“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Each family bond contains the invisible threads of emotional connection, common values, common goals, and shared responsibilities that make a family, a family.
The books in this collection describe family bonds in many forms. Each story illustrates how individual family members influence the wellbeing of the others in many ways. Welcome to the family!
Below you’ll find books, activities, and resources that are appropriate for various ages around the concept of “Family Bonds”.
Worth the Work
– Beth H, NEW BOOK JOY Guest Contributor
Readings & Resources
SEARCH BY GRADE LEVEL…
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
1ST – 2ND GRADE
3RD – 5TH GRADE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
Food for Thought
Additional Articles from our Favorite Authors
Broadening Perspectives on Family Bonds
– Sally J. Pla, NEW BOOK JOY Guest Author
Bridging Books & Art
There is nothing better than creating images in your mind, while reading. It is almost like experiencing a movie, while getting immersed in a novel! Not only does it help you feel closer to the characters, but helps you become more excited about what is going to happen next. Talk about a great way to build your own suspense!
Art is also a wonderful connection with reading because it can help you get more attuned with the book’s topics or themes.
You have the opportunity to look at something visual and ponder about what the reading adventure will offer. You have the opportunity to make various connections between what you see in the piece of art and what you read in the book.
We’re excited to include a piece of art with each theme, in order for families to enjoy something visual along with their reading conversations and experiences!
NOW HIGHLIGHTING
Family Bonds by Antonia
For the Family Bonds theme, our friend, Antonia, who is an artist, painted this thoughtful piece of artwork.
“Family can take many shapes. All it takes is love and compassion for another. This painting shares a moment when one shows love for another—creating a bond nothing can break. This painting shows the young girl tenderly caring for the baby kangaroo who is away from his mom. This shows true family though there are differences in species. Family overcomes all barriers.”
I am Antonia Ruppert, an artist specializing in art that inspires and bridges community. People and Relationships are topics I love to paint. I enjoy creating art in many artistic mediums, including the creation of murals, illustrations, original art and inspirational card decks. Find out more about my work on my site: https://www.antoniaruppert.com!
Family Activity
As an English teacher, I stumble across students who look at a piece of art and move on. They do not always pause and question. They only see what is on the surface, but do not dive into the visual experience.
When I have my students analyze a piece of art, I have them answer a series of questions, in order for the picture to be more than just random shapes and colors. The questions may focus on the visual aspect, as well as the story and/or tone. When teens take time to ponder and see the painting, everything comes alive!
It is easy to glance at a picture, but not take time to notice its beauty and meaning. Sure, it takes extra time to pause and answer questions about the picture, but questioning helps with awareness, curiosity, and wonderment.
Video Connection
Watch this YouTube video about some of the most iconic cartoon families and discuss one or more of the families included in the video.
Then, connect the examples from the clip to Antonia’s artwork and have a brief discussion about different types of families. You can even have a larger conversation about the beauty of family!
FOR FULL ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL READINGS, RESOURCES & ACTIVITIES, CHECK OUT OUR FAMILY BOOK CLUB subscription BOXES…
– Connie O & Mandy G, NEW BOOK JOY Founders
Conversation
What books inspire YOU & your family to bond?
Let’s get a conversation started in the comments below!