Reading to teach and heal: More books for 8-12 year olds

The holiday season is a time to reflect, find gratitude and show kindness, especially to those who may be struggling. It’s also a great time to escape the chaos and hunker down with a good book. Why not do both? Today, there are more and more books about children and teens coping with physical and mental health issues that help young readers empathize with these characters but also relate, especially if they’re faced with a similar condition. We’ve selected five books that will not only make great gifts for the kids on your list, but also will stay with them long after those holiday decorations are put away. Swing Sideways By: Nanci Turner Steveson For ages: 11 and up Medical condition: Eating disorder In this moving debut novel, 14-year-old Annie suffers from an eating disorder and panic attacks. When her therapist recommends she take an unstructured “summer of freedom” with her parents at their lake house, she meets California, a free-spirited girl who needs Annie as much as Annie needs her. Says Steveson, “Annie is a dreamer who was stuffed into a mold by outside influences (Mom, Dad, teachers, school friends, a resort community, etc). In order for her to discover who she truly is as a person, and to have the strength and courage to break free, she needed a friend like California to give her ‘permission’ to be herself to accept her for who she was and not who someone else wanted her to be.” This novel is ultimately a story of true friendship...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Parenting autism clubfoot dyslexia eating disorder OCD Source Type: news