Weekend Reads: Books for children to discover life through reading

Are you between the ages of 10 and 18 and find yourself with doubts and worries about life? If so, these books are for you. We all know that childhood experiences significantly shape our future. Even health experts emphasize the importance of carefully navigating this critical period. To help manage stress, build healthy relationships, and develop positive habits, you can rely on books that impart valuable lessons in addition to the support of your parents, friends, and teachers.

Every child should understand that books can be more than just entertainment and learning tools; they can also make life beautiful. Here are some books that support children through various physical and mental stages of growth.

Ikigai for Teens
"Ikiagi for Teens" is the teenage adaptation of the world-famous book "Ikigai" by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. Released in March 2022, this journal-style book is perfect for children aged 12 to 18. It simplifies the Ikigai philosophy, helping young readers find their reason to live in an accessible way. At 176 pages, it offers an engaging and inspiring experience for teens.

Kindness Matters
Presented by Puffin Books, "Kindness Matters" is compiled by UNESCO's Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development. This book is part of a global campaign to instill compassion and empathy in children. It features 50 of the best stories from around the world, teaching kids to celebrate every moment of life with goodness. Published in 2021, this 224-page book is a heartwarming read for young audiences.

The Mindfulness Puzzle Book International Edition
Written by Dr. Gareth Moore and published in 2021, this is a fun book for children and teenagers filled with puzzles and brain-training activities. Having sold several lakhs of copies, it's a favorite book for relaxation tasks and mental stimulation. Each puzzle given in it encourages smarter thinking and enhances brain function. This is the fifth installment in Dr.Gareth Moore's series, which also includes "The Mindfulness Puzzle Book," "The Mindfulness Puzzle Book 2," "The Mindfulness Puzzle Book 3," "The Mindfulness Puzzle Book 4," and the e-book "Mindfulness Puzzles."

You Are Simply Perfect
Authored by renowned psychologist Sadia Saeed, this journal helps easily address common problems faced by children and teenagers in their daily lives. Divided into five parts with beautiful illustrations, the book covers several topics like making new friends, understanding body, mind, and emotions, and coping with various situations. This 272-page book encourages children to ask themselves questions, find answers, and develop solutions independently, making it invaluable for anyone dealing with fear, jealousy, anger, and social pressures.

Don't Believe Everything You Think
With the right guidance and support, children can overcome many challenges in their lives. Joseph Nguyen's "Don't Believe Everything You Think" helps kids tackle tendencies such as self-doubt, fear, and overconfidence. Released in 2022, it provides children a clear understanding of their thoughts. The book also explains how thoughts are influenced by external factors and how to make thoughtful decisions. Already translated into 17 languages, this book offers a psychological approach to handling life's situations.