Can a Children's Book Change the World?

Twitter is a resource I use daily for ideas to share.  Earlier this week I watched the inspirational TEDtalk Can A Children's Book Change the World? presented by Linda Sue Park, the author of A Long Walk to Water.  I read this book a few years ago, but this TEDtalk reminds us of things we, Americans, often take for granted.  The first thing Linda Sue Park emphasizes is the benefits of the public library.  Another is water, a resource that flows from our faucets with a turn of the handle.  She talks about how books help us practice, practice at life. A Long Walk to Water along with some suggested book titles in the following sites How Unique Characters Can Teach Us About Ourselves and Each Other, 12 Books About Friendship for Middle Grade Readers, and Books to Help Kids Make Sense of Challenging Current Events all offer ways to practice life.  There are so many great books for students to read or to read to your class to help us learn about characters experiencing life.  I love to read books to gain experiences, travel, and make connections through characters in books.  Check out this TEDtalk and some of the other lists in the sites mentioned for ideas to share with students.