Barnes, Emilie. 15 Minute Family Traditions & Memories. Harvest House, 1995. Hundreds of practical, simple ideas for strengthening family ties through holidays, fun projects, special meals, and inexpensive gifts.
Berlo, Janet Catherine. Quilting Lessons: Notes from the Scrap Bag of a Writer and Quilter. University of Nebraska Press, 2001. An intriguing and unusual memoir that follows a professor as she uses quilting to overcome writers block, tap into childhood memories, deal with a family loss, and get closer to her two sisters.
Booth, Wayne (ed). The Art of Growing Older: Writers on Living and Aging. University of Chicago Press, 1996. An anthology of poetry and prose from some of our greatest writers -- Shakespeare, Emily Brontë, Walt Whitman, and many more.
Borba, Michele. Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues That Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing. Jossey-Bass, 2001. Ideas for understanding, evaluating, guiding, and inspiring children in seven areas: empathy, conscience, self-control, respect, kindness, tolerance, and fairness.
Bosak, Susan V. How to Build the Grandma Connection. The Communication Project, 2000 (visit www.grandmaconnection.com). From the author of Something to Remember Me By, this book is based on her popular Grandma Connection Workshops and filled with inspiration and wisdom. It includes a discussion of the benefits of intergenerational relationships for children, grandparents, and parents; a five-step plan for building intergenerational bonds; the Life Lessons of Grandparenthood; and dozens and dozens of practical ideas for grandparents near and far to help "make the connection" with their grandchildren (e.g. storytelling, visits, play, traditions, gift giving, and more). Also includes a complete list of the best storybooks to share with grandchildren.
Bosak, Susan V. Science Is...: A Source Book of Fascinating Facts, Projects and Activities. Scholastic, 1991, 2000 (visit www.bigsciencebook.com). Science is an educational, fun adventure young and old can share. When adults help children explore and understand the world around them, they instill a life-long love of learning. This classic has over 450 easy-to-do activities, projects, games, puzzles, and stories.
Carroll, Andrew ed. War Letters: Extraordinary Correspondence from American Wars. Scribner, 2001. A fascinating, deeply moving collection of letters that reveals all the complexities of war, from the sweeping horrors to the humanity of everyday fears, yearnings, and hopes. For more resources as well as information on how to preserve old letters, visit www.warletters.com.
Carter, Jimmy. The Virtues of Aging. Ballantine, 1998. Former President Carter takes a thoughtful look at aging with its rewards and challenges.
Christopher, Doris. Come to the Table. Warner, 2000. Whether you're hoping to restore the ritual of Sunday dinner or simply establish the routine of family meals, this helpful and heartfelt book honors one of the most important family traditions: togetherness around the meal table.
Cohen, Gene D. The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life. Avon, 2000. A fresh perspective on aging and creativity, backed up with scientific research, inspiring stories, and useful suggestions.
Cohen, Steven A. (ed). The Games We Played: A Celebration of Childhood and Imagination. Simon & Schuster, 2001. A collection of childhood reminiscences from Bill Clinton to Al Roker to Jackie Collins about bottle-cap soldiers, lollipop gardens, and stoopball that will evoke memories and storytelling.
Collopy, Michael. Architects of Peace: Visions of Hope in Words and Images. New World Library, 2000. A stunningly beautiful and provocative book by a noted portrait photographer that profiles 75 of the world's greatest peacemakers -- politicians, scientists, spiritual leaders, artists, and activists.
Covey, Stephen. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. Golden Books, 1997. With clarity and practical wisdom, Covey discusses principles for building a strong, loving family that lasts for generations.
Cox, Meg. The Heart of a Family: Searching America for New Traditions That Fulfill Us. Random House, 1998. A well-written, helpful guide for families seeking to create meaningful traditions and rituals of their own.
Croom, Emily Anne. Unpuzzling Your Past: A Basic Guide to Genealogy (3rd edition). Betterway Publications, 1995. A popular guide that makes genealogical research easy, from talking with people to making discoveries in public records.
