Good Reads for Tough Topics

Need a good way to explain a sensitive subject to your 4- to 8-year-old? The National Center for Family Literacy recommends these children's books to help pave the way for a difficult talk.

« Previous | 1 of 1 | Next »

acceptance

aging/death

honesty

divorce

Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes (Mulberry Books, 1996). With the help of her teacher, Chrysanthemum finds that her name makes her unique.

Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, by Tomie dePaolo (Puffin, 2000). After Tommy's nana dies, he realizes that memories of her will remain forever.

My Big Lie, by Bill Cosby (Cartwheel Books, 1999). Little discovers that a teeny white lie means trouble in the end.

At Daddy's on Saturdays, by Linda Walvoord Girard (Albert Whitman & Company, 1987). Katie learns her dad loves her no matter where he lives.

Be Good to Eddie Lee, by Virginia Fleming (Philomel Books, 1993). Eddie Lee teaches Christy to look beyond his Down's syndrome to see the person inside.

The Memory Box, by Mary Bahr (Albert Whitman and Company, 1995). Zach helps his grandpa cope with Alzheimer's by creating a box of photos and trinkets.

Too Many Tamales, by Gary Soto (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1993). When her mother's ring disappears, Maria finds that telling the truth saves time-and face.

Mama and Daddy Bear's Divorce, by Cornelia Maude Spelman (Albert Whitman and Company, 1998). Dinah deals with how her parents' split affects her.

-Christina Sciammacco

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say “Yes” to Ladies' Home Journal® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE - 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Ladies' Home Journal® Family Favorites Cookbook ABSOLUTELY FREE!