November 2003

Dear Fellow Book Lovers:

The song "Over the River and Through the Wood to Grandmother’s House We Go” has over the years come to represent Thanksgiving. Though I never had to travel far, and I certainly didn’t travel through woods, to get to my grandparent’s house, I do have fond memories of family gatherings on Thanksgiving. And, the day always began by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Today, children still watch the parade, but families have changed, and it isn’t always possible to assemble around large dining room tables of food or gather in front of a cozy fire for family stories. For many children such family scenes may only be realized through a Currier and Ives print found on a wall calendar, or a picture book about the celebration of Thanksgiving. I have discovered that children from broken homes, intergenerational families, or extended families still like the idea of family, and want to read family stories. Many even want traditional family novels like Cheaper By the Dozen (all ages) by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. While this novel is old, the strength of the family and their genuine love for one another draws readers into their story and offers a warmth perfect for read aloud during the holiday season. Fig Pudding by Ralph Fletcher (ages 8-10) is another story of a close-knit family that deals with trials and tribulations through humor. The Swiss Family Robinson (all ages) by Johann Wyss is a classic family novel that begs to be read aloud. The family in this story becomes so resourceful and happy on a deserted island that they don’t want to be rescued. The Winter Room (ages 11- up) by Gary Paulsen is set in the first half of the 20 th century in Minnesota . The family gathers in the living room, called the winter room, exchanging stories of their Norwegian heritage. Ruth White captures the true essence of family in Belle Prater’s Boy (ages 9-12). When Woodrow’s mother disappears, he goes to live with his grandparents in the small Appalachian town of Coal Station where he forms a close relationship with his first-cousin, Gypsy. Though Woodrow doesn’t know the whereabouts of his mother, he never lacks love from his extended family. Another novel that deals with intergenerational family relationships is Journey (ages 9-12) by Patricia MacLachlan. Unlike Woodrow Prater, Journey lives with a deep anger over his mother’s disappearance. His grandfather, an excellent photographer, finally helps Journey realize that love abides in all types of families.   

Books about less traditional families, but those that challenge young readers to think about the true meaning of family are equally important. All the Way Home and Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff and Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli are two examples of novels that explore the search for family. Strong family relationships are evident in Wise Child, Juniper, and Colman, a trilogy by Monica Furlong. And Madeleine L’Engle presents a strong sense of family in A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet.

In this holiday season, I challenge you to lead young patrons to books that celebrate family ----all types of families.  

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

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