Genres, genres, genres...

By Rina Laby

The team members of On The Same Page Boston mostly consider themselves readers. If not now, every member at least has a favorite childhood book that they recall fondly. 

For collateral team member Courtney, “Projekt 1065” by Alan Gratz was most memorable. The book is a historical fiction novel about a young Irish boy who lives in Nazi Germany and works as a spy for the Allies within the Hitler Youth. A tale of great courage, it still sticks with Courtney today. 

Historical fiction is an often-forgotten genre, although it can be incredibly beneficial to young readers. By engaging with historical events through an engaging story, readers simultaneously practice reading while also picking up historical information. 

The genre transforms dry facts into engaging narratives, fostering empathy and deeper historical understanding by placing readers inside the minds of people living through past eras. Even though the characters aren’t real figures, they can immerse the young reader into a certain time period while also fostering critical thinking skills, empathy, and giving a voice to groups who were often marginalized.

Courtney’s favorite book, “Projekt 1065,” explores themes of bravery, friendship, and standing up for what's right even when it's hard. 

On another note, collateral team member Davvonia’s favorite children's book is the “Dork Diaries,” specifically the last book of the series. 

The series is a fun, engaging, and popular series for readers in grades 4-8. Because of its diary format, the books are great for even the most reluctant readers. It also features creative illustrations and a lighthearted take on middle school life.

But beyond the books themselves, Davvonia said the most memorable part of the series was its main character, Nikki Maxwell, who is Black. Additionally, the author, Rachel Renée Russell, is also a Black woman. 

This representation is crucial to young readers. When they see themselves in the books they are reading, a lifelong passion can be ignited. 

No matter the genre, reading is crucial to kids and pre-teens. But, by providing materials that are actually interesting to the kids, it can become more than just homework. Please consider donating to On The Same Page Boston so that other kids can be impacted in the same way.