Perseverance: To keep working at something even though it’s hard…
Take a moment and think about all of the times you’ve had to call upon your own spirit of perseverance in the last 24 hours. From small actions (like getting out of bed when you’d rather sleep) to big actions (carrying on after a big setback involving health, family, school, or work); being willing and able to persevere is critical in life.
Sometimes we feel like we’re the only ones who experience struggles. The books in this collection will help with that! They bring examples of diverse characters in diverse circumstances with diverse approaches to perseverance. Reading and talking about these books together might give your family some inspiration and new ideas for tackling future challenges together.
Below you’ll find books, activities, and resources that are appropriate for various ages around the concept of “Perseverance”.
Let’s Keep At It!
– 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
Just Keep Swimming – Learn To Rest, Not To Quit!
– Julia Drake, 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
Perseverance by Isa
For the Perseverance theme, we were lucky enough to have our friend’s daughter, Isa, paint another gorgeous piece of artwork. When asked, “Why did you decide to paint this for perseverance?”, her reply was:
“I chose the barbell to show perseverance because working out / working hard is difficult sometimes. You show perseverance by picking up that barbell and completing your goal.”
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 that includes various movie clips about perseverance from the movie, Finding Nemo, and discuss how perseverance is shown in each clip.
Then, connect your answers from the movie clips to Isa’s painting. Are there any similarities, in regards to the idea of perseverance? You can even have a larger discussion about different examples of perseverance and why it is positive characteristic to have.
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 persevere?
Let’s get a conversation started in the comments below!