY GIVING

I suspect that almost every library in the nation will display books for the holiday season, along with Christmas trees, Menorahs, and Kinaras. The Story of Hanukkah by Bobbi Katz (ages 5-8), The Very Best Hanukkah Gift by Joanne Rocklin and illustrated by Catherine O’Neill (ages 7-11), A Christmas Sonata by Gary Paulsen (ages 8-12), Sammy Keys and the Runaway Elf by Wendelin Van Draanen (ages 10-13), Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford and illustrated by Shelley Hehenberger (ages 4-7), and A Small Miracle by Peter Collington (all ages) are some of Random House Children’s Books titles for the holiday season. Making these books and other materials available about these special holidays exposes children and young adults to all types of religious and holiday observances. Schools, especially, are careful to separate church and state, but religion is part of culture, and all cultures are taught in the social studies curriculum. Understanding various religions and holiday traditions promotes tolerance, and there is no better opportunity than this time of year.  

In addition to holiday book displays, I suggest that libraries take a thematic approach, and use books that promote the spirit of giving. I’m not suggesting traditional gift giving, but giving of oneself. It seems to me that this theme epitomizes the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, and offers a chance to unite these celebrations. Suggest that children and young adults select a book that promotes giving, and ask them to share it with the group. Some children may select The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and discuss the gift that Mary gives to Colin. Maybe some will select One Thousand Paper Cranes: The Story of Sadako and the Children’s Peace Statue by Takayuki Ishil. Ask them to engage in a discussion about the efforts of the Japanese people to build the Children’s Peace Statue to honor the children who died as a result of the bombing of Hiroshima. How might this be considered a gift? Suggest that they read Belle Prater’s Boy by Ruth White and focus on the giving nature of Woodrow. Think about his gift of storytelling and his willingness to share it with the children of Coal Station, Virginia. What is his ultimate gift to Gypsy, his cousin? It isn’t difficult to understand the gift that Annemarie Johansen and her family give to the Rosen family in Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. When Zachry Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt is about the gift of friendship.

I could name many more titles, but the important thing is that young readers make their own suggestions for this thematic approach to the season. Perhaps a party to share such books would put everyone in the holiday spirit. Allow them to tie ribbons around their book suggestions, and offer the book to another reader. Not only does this celebrate the season, but also it keeps reading alive all through the holidays.

You may email me at pscales@scgsah.state.sc.us.