‘The Hobbit’ Illustrates Value of Adventure Tales for Pre-Teens

The LIghtbridge Legacy

Juveniles on Brink of Personal Journey, Says Youth Advocate

It’s only appropriate that fantastical genres of storytelling are often geared toward pre-teens, says writer Elayne James.

“It’s an extremely impressionable time, with the wonder of childhood firmly established and a dramatic transformation about to take place,” says James, author of “Destiny’s Call,” the first installment of the fantasy series “The LightBridge Legacy,” (www.lightbridgelegacy.com).  

It’s also not surprising that the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy from 2001 to 2003 was one of the most successful in film history – and that fans were eagerly anticipating director Peter Jackson’s return to Middle Earth on Dec. 14 with the release of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” she says.

In addition to being masterfully interpreted on the big screen, many of us were attached to the story from the books, which are often introduced during the middle school years. The narratives and personal experiences we have during preadolescence tend to stay with us more than those from other phases of life.

Researchers frequently cite pediatric neuroimaging studies, which show that during the ages of 11 and 12 our brain development is at a fundamental stage. A four-month journey across America at that age left an indelible impression on James. The trip culminated in New York City which became the launching point for the “Tolkien-esque” adventure in her most recent novel.

Book Review: Molly Kite’s Big Dream

tam veilleux

by Minette Riordan

I recently received a review copy of Molly Kite’s Big Dream by Tam Veilleux. This is a very charming story about dreaming big and having faith that our dreams will come true. The main character, Molly, wants to be a potter but she doesn’t have any idea how to make that happen. She is joined in the story by her special doll, Faith, her brother and a bird. The illustrations in the book are gorgeous and will capture your child’s attention.

One of the things I admired most about Molly is her resilience and her trust that her dream will come true. Veilleux does a wonderful job of showing us how to nurture a child’s imagination and remind our children that we have to believe that our dreams will come true and take the right actions to make that happen.

In the introduction, Veilleux shares this about her book:

Caterpillar Stickers: The Story Behind the Book – Part Two

Caterpillar Stickers Book Launch - SeeRay

We recently introduced Sierra Rene Flad, a Fifth-Grader with Dyslexia who co-authored an inspirational children’s book, Caterpillar Stickers, with her mom, Ruth Flad.

Caterpillar Stickers launched November 11 and inspires kids by sharing the message anything is possible!  Below is Part One of the journey that led to discovering that Sierra has Dyslexia. Ruth Flad shares her family’s experience to help other parents facing the same situation.

Read an excerpt from Caterpillar Stickers

Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Caterpillar Stickers

Purchase Caterpillar Stickers: Be Yourself and Be Butterfly Beautiful

Sierra’s Journey: Part Two