1. BIBLIOTHERAPYBIBLIOTHERAPY
Children Finding Comfort throughChildren Finding Comfort through
LiteratureLiterature

2. What is Bibliotherapy?What is Bibliotherapy?
Most simply, bibliotherapy means ‘helping
through the use of books.’ Bibliotherapy has
also been described as “the process that
leads youth toward emotional good health
through the medium of literature,” and “the
process of using books to help children think
about, understand, and work through social
and emotional concerns.

3. What are the Goals?What are the Goals?
Bibliotherapy has been used with all ages, with nearly
every issue or problem, and at all levels of intervention by
counselors, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and
librarians. Its aim for children and young adults is to
promote personality growth and development. The goal is
to help children understand their feelings, to realize they
are not alone in what they are going through, and calm
their fears. Other goals might include helping youngsters
see things from a different point of view, shed light on
problem solving, foster moral development, embrace
compassion, provide ideas for writing assignments,
encourage appropriate decision-making skills, understand
the cultural differences of others, and promote critical and
abstract thinking.

4. Who will find this informationWho will find this information
beneficial?beneficial?
• This information is beneficial to parents,
teachers, caregivers, counselors and
other individuals who have relationships
with children. Whom are encountering
various issues, seeking understanding
and coping techniques. It’s important for
children to know that they aren’t alone and
the issues they are experiencing are
important.

5. Why might you read or find comfort throughWhy might you read or find comfort through
literature while dealing with sensitive issues?literature while dealing with sensitive issues?
• “A good book, like a
good prayer, is one that
takes us to the center of
ourselves and then
leads us back to the
world again, with our
spirits refreshed and our
hearts enlarged.”
(Barbara Brown Taylor)

6. Did you know ……..Did you know ……..
• Children of various genders, ethnic groups
and social class experience various issues
during their daily lives. They don't know
how to express themselves or who to go
to for comfort. Many children aren’t
comfortable speaking to their teachers or
parents.

7. What issues are children facing?What issues are children facing?
• Abandonment / Separation from loved one
• Bullying
• Death of a loved one
• Death of a pet
• Disabilities
• Diseases / Disorders
• Divorcing Parents
• Identity Crisis
• Weight management (i.e., obesity & anorexia)
• Neglect

8. How might a child react whenHow might a child react when
dealing with sensitive issues?dealing with sensitive issues?
• Children keep their feelings or emotions
hidden inside.
• Children rebel
• Children have low self esteem
• Children feel discomfort within
themselves
• The child may become isolated
Or

9. He or She may
find comfort
through books.

10. Why might a child find comfortWhy might a child find comfort
through literature?through literature?
• The best way to learn to read is to read, and readers
tend to read material that is important to them. For
many children, the problems of drugs, illness, death,
divorce, handicaps, and relocation are crucial issues in
their lives. Books on these topics are what children may
wish to read or hear read by the teacher or librarian. By
being exposed to books on such subjects, students
become better readers and are better able to deal in a
positive manner with the issues contained in the books.
They recognize that they are not the only ones who have
to endure such problems. They experience the
viewpoint of others and learn how others have dealt with
similar problems ( Rasinski , 9).

11. What makes the use of children’sWhat makes the use of children’s
literature important?literature important?
• Children may be able to identify with others who
are experiencing or are in similar situations.
• Children may think more critically about their
issues.
• Children may find comfort in the stories they are
reading.
• They may find a solution to the issue they are
experiencing.

12. What Types of Literature areWhat Types of Literature are
available?available?
Fiction
&
Nonfiction

13. Saying Goodbye to LuluSaying Goodbye to Lulu
By Corinne DemasBy Corinne Demas
A young girl and her lovable dog, Lulu,
are the best of friends. They play
games together, explore their
neighborhood, and even cuddle up
to read bedtime stories each night.
Lulu is the best dog a girl could ever
hope for, but when she grows older
and gradually becomes weak, the
little girl must face the sad possibility
of losing her dear friend, and
inevitably, cope with the death of her
canine companion. Though she is
deeply saddened by Lulu's passing
and misses her very much, over
time the little girl discovers that the
sweet memory of her beloved Lulu
will live on forever... in her heart.

14. Goodbye MousieGoodbye Mousie
by Robie H. Harrisby Robie H. Harris
When a small boy is
told that his pet mouse
has died, he can't at first
believe it. But gradually,
with the help of his
family, he comes to
terms with his pet's
death.

