The Wasatch County Library maintains a collection of juvenile literature by author Megan Borgert-Spaniol that focuses on fundamental social skills through the "Friendship rocks" series. The books provide instructional guidance for children on topics such as generosity, active listening, honesty, and patience.
Lessons in Generosity and Sharing
In the title Friends share, published in 2022 by Pebble, the book addresses the complexities of generosity and social interaction. The text notes that while sharing can be difficult and individuals may prefer to keep thoughts or feelings to themselves, a good friend is characterized by being generous with others. The book encourages children to share toys, time, and other resources to learn how to be a good friend through generosity.
The Importance of Active Listening
The series also emphasizes the importance of communication through the book Friends listen. Published in 2022, the text highlights that everyone's view matters and that individuals desire for their thoughts and feelings to be acknowledged. According to the publication, a good friend listens by being open and encouraging without interrupting or judging.
Navigating Honesty and Truthfulness
Honesty is another core theme addressed in the collection via the 2022 book Friends tell the truth. The text acknowledges that being honest is not always easy, particularly when the truth is embarrassing or upsetting. It teaches that a good friend tells the truth by admitting mistakes and speaking honestly about their feelings.
Practicing Patience and Inclusion
The collection addresses behavioral patience in the book Friends take turns. Published in 2022, the book explores the difficulty of waiting when an individual is eager to go first. It instructs that a good friend ensures everyone gets a turn by practicing patience and taking the lead to include others in activities.
Educational Framework and Subjects
The books in the "Friendship rocks" series are designed for juvenile readers, with Accelerated Reader levels ranging from 2.1 to 2.3. These instructional and educational works are categorized under subjects such as social interaction in children, courtesy, etiquette, and juvenile non-fiction regarding social topics.
Related Literature and Authors
Readers interested in the themes presented by Borgert-Spaniol may find similar content in works by other authors. The library suggests titles such as The kindness book by Todd Parr and My feelings and me by Holde Kreul for those exploring similar themes of life, relationships, and emotions in children. Other related authors include Lola M. Schaefer, Deirdre A. Prischmann, and Ruby Roth.
