Autobiography of a Face

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Autobiography of a Face

Author: Lucy Grealy

First line: My friend Stephan and I used to do pony parties together.

Why you should read this book: At the age of nine, Lucy Grealy began five years of treatment for a cancerous growth on her jaw, after which she spent twenty years undergoing reconstructive operations to restore her "real" face. This is the considered, intimate, and honest reflection of her journey to acceptance as she examines the notions of beauty, ugliness, love, and loss with the eye of a studied observer and the ear of a poet. A very powerful memoir of a powerful life, written without facade or apology, only truth and hope.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You've never felt ugly, and you've never looked at anyone else and thought they were ugly either.

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Studies show that children who regularly hear books read and see adults reading books have an easier time learning to read. If your children do not realize that books are fun and contain interesting ideas, they will be less motivated to learn how to read and write. Children who do not learn to read and write have difficulty succeeding in school and at life.

Even infants can enjoy books. You can check baby board books out of the library. Your baby will enjoy sitting on your lap as you read the words and point to the brightly colored pictures. If your baby wants to chew on the book, that's OK too.

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You can learn more about children's books at the American Library Association website. Your public library is a great place to introduce your children to books. They will have special programs and incentives for kids of all ages to love reading. In most systems children are entitled to their own library cards from the time they are old enough to write their own names. It's a great way to teach responsibility as well as foster a lifelong love of learning and books.

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Dragon's Library

Thursday, February 26, 2009