Relationships With Elders: New Books That Promote Positive Bonds Between Youth and Seniors

by Katy Tessman, New School Services Project Manager & Makerspace Specialist

It takes a village to raise a child. Parents depend on extended family, community members, and educators to help teach children about life. Personally, my parents have had an important role in helping me raise my two sons. The bond my sons have with their grandparents is unique, perhaps because they are so much alike yet quite different. And when I really think about it, my grandparents are some of the most inspirational people in my life.

Two of the most beloved children’s picture book authors, Patricia Polacco and Tomie dePaola, are known for their books about positive relationships between children and their elders, as seen in Polacco’s Holes in the Sky and dePaola’s Strega Nona’s Magic Ring. Their portrayal of children having strong bonds with older adults (whether it be a grandparent, teacher, or neighbor) is so important for young people to see in books.
There are many benefits of intergenerational relationships. Youth have much to learn from seniors, and vice versa.  When older and younger people connect, it improves both groups’ well-being. The most common activity these generations can do together is share stories. According to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, sometime in the next decade there will be more people over the age of 60 in the U.S. than under 18. Books that show meaningful relationships between children and their elders are a valuable addition to any library. The following titles are some new books that promote positive bonds between youth and seniors.

New Picture Books

New Secondary Titles