15. FlushFlush
By Carl HiaasenBy Carl Hiaasen
You know it's going to be a rough summer
when you spend Father's Day visiting your dad
in the local lockup.
Noah's dad is sure that the owner of the Coral
Queen casino boat is flushing raw sewage into
the harbor-which has made taking a dip at the
local beach like swimming in a toilet. He can't
prove it though, and so he decides that sinking
the boat will make an effective statement.
Right. The boat is pumped out and back in
business within days and Noah's dad is stuck
in the clink.
Now Noah is determined to succeed where his
dad failed. He will prove that the Coral Queen
is dumping illegally . . . somehow. His allies
may not add up to much-his sister Abbey, an
unreformed childhood biter; Lice Peeking, a
greedy sot with poor hygiene; Shelly, a
bartender and a woman scorned; and a
mysterious pirate-but Noah's got a plan to
flush this crook out into the open. A plan that
should sink the crooked little casino, once and
for all.

16. WonderWonder
By R.J. PalacioBy R.J. Palacio
• August (Auggie) Pullman was
born with a facial deformity
that prevented him from going
to a mainstream school—until
now. He's about to start 5th
grade at Beecher Prep, and if
you've ever been the new kid
then you know how hard that
can be. The thing is Auggie's
just an ordinary kid, with an
extraordinary face. But can he
convince his new classmates
that he's just like them, despite
appearances?

17. The Survival Guide for Kids with AutismThe Survival Guide for Kids with Autism
Spectrum DisordersSpectrum Disorders
By Elizabeth VerdickBy Elizabeth Verdick
This positive, straightforward book offers
kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)
their own comprehensive resource for both
understanding their condition and finding
tools to cope with the challenges they face
every day. Some children with ASDs are
gifted; others struggle academically, some
are more introverted, while others try to be
social. Some get "stuck" on things, have
limited interests, or experience repeated
motor movements like flapping or pacing
("stims"). The Survival Guide for Kids with
Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of
these areas, with an emphasis on helping
children gain new self-understanding and
self-acceptance.

18. Attention girls!Attention girls!
A Guide to Learn All About Your AD/HDA Guide to Learn All About Your AD/HD
By Patricia O. Quinn, MDBy Patricia O. Quinn, MD
This is the first book written for
'tween' girls (ages 7-11) who have
ADD/ADHD. It offers girls, their
parents, and professionals practical
tips and techniques for managing
attention disorders and the many
aspects of life that these disorders
can affect. It was written in an
engaging style that doesn't 'talk
down' to girls. It is packed with
useful and empowering lessons that
are simple to apply. It was written by
a developmental pediatrician who is
a well-known author.

19. The Survival Guide for Kids withThe Survival Guide for Kids with
ADHDADHD
By John F. Taylor, PHDBy John F. Taylor, PHD
Explains ADD and
ADHD and offers
practical strategies for
taking care of oneself,
modifying behavior,
enjoying school, having
fun, and dealing (when
needed) with doctors,
counselors, and
medication.

20. How can I implement this literature inHow can I implement this literature in
the classroom or library?the classroom or library?
• Choose a story that’s simple, clear, brief, non-
repetitious, and believable?
• Choose literature that’s the appropriate reading
level and developmental level?
•Ask yourself Does the story fit with relevant
feelings, needs, interests, and goals?
• Does it demonstrate cultural diversity, gender
inclusivity, and sensitivity to aggression?
• Do characters show coping skills and does the
problem situation show resolution?

21. Are there any other ways to helpAre there any other ways to help
children dealing with sensitivechildren dealing with sensitive
issues find comfort throughissues find comfort through
literature?literature?
• Read Aloud
• Thinking Activities
• Creating Writing
• Keep a Journal
• Art

22. BibliographyBibliography
https://sites.google.com/site/resourcesonsensitivetopics/bibliotherapy
http://www.naeyc.org/yc/
http://works.bepress.com/dorothy_bowen/4/
http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-
development/childlit/ChildrenLit/issues.html
http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-3/cope.htm
http://archive.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/winter_2005/words_tha
t_heal1.html
http://education.jhu.edu/
http://www.corinnedemas.com/books/lulu.html
http://books.google.com
http://www.carlhiaasen.com/
http://rjpalacio.com/
Rasinski, Timothy V. and Cindy S. Gillespie. Sensitive Issues An Annotated
Guide to Children’s Literature K-6. Phoenix, AZ: OryxPress, 1992

23. I hope you found
the information
presented
beneficial and
resourceful.