By: Ashley Myers
When was the last time you read a book? The last time you truly immersed yourself in the adventure of a good book. Reading stimulates your mind and can even reduce stress, and who doesn’t have a little stress hanging on there shoulders everyday. At Monkey Bizness we recognize the importance of not only stimulating your body but your mind as well. Books can be enjoyed by all ages and can expand the world that you live in. We have put together a continuous list of book suggestions to read throughout the year, for all ages, to help stimulate your minds and send you on adventures the entire family can enjoy.
Reading is Knowledge
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the moreplaces you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss
January: The time is always right to do what is right. – Martin Luther King Jr.
For the month of January our suggested books all have to do with an iconic and important person from U.S. history. Martin Luther King Jr. was a peaceful activist during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. He was an inspiring person then and now and helped to shape the way our country is now. WE have chosen three books on Martin Luther King that range from elementary age to adult.
-March On, The Day my brother Martin Changed the World, By Christine King Farris (elementary)
-If you Lived at the time of Martin Luther King, By Ellen Levine (middle school)
–To the Mountaintop: Martin Luther King JR’s Sacred Mission to Save America – by Stewart Burns (Adult)
February:Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. – President George Washington
For the month of February we are focusing on our country’s presidents and how they have shaped our history.
-This Little President: A Presidential Primer, by John Holub (toddler board book)
-Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library, By Barb Rosenstock (middle school)
–The American Presidency: An Intellectual History / Edition 1, by Forrest McDonald (Adult)
March: “The world is full of wonderful things you haven’t seen yet. Don’t ever give up on the chance of seeing them.” – JK Rowling
March 2nd is Read Across America Day, so for the month of March we have chosen some classic books for you to venture into.
-Charlotte’s Web, By E.B. White (elementary)
-Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, By Anne Frank (Middle School)
-The Picture of Dorian Gray, By Oscar Wilde (Adult)
April:
“There needs to be more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what he cannot do.” – Dr. Temple Grandin
In honor of April being Autism awareness month, we have suggested books that talk about autism for kids and adults and truly talk about accepting everyone and everyone’s differences.
-All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism – By Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
-Do You Understand Me? My Life, My Thoughts, My Autism Spectrum Disorder – By Sofie Koborg Brosen
-Love Is Not Enough: A Mother’s Memoir of Autism, Madness, and Hope – By Jenny Lexhed
May:
“To the world you are a mother, but to a family you are the world.” – Anonymous
Mother’s day lands in the month of May, so we have chosen books all about moms and their lives.
-Are You My Mother? – by P.D. Eastman
-The Story of Me and My Mom – by Parragon Books
-Mothers Need Time Outs Too – by Susan Callahan, Anne Nolen, Katrin Schumann
June:
“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” – Anne Geddes
Father’s Day lands in the month of June, so we have chosen books to honor all the wonderful dads out there.
-Because I’m Your Dad – by Ahmet Zappa · Disney-Hyperion
-The Story of Me and My Dad – by Parragon Books
-Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood – by Josh Turner