Davis, Donald. Telling Your Own Stories. August House, 1993. Whether your goal is telling family stories and sharing memories or writing your family history, this book guides you through all the steps. It includes a series of memory prompts, a family lifespan chart, and story-form format.
Davis, Shari and Benny Ferdman. Nourishing the Heart: A Guide to Intergenerational Arts Projects in the Schools. 1993. City Lore, 72 East First St, New York, NY 10003, (212) 529-1955. Thoughtful, detailed projects to explore intergenerational topics including traditions and legacies.
Doherty, William J. The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties. Avon, 1999. A practical guide to building rituals into your family life.
Edelman, Hope. Mother of My Mother: The Intricate Bond Between Generations. Dial, 1999. An evocative look at the relationships between grandmothers, mothers, and daughters.
Edelman, Marian Wright. The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours. HarperPerennial, 1992. An inspiring, wise book about the legacies parents should pass down to future generations.
Faber, Adele and Elaine Mazlish. How To Talk So Kids Can Learn at Home and in School. Simon & Schuster, 1995. A resource to help parents and teachers develop their skills to help children learn, communicate, cooperate, and problem solve in productive ways.
Fisher, Roger, William Ury and Bruce Patton. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (second edition). Penguin, 1991. The classic book on a step-by-step strategy for constructive conflict resolution and negotiation. From the work of the Harvard Negotiation Project.
Floyd, Elaine. Creating Family Newsletters. F&W Publications, 1998. 123 ideas for sharing memorable moments with family.
Forest, Heather. Wisdom Tales from Around the World. August House, 1996. From simple truths to common sense to the wisdom that comes from past generations' experience, this is a book for young and old to share.
Friedman, Barbara. Connecting Generations: Integrating Aging Education and Intergenerational Programs with Elementary and Middle Grades Curricula. Allyn and Bacon, 1999. A step-by-step guide on developing meaningful intergenerational programs. Includes lesson plans.
Gerbrandt, Michele and Deborah Cannarella. Memory Makers' Family Scrapbooks: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, 2001 (visit www.memorymakersmagazine.com). Scrapbooks record, celebrate, and connect us to the cherished events, people, and traditions of our past and present -- and help carry those memories into the future. Filled with creative ideas, innovative techniques, and expertly crafted projects to help you record your own family's story across generations.
Greene, Bob and D.G. Fulford. To Our Children's Children: Preserving Family Histories for Generations to Come. Doubleday, 1993. An accessible guide for creating written and oral histories.
Greer, Colin and Herbert Kohl (eds). A Call to Character: A Family Treasury. HarperCollins, 1995. A wonderful reader for parents and grandparents to share with children. Includes stories, poems, plays, proverbs and fables which will prompt discussion and help develop character and values.
Haddock, Doris with Dennis Burke. Granny D: Walking Across America in My Ninetieth Year. Villard, 2001. In her own words, the amazing story of Doris "Granny D" Haddock's 14 month walk from Los Angeles to the steps of the Capitol in Washington to draw attention to the need for national campaign finance reform.
Hart, Mary et al. Beyond Baskets & Beads: A Manual of Activities for Older Adults with Functional Impairments. Center in the Woods, 1996 (www.cup.edu/citw or 724-938-3554). An excellent, progressive approach with over 100 ready-to-use activities for seniors facilities. Includes important philosophical issues and how to recruit and keep volunteers. Developed with the California University of Pennsylvania.
Hawthorne, Lillian S. Finishing Touches: An Insightful Look into the Mirror of Aging. Elder Books, 1998. A collection of personal commentaries about what it's like to experience aging changes in yourself, your family, and friends.
Horton, Laurel ed. Quiltmaking in America: Beyond the Myths. Rutledge Hill Press, 1994. From the American Quilt Study Group comes a fascinating, well-researched look at the history of quilts. Includes color illustrations of quilts and fabrics, and period photographs.
