These Books Will Inspire Your Children to Follow Their Dreams
We all have dreams. As a parent, it is often our dream to have our children fulfill their own aspirations, no matter how big or small those might be. With direction and encouragement, you can set your kiddos on the right track – and books are a great starting point. Books can act like a catalyst in this journey, as they are perfect conversation starters for talking with your child about his or her future.
Need some help getting started? These books will inspire your children to follow their dreams:
A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerinas Dream by Kristy Dempsey (Author), Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)
Many children dream of becoming famous dancers. Set in Harlem in the 1950s, A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerinas Dream tells the story of Janet Collins, the first black prima ballerina. Her story of overcoming adversity will inspire little ballerinas who dream of pirouettes and grande jetes on the big stage. “Dempsey’s lyrical prose soars as it depicts one girl’s dream – and her efforts to make that dream a reality. Floyd’s hazy mixed-media illustrations capture 1950s Harlem, from streetscapes to fashions, while also shining a spotlight on a girl’s aspirations,” says Booklist.
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson (Author), Sean Qualls (Illustrator)
“This powerful and winning picture book tells the story of a young man overcoming the odds,” says School Library Journal. Turned into a feature film narrated by Oprah Winfrey, Emmanuel’s Dream, tells the inspiring story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with a deformed leg, most people disregarded young Yeboah. His mother, however, believed in him and pushed him to achieve his dreams. He eventually became a cyclist and rode four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001. Along the way he spread a powerful message: “A disability is not an inability.” An author’s note describes his continuing work and successes on behalf of disabled persons in Ghana.
Wherever You Go by Pat Zietlow Miller (Author), Eliza Wheeler (Artist)
Roads give you chances to seek and explore. Want an adventure? Just open your door! This line forms the premise of Wherever You Go, a glorious book about an adventurous rabbit and his animal friends who are not afraid to explore and discover. Your child can follow along as they travel up steep mountains, journey through bustling cities, and scurry down long, winding roads. The book “celebrates the possibilities that lie beyond the next bend in the road – the same road that will always lead you home again.”
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle (Author)
“In this funny and insightful story, the dreams of many a small-town, theater-loving boy are reflected in the starry eyes of eighth-grader Nate,” says Booklist. Nate Foster is positive stardom awaits him. Using his best friend, Libby, as an alibi, one day he sneaks away from his home in Pennsylvania to audition for a role in E.T.: The Musical in New York City. The adventure includes quite a few mishaps and rejections. But with the help of his aunt, Nate eventually finds his inner spirit and positivity in the face of a barrage of criticism.
Katerina’s Wish by Jeannie Mobley (Author)
Katerina’s family came to America to buy a farm. It is their dream, their wish, and their most hoped-for legacy. A year after moving to the “land of opportunity” however, her father is still stuck working in a dangerous coal mine and their dream seems near impossible. Then, Katerina and her sister remember an old folktale and make three wishes. Can a wish make their dream come true? “An immigrant girl discovers that hard work and determination can make dreams come true in this ‘top-notch’ (Kirkus Reviews) debut that is ‘a rich story threaded with a vibrant setting and cast’ (Publishers Weekly),” says one Amazon reviewer.
The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd (Author)
Emma has quite a remarkable family. Among her ancestors are war heroes, clever spies, famous musicians, and genius scientists. Each person fulfilled their destiny by dreaming big and reaching for the stars. Right before her mother died, Emma promised her that, like her ancestors, she would do everything in her power to fulfill her destiny too. When the moment is finally upon her and her dream is within reach, she is given an impossible task. Can she rise to the challenge and keep her promise? Or will the feat leave her unfulfilled?
Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something That Matters by Laurie Ann Thompson (Author)
This inspiring guide, with real stories of young changemakers, will teach your teen how to make a difference in an ever-changing world. Your teen will be armed with the knowledge to make real change after hearing the stories from other teens who felt empowered and inspired to tackle critical issues through the establishment of nonprofit organizations. “Inspirational as well as practical,” says Kirkus Reviews.
Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself by Jennie Finch (Author), Ann Killion (Author)
As a young girl, Jennie Finch fell in love with softball. Despite some setbacks and discouragement from others, Finch never wavered from her dream. She went on to become a two-time Olympian, a collegiate national player of the year at Arizona, and pitched professionally. Today, she is one of America’s favorite athletes, inspiring girls everywhere to aim high and never look back.
Which books have helped your child follow their dreams? Tweet Momma Bear at @mommabearbooks!