As I settle in for another day of writing, I wanted to off you a list of novels for kids that introduce such topics as bullying, prejudice, and appreciating one's differences. Similar to Wonder by RJ Palacio (discussed in "On Bullying and ADHD"), many of these titles embrace the idea that everyone should have a place to belong:
Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos (*for kids with ADHD)
Maniac MaGee by Jerry Spinelli
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Matilda by Roald Dahl
The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupe
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowed
As a kid with ADHD, I was fortunate to have parents, Mary Jo Wilson PhD and James K. Wilson LCSW, who fostered my creative spirit while never ridiculing my eccentricities. I hope that some day I'll have that same patience to raise children with the courage to accept their differences, whatever they may be. Until that day, I'll continue wile away at my writer's desk, creating stories to share with you and the next generation.