Intergeneration Month celebrated in September, is a time to honor the unique and valuable connections between different generations. These relationships enrich our lives with wisdom, love, and a sense of continuity. Sharing stories that celebrate these bonds can help students appreciate the importance of family ties, respect for elders, and the joys of learning from different generations. Here are seven recommended children’s books that beautifully depict intergenerational relationships and can be powerful tools for fostering empathy and understanding in your classroom.
1. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
This award-winning book tells the story of a young boy, CJ, and his grandmother as they ride the bus through their diverse neighborhood, noticing the beauty in everyday life. The story highlights the wisdom and perspective that elders can offer. Last Stop on Market Street teaches students to see beauty in the world around them and appreciate the lessons that can be learned from older generations. It fosters a sense of gratitude and awareness of different life experiences.
Talk About It: Use this book to discuss the importance of perspective and gratitude. Have students draw or write about a journey they’ve taken with a grandparent or elder and what they learned from the experience.
2. The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros
This touching story follows James and his grandfather, who has Alzheimer’s. The book uses balloons as a metaphor for memories, illustrating the challenges of memory loss and the enduring love in intergenerational relationships. The Remember Balloons helps students understand the impact of aging and memory loss on families, fostering empathy and patience towards elders. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing memories and the bonds that transcend them.
Talk About It: Discuss the concept of memory and how we can keep the stories of our loved ones alive. Students can create their own “memory balloons” by writing or drawing special memories they have with their grandparents or older family members.
3. Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
In this story, a young boy visits his grandmother in the bustling city and initially feels overwhelmed by the noise and crowds. However, with his nana’s guidance, he begins to see the city as an exciting and vibrant place. Nana in the City celebrates the comfort and security that grandparents can provide, while also showing how they can help children overcome their fears and embrace new experiences.
Talk About It: After reading, encourage students to share a time when they were afraid and how an older family member helped them through it. This can lead to discussions about facing fears and the supportive role that elders play in our lives.
4. Grandpa’s Top Threes by Wendy Meddour
This heartwarming story is about a young boy and his grandfather who bond over creating lists of their top three favorite things. Through these shared lists, they connect in a simple but profound way. Grandpa’s Top Threes illustrates how simple activities can bridge the generational gap and create lasting memories. It highlights the importance of spending quality time together and finding common ground.
Talk About It: Have students create their own “top threes” lists with an older family member or friend. This activity can spark conversations about shared interests and help students appreciate the wisdom and experiences of their elders.
5. Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora
Based on the true story of Tomás Rivera, this book tells the story of a young boy who befriends a kind librarian who introduces him to the world of books. This intergenerational friendship opens up a new world of possibilities for Tomás.
Tomás and the Library Lady celebrates the transformative power of learning and the positive impact that intergenerational relationships can have on a child’s future. It’s a testament to the value of mentorship and the sharing of knowledge.
Talk About It: Discuss the importance of mentorship and learning from others. Encourage students to write about someone who has taught them something important, whether it’s a family member, teacher, or elder in the community.
6. Birdsong by Julie Flett
Birdsong tells the story of a young girl who moves to a new home and forms a close friendship with an elderly neighbor. Together, they share art, stories, and the changing seasons, celebrating the beauty of intergenerational connection.
This book highlights the deep emotional bonds that can form between different generations and emphasizes the importance of creativity and shared experiences in building these relationships.
Talk About It: After reading, have students create artwork inspired by their own relationships with older family members or friends. Discuss how sharing activities, like art, can strengthen relationships across generations.
7. Our Gracie Aunt by Jacqueline Woodson
This story follows two siblings who move in with their Aunt Gracie after their mother is unable to care for them. Through the love and stability provided by their aunt, they find a new sense of belonging and family. Our Gracie Aunt highlights the importance of extended family and the role they can play in providing support and love in difficult times. It encourages students to appreciate the diverse ways that families can provide care and stability.
Talk About It: Use this book to discuss the different forms that family can take and the importance of support networks. Encourage students to share stories about their own families and how different family members support one another.
These books provide wonderful opportunities to explore the richness of intergenerational relationships, helping students appreciate the wisdom, love, and experiences that elders bring to their lives. By incorporating these stories into your classroom, you can help foster a greater sense of empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the connections that span generations.