In a world of speed and instant results, perseverance can sometimes be a foreign concept to children. But teaching children to persevere in the midst of difficulties and challenges is an important part of learning. Two books that do a great job of illustrating perseverance are Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression and Amber on the Mountain.
Perseverance in the Great Depression
Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression by Kate Lied [National Geographic Society, 1997, ISBN 0792235215] is the straight-forward story of a young family who picks potatoes to survive financially. Told through the eyes of the author, eight year old Kate Lied, the story tells of her grandparents, Agnes and Clarence, and their little girl, Dorothy, who go to Idaho to pick potatoes after they lose their job, home and other opportunities.
The family perseveres, working hard all day in the potato fields and then returning at night to pick more potatoes that the farmer says they may keep for themselves. After two weeks in Idaho, the family packs bags of potatoes everywhere they can in and on their car and heads home. They sell the potatoes to buy the things they need to start a new life.
This National Geographic Book is illustrated in a pen and watercolor style that will appeal to young children. The text is simple and brief, but offers a good introductory look at the sacrifices families made during the Great Depression.
Persevering in Learning to Read and Write
Amber on the Mountain by Tony Johnson [Dial Books for Young Readers, 1994, ISBN 0803712197] is a gorgeously illustrated book that follows Amber's path toward reading and writing. Without a school in the lonely mountain community, Amber has very little chance of learning to read and write. But one summer Anna comes to the mountain with her family while her father works on building a road in the area. Anna decides to teach Amber to read. After Amber learns to read, Anna decides to teach her to write as well. But the road is built and Anna has to leave.
Amber decides to teach herself to write even though Anna is gone. She works hard at it for months and is finally able to send a letter to her friend, Anna, who lives far away. Her perseverance pays off and Anna and Amber are able to resume their friendship via mail.
The book is beautifully written and illustrated. The illustrations by Robert Duncan are oil on canvas, each one a lovely painting all its own. As a collected work in the book, they add a great deal of depth and richness to the story.
Teaching children about themes such as perseverance, making a difference, friendship with older adults, and courage can be greatly enhanced through the use of children's picture books. Books such as Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression and Amber on the Mountain show children the joy and reward of persevering in difficult situations.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
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