November 22,
1963, I clearly remember how ecstatic my 3rd grade classmates and I
were when our teacher announced that class was dismissed. Boy that dates me back to the era when
children could just be released from school.
As we skipped and cheered at our new
found freedom, passing Debbie’s house, her mother scolded us, “You should be
ashamed of yourselves on such a sad day!”
We were puzzled, but kept on playing.
When I arrived home, I was told that
President Kennedy was shot and killed. I
remember the profound sadness that was everywhere. Family, friends and television broadcasts
were solemn. I remember watching the
President’s coffin carried on a horse-drawn cassion while sitting on the back
of my cousin’s couch. We were touched by
young JohnJohn saluting.
Here we are 50 years later. As Children’s Librarians, we are often asked
for books about the Kennedy assassination.
Two newly added titles are The President Has Been Shot: the
assassination of John F. Kennedy by James L Swanson and Assassination
and Its Aftermath by Don Nardo. Both
titles are for upper elementary students.
If your children are younger there are two wonderful picture books
biographies, Jack’s Path of Courage: the Life of John F Kennedy by Doreen Rappaport and The Brothers
Kennedy: John, Robert, Edward by Kathy Krull.
Unfortunately, like on that November
day in 1963, today’s children experience trauma. whether it’s a terrorist act, a super storm
or a death in the family. The library
can provide guidance and solace. A few
of our titles are Healing Days: a Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma
by Susan Farber Straus, Everyone Feels Scared Sometimes by Marcie Aboff
and What On Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? by Trevor Romain.
As the country recognizes the JFK
assassination, the library can provide many informational books. The Children’s Department has bibliographies
of titles for parents and caregivers that address the many of the life changing
subjects that children face today.
Please feel free to ask for a list or assistance in finding the right
book for you and your child.
