A child interested in a book is a good thing; but a child interested in a biography is a powerful thing. Why?
Because a captivating biography can imbue a child with the empowering thought that they are the main character in their story and they are just as human and just as real as any subject in any book.
I have a special place in my heart for biographies and autobiographies. (FYI-tomorrow I’ll be sharing a bit about the very first biography I read as a young girl that transformed my way of thinking.) Don’t get me wrong- fiction is important and amazing in its own right– but the solidity of non-fiction has enamored me for years.
I want my children to read powerful books about people who take their lives into their own hands. I want them to read about people of varying origins who share drive, determination, and passion to achieve what they desire. It’s fun to read about pharaohs and queens and kings but I also want them to read about those born to humbler circumstances who overcome adversity and forge their own paths.
I was recently sent a book to review that fits this criteria perfectly. The Remarkable Ronald Reagan by Susan Allen is a new children’s book that “instills the importance of hard work, humility, and determination.” The book doesn’t focus on politics so much as the allure of the American Dream. In fact, after reading the book together and feeling inspired, I turned to to my daughter and stated that maybe she’ll be president one day. She paused for a moment and then said, “Hmmm. Maybe. But then again if you and Daddy can’t get me a horse, maybe I can get my own ranch when I grow up like Reagan did and ride horses whenever I want.”
In that moment, it dawned on her that even though her father and I might not be able to fulfill her dream of owning horses that it wouldn’t necessarily be the end of her vision. Reagan’s story showed her that with time and perseverance she can get her own horses. She can grab the reins.
As a homeschooling mom, I can find tons of uses to apply to this book. Obvious ones being supplements to studies on american history or the presidents for elementary students; it can be used as a read aloud during patriotic holidays like President’s Day or the 4th of July; or in our case- it can be used as a motivator and inspiration by focusing on the cowboy just as much as the commander in chief.
And thanks to the publishers of this book, one of my readers will receive their own beautifully and vibrantly illustrated copy of The Remarkable Ronald Reagan to share with their children. Just enter and click through the Rafflecopter widget below.
Good luck!
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