New Books Can Offer Extra Perspective

We are in an all-out reading mode in our household. Jordan’s brother, Cameron, consumes books on a daily basis. His latest discovery is the Michael Vey series. He loves mystery and fantasy books. Jordan is still finding her favorites. So far it’s the Rainbow Fairies and Magic Treehouse book series. But she also gravitates to books that focus on a person overcoming challenges… And it does not have to be about limb differences for her to make the connection.

Since Jordan was little, we have read books that talk about limb differences or just being different. Her favorite when she was little was the book, Harry and Willy and Carrothead. It’s about a boy with a prosthetic hand who is best friends with a boy with red hair. The one-handed kid ends up standing up for his red haired friend who was getting harassed for being a “Carrothead.” Lately, Jordan’s favorite book about being different is Stand Tall Mary Lou Melon. It’s about a very tiny girl, with a loud voice and big buck teeth who can turn everything you think is difficult into a talent… Even when she stands up to a bully.

So this week, Jordan brought home a pile of book sale sheets that give her a chance for new books at a discount and her teacher gets new books in the deal as well. I usually pass on those sales because we have SO MANY BOOKS in our house. But there was a new Molly Lou Melon book called Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon. It will be interesting to see if the positive theme continues into the next book. And since I was buying a book, I decided to look for more books that might inspire. Luckily, I checked out A Mighty Girl’s 15 Self-Esteem Boosting books list. I realize Jordan may not have self-esteem issues, but I still feel it’s worth encouraging her to continue feeling confident. I found a couple of the books on the list to add to the book sale. I don’t think I’ll ever stop looking for books that encourage, strengthen and help Jordan and her friends know we can do it all, no matter what challenges you face each day.