Needed now more than ever: a guide that includes 500 diverse contemporary fiction and memoir recommendations for pre-teens and teens to inspire greater empathy for themselves, their peers, and the world around them.

 
As young people are diagnosed with anxiety and depression in increasing numbers, or dealing with other issues that can isolate them from family and friends–such as bullying, learning disabilities, racism, or homophobia–characters in books can help them feel less alone. And just as important, reading books that feature a diverse range of real-life topics helps generate openness, empathy, and compassion in all kids. Better with Books is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, librarians, therapists, and caregivers who recognize the power of literature to improve young readers’ lives.
 

Each chapter explores a particular issue affecting preteens and teens today and includes a list of recommended related books–all published within the last decade. Recommendations are grouped by age: those appropriate for middle-grade and those for teens.
 

     How to Use Diverse Books in your At-Home Learning,

     from We Need Diverse Books 

     Invisible Diversity in Children's and Young Adult                       Literature from SCBWI Bulletin

      10 Books to Help Build Self-Confidence in your       

      Tweens and Teens, from Working Mother 

      How to Help Teens Tackle Mental Health Issues with                Reading from Motherwell 

      Top 10 Science-Related Novels for Kids from S'more

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Copyright 2016 Melissa Hart. 

All rights reserved.

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“The right book read at the right time can change a life, and that’s why Better with Books belongs in every library. Timely, compassionate, and wise, this is a remarkable reference guide.”

—Katherine Applegate, bestselling author of Wishtree and The One and Only Ivan