A few months ago, an Armstrong parent generously donated a couple of books from the American Girl Doll book series to my School Counselor library. As someone with no daughters, I only have a vague sense of American Girl dolls, but I do know that they are beloved by many students at Armstrong.
Despite the appreciation of our students, I was dubious that a doll manufacturer could produce thoughtful, well-written literature. So I thanked the parent for their donation, put the books in my closet, and forgot about them.
A couple of months later, I found the books on my shelf, and despite my continued reluctance, I decided to give them a shot. What I found was a series of books that do a really nice job of talking through the complexities of friendship, especially between girls.
Of the books I read, the one I enjoyed most is called “Friendship Troubles.” Targeting children eight and above, it talks through qualities to look for in a friend, resolving friendship conflicts, even bullying. It is realistic about the expected range of emotions that come in the course of any relationship and is thoughtful about ways to process these feelings. Most importantly, it encourages kids to never sacrifice their own values to maintain a troubled friendship.
As our third grade students get ready to make the transition to Mill Pond, I encourage you to check out “Friendship Troubles,” part of the American Girl Doll book series. And if you have other book recommendations, please consider passing them along!
Sincerely,
David Starr
School Counselor, Armstrong Elementary School
PH: (508) 836-7760 Email: starrd@westboroughk12.org
Despite the appreciation of our students, I was dubious that a doll manufacturer could produce thoughtful, well-written literature. So I thanked the parent for their donation, put the books in my closet, and forgot about them.
A couple of months later, I found the books on my shelf, and despite my continued reluctance, I decided to give them a shot. What I found was a series of books that do a really nice job of talking through the complexities of friendship, especially between girls.
Of the books I read, the one I enjoyed most is called “Friendship Troubles.” Targeting children eight and above, it talks through qualities to look for in a friend, resolving friendship conflicts, even bullying. It is realistic about the expected range of emotions that come in the course of any relationship and is thoughtful about ways to process these feelings. Most importantly, it encourages kids to never sacrifice their own values to maintain a troubled friendship.
As our third grade students get ready to make the transition to Mill Pond, I encourage you to check out “Friendship Troubles,” part of the American Girl Doll book series. And if you have other book recommendations, please consider passing them along!
Sincerely,
David Starr
School Counselor, Armstrong Elementary School
PH: (508) 836-7760 Email: starrd@westboroughk12.org
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