Books are food for the mind. Children especially want them tasty and entertaining. Too many children's books today are just that and not much more. They may have many messages in addition to the obvious ones...messages which do little to develop character and self esteem.

The best books for children which help to inspire better self esteem do not preach, but educate gently, mostly through upbeat and entertaining stories. The Wishing Room has chosen stories with a main character who is handicapped or disadvantaged in some way. The children's books published by The Wishing Room address many issues that children face today.

Children are often unaware that everyone has handicaps of one kind or another, or that everyone also has gifts as well. Many children tend to feel inadequate as they compare themselves to another who excels. Children may also fear the unknown, think that no one else feels as they do, or feel helpless in situations they may have to face day to day.

When children with such fears or feelings read about other children in similiar situations who succesfully deal with life anyway, it does several things. First, it lets the reader know that it is OK and quite normal to feel that way. Second, it may give them tools to help them overcome many of their fears. Third, it helps raise their self esteem to know that there are other children such as themselves who do have gifts and do learn to be happy.

Not only do these books inspire disadvantaged or disabled children who can identify with the characters they have read about, they educate more normal children what it is like to have those kinds of handicaps. Children can be very cruel. When they understand more about a classmate or neighbor who is different, they will be less likely to stare, tease, or bully. When children learn to be helpful, it also makes them feel good about themselves.

Therefore, books for children which help to raise their self esteem and help to make them better behaved kids, provide more peace for their parents, teachers, and neighbors. Today, there are many such books which are needed more than ever to counter-balance the violence, hate and terror which children are bombarded with daily. Such inspiration and help will do much to avoid the terror unhappy children inflict upon other children and themselves!

There are several lists of these books; however, the one easiest to find is outdated. The Wishing Room will begin an updated list to be posted on the Internet and is open to recommendations.

A reason why you liked each book you recommend will be both helpful and appreciated. We will let you know when the list is ready. Email your recommendations to: Inspire@wishingroom.com"