It can be hard to muster your courage, especially if you are a child just learning about the world. I think about this with my own daughter: what world will she inherit in the years to come—and how can I instil in her the qualities she’ll need to prosper in the face of potential adversity? Well, as with every element of parenting—there’s a book for that. Or in the case today, there are 4 inspirational children’s books – just for boys! When you can’t quite find the words yourself, don’t worry—these stories will help you teach your son how to face their fears.
1. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is ready to jump off the diving board.
Definitely. No doubt about it. He’s completed his swimming lesson, passed his swimming test, and he’s great at jumping into the pool—well, when he’s standing on the side, just thinking about it.
As he watches his friends dive from that springy board way up high, he’s having second thoughts.
Luckily, Dad’s right there to squeeze his hand, and Jabari squeezes back.
Jabari Jumps is a sweet little tale in which talented author Gaia Cornwall captures a fleeting fusion of paternal wisdom with childlike courage, as a determined little boy sees that some things are worth facing his fears for.
Click here to buy Jabari Jumps
2. Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden
Ron loves going to the library.
He especially likes sitting for hours reading every book about aeroplanes and flight that he can get his hands on.
Today is extra special—because Ron’s going to the library alone. It’s no easy task, though: Ron is nine—and this is 1950s South Carolina, where racism runs rampant.
When Ron gets his very own library card, it’s more than a rite of passage—it’s his first mission. And it won’t be his last, because Ron’s Big Mission is based on the inspiring story of Ronald McNair.
Ronald McNair – future scientist and one of the fated astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Ronald persevered through societal hardships and as a young boy was so incredibly brave in refusing to leave the segregated Lake City Public Library before he’d checked out his books.
Click here to buy Ron’s Big Mission
3. What Do You Do with a Chance? by Kobi Yamada
When our narrator is visited by his first ever chance, he doesn’t know what to do with it—and sadly lets it go.
He regrets his indecision—so when a new chance unexpectedly presents itself, he reaches for it. This time he misses—and falls.
He’s afraid of his inadequacy, embarrassed by it, so takes to simply ignoring any future chance that passes him by. Until one day he realises that failure doesn’t matter—it’s the effort you put in that counts.
Finally he sees that miracles can happen if you see that chance—and take it.
What Do You Do with a Chance? is a genuinely uplifting tale, guaranteed to leave your little reader ready to grab that chance of their own!
Click here to buy What Do You Do with a Chance?
4. Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
Poor Scaredy Squirrel. He just can’t leave his tree—it’s far too dangerous out there.
What if he encounters a tarantula? Killer bees? Little green Martians?
He knows he’s safe up here.
Even if danger comes a-callin’, he’s well prepared with his emergency kit: Band-Aids, parachute, antibacterial soap.
So he simply watches and waits, watches and waits, until the coast is clear of danger. Then he realises: it’s never going to be completely safe out there—and the freedom to live his life is more important than wrapping himself in the proverbial cotton wool.
So he takes the leap, descending into the unknown—where he’s sure there be germs, sharks, poison ivy—only to be amazed to discover something else entirely.
Something altogether quite marvellous…
Click here to buy Scaredy Squirrel
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