by Leah Wall
Lead Catechist for Children

This past Sunday we, as a church, spent time lamenting and praying for the value of all human life. I have found that, more often than we notice, the heavy things on our hearts are also on the hearts of our children. Story reaches out in a way that direct teaching often can’t. If you would like to discuss this week’s topic with your children and are looking for a way to open that conversation, here are some books that I have read and believe would be a help. These are also just great books with themes that resonate with the heart of God. Because of some of the themes presented, I recommend pre-reading, using your own discretion on the age-appropriateness of each book.

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET by Matt De La Pena. This is the story of a boy and his nana that take a bus ride after church each week to serve in a soup kitchen. The nana is able to see beauty and worth everywhere. (Ages 3+)

THE NAME JAR by Yangsook Choi. A young girl whose name is difficult to pronounce comes up with a plan to be more like the other kids at school. The children lead the way in making her welcome. (Ages: school age)

WE'RE NOT SO DIFFERENT AFTER ALL by Lisette Lent. A newer book written by a mom of a child with special needs. This book is from the view of Maggie’s older brother who knows that although some needs are different - there are lots of ways all kids are the same. (Ages 3+)

47 STRINGS. Tessa’s Special Code by Becky Carey. Written by a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, this book is a great conversation starter about the ways we are similar and different. (Ages 3+)

STIG OF THE DUMP by Clive King. This is a longer book from 1963. It tells a story of a boy who meets Stig - he speaks no English, lives in the dump, and looks like a caveman. The story tells of their friendship. (Ages 8+)