Yesterday the country commemorated a tough anniversary: the seventh year since the terrorist attacks in the United States.

I was reminded that children were not only victims, but many young children lost a parent. One 8- or 9-year-old boy was interviewed on the radio. While I don’t remember the station or the time or even the child’s name, his words made me tear up.

He said he didn’t really remember what happened that day, he doesn’t even remember his dad very well, but he does remember the love his dad had for him.

How awful that a young child looses a parent. How wonderful that the child remembers — certainly because he’s reminded — the love of that parent.

What do adults do in these sad, unsettled times? How can they help children understand particularly when adults are as flummoxed as the children?

Maybe books can help. A few that I think are good for starting those difficult discussions can be found here: books to help children heal. Do you have a favorite book to help young children understand disquieting times?

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
September 12, 2008
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