Kilpatrick, W., Wolfe, G., & Wolfe, S.M. (1994). Books that build character: A guide to teaching your child moral values through stories. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Reviewer:
Sara Endicott

Non-Fiction-Adult

Subject Headings:
Elementary school

Review:
In the introduction to the book, Robert Coles (as cited in Kilpatrick & Wolfe, 1994) discusses the implications of moral illiteracy for the youth of today. Throughout the book, the authors point out different moral lessons that can be found in children’s books. They talk about the way books introduce children to characters and how this helps children empathize and relate to people in the real world. When searching for books to use, the authors suggest that parents think about the books that left an impact on them during childhood and that they choose books that build character rather than focus on trendy issues.

If a counselor is working with a couple, loaning the book to the couple could help them find resources and books that they can read to their children to instill moral values. Counselors who work with children can read the book and get ideas on positive characters that children may identify with. Then the counselor can bring the book to the session or talk about the characters in the session so that the child can begin to think about the character in terms of moral development. The counselor can also give the book to the child to take home and read during the week. One of the most important parts of reading is the discussion that follows. The counselor should make sure to discuss the main points and ask questions related to the moral development of characters, thus enhancing the child’s sense of moral values.