Exploring Career Development Through Children’s Literature

	For Parents


Exploring Career Development Through Children’s Literature By Dr. Sally Gelardin "You think my children would read career books for summer fun? You must be kidding! It’s hard enough to get them to read textbooks and books for reports during the school year." Odessa, ^{note 1} a frustrated parent, asks for my help. She is planning a family vacation to Tahoe. The cabin has no television, and she intends to keep it that way. A full-time working mother, she wants to relax on this vacation. "How can I prevent the children from complaining about having no tv?" she asks me. "Career books," I reply. "Are you kidding?" she asks unbelievingly. As I explain over the phone how children can enjoy literature that stimulates their career development, I can hear the television blaring in the background. I’m no purist when it comes to choosing between books and other media. I can barely get through a career book, myself. Career books for children are different from career books for adults. What Does Children’s Literature Have to Do with Career Books? Surfing Through Camp EUREKA Middle School Children Learn About Themselves Adolescents Prepare for Life After High School Children "Read the World" Through Timeless Stories 1. Odessa is a fictional name, reminiscent of the Odyssus, an adventurer in Greek mythology. Like Odysseus, Odessa is an adventurer. To help her children develop career skills, she takes them on a journey into the work of children's literature.