Using Superheroes to Promote Important Social and Personal Values
Superheroes are important figures in the lives of young people. They teach young people about good and bad. Over the last year, superheroes have been a very important topic in my household. My sons absolutely love Batman, Superman, PJ Masks, and Black Panther! When we go to the library, superhero books are on the top of their list. After reading some superhero books to my sons, I realized that most of these books were steeped in violence. This content forced me to look for superhero books that focused more on values and less on fighting.
This pursuit led me to a superhero book series by Capstone Publishing Company. These books used the Batman, Wonderwoman, Superman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, and The Flash to discuss values. After reading these books, I thought it would great to organize a Meet-Up Read-Up (a story time event) at my local Carnegie Library in East Library. One day, I shared the idea with the lead children’s librarian Caralee Sommerer, and we brainstormed how we could make this a fun event.
On April 21, 2018, The Young Dreamers Book Club’s Meet-Up Read-Up program was centered on Super Heroes and Super-Values. The purpose of the program was to expose children to superhero stories that highlighted the importance personal and social values.
During the event, there were three books read Green Lantern is Responsible by Christopher Harbo, Superhero by Marc Tauss, and Wonder Woman is Respectful by Christopher Harbo. These books sparked an inter-generational dialogue how both children and kids can enact these values in our everyday life. The program concluded with big smiles from children and adults as we designed superhero capes to take home.
Shout-out to the all of the parents and children who attended the event, and a special shout-out goes out to the Caralee Sommerer and Megan Branning for providing the necessary support in making this a successful event!
