Question:
My child does not like to read, but she will read Harry Potter, Charlie Bone, Twilight and others on a theme of wizardry and black magic. How do you feel about that? Should I just be happy that she is reading?
Answer:
I feel concerned that encouraging children to read any book which has a theme of the occult, death, or black magic may promote a fascination with the “dark side” and develop an appetite for something less than praiseworthy. There is so much excellent literature of an uplifting, inspiring nature to read that there is scarcely time enough in one childhood to enjoy it all! Has your child read Summer of the Monkeys, Call it Courage, Mr. Popper’s Penquins, The 21 Balloons? . . . there are so very many that come to mind! I think that for some children who aren’t interested in reading but get “hooked” on a series that delves into the occult—reading simply isn’t worth the price of nurturing such a taste.
I sometimes wonder if even white magic (fairies, elves, magic spells) is healthy. It certainly attributes miracles to something other than the power of God. I want my children to pray, rather than “make a wish”, when they are in need of a blessing.
Try reading aloud to your family. I think your child will get interested in the story line and get a sweet taste of great literature. It really is so nourishing and builds a cache of heroes and great role models for our children to draw on when they face a similar situation in their own life. We want noble thoughts and inspiring stories in their minds. Start with a fun, lighthearted book that is funny and entertaining to read aloud so you’ll catch everyone’s interest. Here is a short list of my favorites, just for starters, that your student will find hard to resist!
To Kill a Mockingbird
Laddie: A True Blue Story
God’s Smuggler
Little Britches
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Carry on, Mr. Bowditch
A Lantern in Her Hand
Trumpet of the Swan
Mr. Popper’s Penquins
Summer of the Monkeys
By the Great Horn Spoon
Call it Courage
Charlotte’s Web
The 21 Balloons
Ben and Me
The Sign of the Beaver
Treasures of the Snow
Understood Betsy
The Apple and the Arrow
Johnny Tremain
Amos Fortune, Free Man
Little House on the Prairie
Pinocchio
Pollyanna
Enjoy reading together—it is more powerful than you can imagine!
May I recommend:
