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Now is the time to start a conversation...

As kids and families across the country prepare to head back to school (with all the challenges that come with it), we thought it could be beneficial to provide a few resources that we have found helpful and effective in starting important conversations with your young loved ones.   
 
The world presents an array of ever-changing sensitive topics. Books are often a way to work through issues we all see or experience on a daily basis.  As its own kind of therapy, books can be quite important and impactful.  

Below are a handful of titles we recommend to help start a conversation with your child and/or young adult.  If you are seeking books on a specific topic, or if we can be helpful in any way, please let us know!  - The Kids Team at R.J. Julia

Ages 3 - 6+
It's never too early to teach young children that we're all uniquely different and that our differences should be celebrated!

by Todd Parr (ages 3+)

"This colorful book encourages kids to embrace their own differences and consider the ways that those around them might also be different.  The bright illustrations enrich the message that it is okay to be yourself and that differences are to be celebrated, not hidden." -Kelly

by Henry Cole  (ages 4+)
 
"Eddie was mean to all the other students in the classroom. As a result NOBODY wanted to sit next to him during library time and NOBODY played with him at recess. One day a new student comes to class; she brings a very special trick that may change Eddie for the better!  This is a great read for anyone struggling with being the bully or anyone who has been bullied."  -Teresa


by Leslea Newman and Laura Cornell  (ages 4+)
 
"Heather's favorite number is two: she has two arms, two legs, and she also has two mommies. But on the first day of school, when a classmate asks what her daddy does, she wonders if she's the only one without one. The answer comes when all the children draw pictures of their families, each special, with people who love each other. First appearing 25 years ago, the gentle loving message still resonates today with families of any kind!" -Jamie
 

by Jessica Walton and Dougal MacPherson  (ages 4+)
 
"A sweet book that approaches an important topic with a gentle grace. Not only does
Introducing Teddy handle gender identity in an accessible way, but it also subtly tackles gender stereotypes. The message this book leaves you with is that supporting your friends for being who they truly are can make all the difference."  -Kelly

by Donald Nelsen and Edward Gorey  (ages 5+)

"Emma is a little judgmental... Sam is a little embarrassed! What do you do with a friend who doesn't play well with others? A story for teaching tolerance and understanding to little ones!" -Jaclyn

Ages 10+
Transitioning into the middle-grade years can be challenging.  Some children may find it helpful to read these realistic stories which offer sensitive and positive suggestions for a variety of issues.


by Donna Gephart 
 
"Superbly crafted story of two 8th grade boys: one who is an emerging transgender girl, and the other a new kid struggling with his emerging bipolar disorder.  Told with humor and perfect dialogue, this is outstanding realistic fiction with a positive message. For fans of The One and Only Ivan, Twerp and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook."  -Jamie
 

by Mark Goldblatt  
 
"Funny and endearing stories of being a 6th grade boy, told through journal entries. This book covers both the good times and the pitfalls, including bullying. Ultimately, Twerp's message is that you can always do the right thing, even if you did the wrong thing first. Outstanding!" -Jamie

  
by Nora Raleigh Baskin  
  
 
"On 9/11 all of our lives changed. But on September 9th and 10th, four young people were deep in their everyday issues of family, school, and friends. Sergio lives in Brooklyn with his grandmother and is missing the love and affection of his mom and dad. Will lives in Shanksville, PA; his father was killed in a traffic accident as he stopped to help another driver. Naheed, in Columbus, OH, is a young Muslim girl starting a new school wearing the traditional head scarf of Muslim women. Aimee is also starting a new school, in California, and feeling unsure of her life. All four are impacted by the horrific event of 9/11 simply because they are Americans. A poignant and sensitive way for young people to experience the impact that day had on everyone. A must read!" -Gail
 
Ages 14+
We think author Trisha Leaver says it best:
"There are millions of teens who read because they are sad and lonely and enraged. They read because they often live in a terrible world. They read (despite the protestations of certain adults) because they feel that books--
especially the "dark ones"-- will save them. 

They are NOT looking to escape to an alternate world; they are reading to feel less abnormal. They're looking for kids in the same situation as them, that have survived. They're looking for coping skills. They're looking to see if somebody else is on their side."-   Trisha Leaver, author of The Secrets We Keep 

by Marieke Nijkamp 

"I was immediately captivated by this book. For such a dark subject matter, the author beautifully balances bursts of hope with the despair that wraps itself around such a tragic and life altering event. During a span of 54 terrifying minutes, you follow four different characters and are given access to what they do to protect themselves and those they love. Similar to the book Violent Ends, once you finish, you will look up and appreciate everything just that little bit more." -Teresa
 
 
by Meredith Russo  
 
"A page-turner!  So much is at stake for Amanda, yet all she wants is to make it through senior year. 
Everyone has a secret, right?  A fictional story about a transgender teen written by a transgender woman; it rings true and offers a lot to discuss.  Read it for your 
next book group or with your best friend: what if she 
was your girl?"  -Jamie

by Becky Albertalli  
 
"Sixteen year old Simon Spier isn't ready for the world to know that he's gay, but it may not be up to him when a classmate happens on an email that was definitely private. Laugh out loud funny, heartfelt and touching." -Kaley 
 
 

 
by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely  
 
"This book is one that everyone should read.  Everyone.  Not just teens, not just parents, not just teachers:  EVERYONE. Told through the perspectives of two young boys, one the victim of racism and police brutality and the other a reluctant witness; All American Boys puts a spotlight on the horrible reality happening all over our country."  -Kathy 


  
 
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(203) 245-3959 or 800-74-READS