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Book Reviews |
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[ July/August
2002 ]
In sharing her personal experience and exploring the different aspects of what cancer brought to her family, Carrie encourages the reader to accept and express a multitude of feelings. As Carrie notes, "Kids whose parents have cancer have lots of feelings… Maybe reading about my feelings can help you with yours. Drawing my feelings has been a big help to me and my mom. One thing I know for sure--cancer brings out lots of feelings." Accompanied by her drawings, mostly done in markers, Carrie's text reaches out to children in a way that adults writing to children can't easily do. In many ways, this may be the biggest healing potential of the book: through Carrie's words, other children whose parents have cancer might not feel so alone. The Right Touch: A
Read-Aloud Story to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse This book was developed by clinical social worker Sandy Kleven as a teaching tool to help children express themselves against forced, secretive or deceptive touching from adults or even other children. As Kleven notes, most children generally sense when things aren't "right." However, in a society where parents and adults rule, and where verbal manipulation or threats may accompany abuse, children are often afraid to express themselves.
Both my daughter (age 8) and myself felt this was an excellent book. It may be especially useful for parents who are uncomfortable broaching this subject with their children. In addition to including a guideline note to parents and teachers, the book helps children to validate their feelings in general. The central message assures children that abuse is not their fault and that there are adults who will help. I Ching For Teens:
Take Charge of your Destiny with the Ancient Chinese Oracle
As a psychotherapist who works primarily with young adults and the author of other books for teens, Johnson does a first-rate job of providing a deeply intuitive yet fresh approach for young people who desire to working with the I Ching as a source of inner guidance. Each hexagram is accompanied by a relevant quote (from Rumi to Frank Lloyd Wright), a short commentary with real-life examples applicable to teens, further explanation of each of the six lines making up the hexagram, along with additional questions, suggestions and considerations for teens to make sense of their hexagram "answer." Johnson's style is friendly, engaging and very creative. I'd recommend this book not only as a gift for a teenager but as a useful addition to the library of any adult who works regularly with or would like to learn more about the undeniably profound messages that can come through consulting the I Ching. Teen Witch:
Wicca for a New Generation
Though the book is aimed at teens, Ravenwolf includes an introduction just for parents in which she discusses the very real concerns that many parents may have about their children exploring other religions such as Wicca. As a mother, she also offers some sage advice: listen to your kids; let them tell you what they are feeling; allow them to explore different religions and discover meaning and spirituality within themselves. Ravenwolf presents teens a deeper look at witchcraft, noting that wearing black or threatening others with curses will never make one a witch. Indeed, much of this book is about dispelling sensationalistic views, not only of the occult but of witchcraft in particular. Although there are plenty of creative things for teens to implement (from magical daydreaming to creating a personal sacred space), there is also a good deal of information about what Wicca does not entail (torturing animals, hurting others, disrespecting the earth) as well as some helpful general guidelines for exploring oneself and the world. This is a wonderful book for any teen with interests in metaphysics. It is also an excellent book for adults who are unfamiliar with or perhaps even afraid of witchcraft. Not only is Ravenwolf a skilled writer with engaging humor and perceptive insights, but also she is clear and knowledgeable about the truly fascinating religion of Wicca. ~ Reviews by Dawn Brunke
Do you have a book to recommend? Would you like to write a guest book review? Please call or e-mail Dawn Brunke at (907) 373-4667 or brunke@matnet.com. |
Carrie
Martin, the 10-year-old co-author and illustrator of this book for children,
was only 7 years old when her mother, Chia, was diagnosed with colon
cancer. The author of several children's books as well as "Writing Your
Way Through Cancer," Chia notes that creating this book was one of the
best things she ever did with her daughter: "It unfolded because we
both needed it. I hope it can serve as an inspiration for you, whether
or not your lives have been touched by cancer."
Personally,
I'm saddened beyond words that as a society we have to deal with this
issue. However, sexual abuse does occur and books such as this play
a positive role in helping both children and adults clarify personal
boundaries. Through a bedtime talk, the mother in this story helps her
son explore different touching scenarios to determine what is "okay"
and what is not. The child asks questions and the mother is forthcoming
in her answers as well as suggestions of what to do if such a situation
occurred to him. 
As
author Julie Tallard Johnson notes, "The I Ching is to be taken seriously.
It is an oracle, a Wisdomkeeper that you can rely on and to which you
can bring all your concerns." Though the I Ching has ancient roots and
many interpretations, Johnson's version is especially geared for teens.
If
the title sends you into a tizzy or you're freaking out because your
teenager wants to read about such a thing, then this is the book for
you! Silver Ravenwolf, prolific author, Director of the International
Wiccan/Pagan Press Alliance, and mother of four young children, offers
an intriguing, educational, fun and yet no-nonsense approach to understanding
what Wicca is (a legitimate earth-based religion) and what it is not
(black magic or devil worship).