As school starts, children’s literature boosts empathy, critical thinking and citizenship, expanding kids’ views of the world.
With the back-to-school season, schools across the country resume activities and renew their commitment to the holistic education of children. Beyond academic content, the school environment is essential for emotional, social and ethical development, and children’s and young adult literature plays a key role in this mission.
Reading from an early age strengthens critical thinking, empathy and the ability to engage in dialogue. These skills are crucial for building citizenship and for expanding children’s views of the world around them. Through stories, they enrich their cultural background, learn to deal with emotions, recognize differences and better understand reality.
According to writer Isa Colli, author of more than 50 children’s and young adult books and a reference in the field, encouraging reading at school is a direct investment in society’s future.
“Children’s and young adult literature helps shape more sensitive, critical and aware readers. At school, books become a powerful tool to work on values such as respect, empathy, diversity and social responsibility,” says Isa Colli.
Frequent contact with literary works in the school environment also stimulates creativity and imagination, supporting learning in different areas of knowledge. When reading is presented in an accessible and enjoyable way, it strengthens children’s bond with knowledge and increases their interest in learning.
Moreover, children’s literature allows complex topics such as coexistence, social inequalities, emotions and everyday challenges to be addressed in a sensitive manner and in line with each age group. This contributes to students’ emotional development and to more respectful relationships at school.
“Schools play a fundamental role in forming readers. When children see themselves in stories and realize that books reflect their reality, they start to understand themselves as active members of society,” the author adds.
In the back-to-school context, educators and institutions are encouraged to strengthen reading programs, book clubs and literary activities that engage students. The presence of literature in everyday school life not only improves academic performance, but also helps form citizens better prepared to live in community.
