During these past months dominated by the threat of the virus, experts have cautioned us to take care of ourselves. SEL or social emotional learning has become the rapid response for the frightened, the weary, and the isolated. The universality of the message is this—take time for yourself. We are all in a state of anxiety over a critical and uncontrollable situation.
At the same time, the call for social justice has sounded. Silence is not the answer. Words have power.
The Power in Words might be presented as a children’s book, but it offers a valuable resource for parents and caregivers. Scenarios are presented on facing pages where a child grapples with bullying, rumors, making friends, complimenting others, using the written word, and self-doubt. The child is troubled by each dilemma but empowered by positive decisions. Having a plan in the face of these challenges is the key.
The illustrator has carefully balanced a racially diverse series of featured characters of both sexes, delivering an equitable and universal appeal. The book ends with self-affirmations and guiding set of questions for healthy discussions with children.
While reviewing the book, I met with one of my 14-year-old students in a Google Meet coach class. I showed him the pages, and we reviewed the book together. He particularly responded to affirmation pages. He felt that The Power in Words might have been written for younger children, but its message was just as important to teenagers.
As the mother of a child who spent years in counseling learning to self-affirm instead of descending into negative “self-talk” (which is directly discussed in the book), I see the need for children as young as my five-year-old grandchild to see herself as powerful, unique, and strong enough to withstand the onslaught of peer pressure, social media, and self-doubt. The Power of Words is an excellent choice to begin that journey toward balanced selfhood.
Of course, signed copies of The Power of Words by Meaghan Axel are available at the Greyhound Independent Bookstore and Fine Arts Gallery in lovely Berlin, Maryland.
Review by Joan Drescher Cooper, poet, writer and teacher www.joandcooper.com @BirdsLikeMe