For many of us, reading stories before bedtime holds cherishing memories of Dr. Suess, "Goodnight Moon", and "Where the Wild Things Are." Just a few minutes a night of reading short picture books to children has tremendous developmental benefits. Bedtime stories have been proven to enhance cognitive development, meaning the capability of thinking and understanding, improve reading and language abilities as well as harvest creativity from a young age.
Aside from prepping children for creative and academic success, the stories read to children can have a major impact on how they see and treat others.
Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, and Dr. Seuss are the staples of a child's library. However, what would happen if we read to children about history, about revolution, and famous figures from the past who have paved the way for many to be considered full human beings?
This may sound daunting, and perhaps too intense for the child's mind. But there are many ways for children to tackle large concepts of activism and acceptance from a colorful page in children's books. Children's books that support activism are becoming more and more popular. Parents are beginning to reach for texts that will allow kids to understand gender and sexuality, environmental justice the emergence and persistence of civil rights as well as the many figures who fought for the visibility of marginalized identities.
Books like "A is for Activist" and "Counting on Community" by Innosanto Nagara provide simple teachable moments for children to become unapologetic about a wide variety of issues as well as the mission and mantra of being an activist. "A is for Activist" is a book that teaches the alphabet, using each letter as a way to introduce kids to revolutionary figures, events, and groups. It uses powerful illustrations and bold stories to call families to action and promote a prospective future of people who can take social change to the next level.
I am Jazz, by Jessica Herthel, follows the protagonist, Jazz, who is transgender. The character Jazz is based on Jazz Jennings, a transgender woman, Youtube, and television personality, and advocate for LGBT rights. The story follows her life before and after her transition. It is written in a digestible manner so that even little ones can understand and appreciate it. This book has been revolutionary in children's literature, opening up spaces for transgender children and parents to feel seen.
"C is for Consent", by Eleanor Morrison, is another example of a book that is appropriate for a range of age groups and teaches children about the importance of asking for and providing consent. The book follows a male child who is learning about how to consent for different kinds of physical affection.
Many of these titles follow expert recommendations for how to teach children about how to navigate their own bodies and identities as well as stick up for themselves and others. While the classic American children's stories already do a great job of enhancing the minds of the future generation, consider how progressive children's stories can foster a productive and tolerant future of leaders.