Jaffe, Nina and Steve Zeitlin. The Cow of No Color: Riddle Stories and Justice Tales from Around the World. Henry Holt, 1998. More than simple folktales, these stories can be used by adults or children to explore the theme of justice from the perspective of different cultures and times.
Jonsson, Bodil. Unwinding the Clock: Ten Thoughts on Our Relationship to Time. Harcourt, 2001. A European bestseller, this slim volume is a thought-provoking look at how we think about, appreciate, and use time.
Kotre, John. Make It Count: How to Generate a Legacy that Gives Meaning to Your Life. The Free Press, 1999. Have you ever asked yourself what the purpose of your life is? This thoughtful book is an original, step-by-step guide for finding meaning and purpose.
Kreidler, William J. Creative Conflict Resolution. Good Year, 1984. Over 200 activities for bringing and keeping peace in the K-6 classroom.
Kreidler, William J. Teaching Conflict Resolution Through Children's Literature. Scholastic, 1994. Activities and suggested books to introduce and reinforce conflict resolution concepts and skills.
LifeStories by Talicor (www.talicor.com, available in many stores). It's not a book, but a great intergenerational, family board game for telling tales and sharing. An award winner! Try it this holiday.
Lustbader, Wendy. What's Worth Knowing. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 2001. People in their seventies, eighties, and nineties share the single most important piece of knowledge each has gained through a lifetime of living.
Macbeth, Fiona and Nic Fine. Playing With Fire: Creative Conflict Resolution for Young Adults. New Society, 1995. A practical, ready-to-use guide for helping teenagers and young adults deal creatively with interpersonal conflict and violence, using the analogy of a fire growing from a spark to a blaze.
MacDonald, Margaret Read. The Parent's Guide to Storytelling. August House, 2001. A book full of helpful hints and techniques to help parents and grandparents capture and keep children's attention. Chapters focus on storytelling for the youngest listeners, bedtime stories and expandable tales, scary stories, improvisational ideas, and family folklore.
Maguire, Jack. The Power of Personal Storytelling: Spinning Tales to Connect with Others. Putnam, 1998. For anyone who wants to share family stories and make memories more meaningful.
Manheimer, Ronald. A Map to the End of Time: Wayfarings with Friends and Philosophers. W.W. Norton & Company, 1999. A poignant and penetrating book filled with stories gathered as the author has taught philosophy to older adults.
Marshall, Carl with David Marshall. The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions. Hyperion, 1997. This grandfather/grandson team have created a keepsake "fill-in" book that's fun and has excellent memory prompts.
Martz, Sandra Haldeman (ed). When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple. Papier-Mache, 1991. This bestseller offers a fresh look at aging through a collection of stories, poems, and photos.
McClun, Diana with Laura Nownes. Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!!!: The Complete Guide to Quiltmaking. McGraw Hill, 1997. A classic book on quilting, it covers every tool, technique, stitch, tip, and shortcut in machine and hand quilting.
McPhelimy, Lynn. In The Checklist of Life: A "Working Book" to Help You Live and Leave This Life. AAIP Publishing, 1997. In addition to being a practical book to help you get your affairs in order, no matter what your present state of health, this book is also meant to be a keepsake, with space for writing down memories and special thoughts.
Menzel, Peter. Material World: A Global Family Portrait. Sierra Club Books, 1995. An utterly amazing, thought-provoking portrait comparing life in 30 nations, in all its similarities and disparities. Starting with a "big picture" photo outside their home with all their worldly goods around them, average families are intimately profiled through photos, statistics, and stories.
Moore, Robin. Creating a Family Storytelling Tradition. August House, 1999. A great guide for creating, telling, and listening to stories.
Morrison, Mary C. Let Evening Come: Reflections on Aging. Doubleday, 1998. A book that is both sensitive and humorous, it explores aging from the perspective if its 87-year-old author.
Nicholaus, Bret and Paul Lowrie. Who We Are: Questions to Celebrate the Family. New World Library, 2000. From the bestselling "question guys" comes a fill-in book with unusual, thought-provoking, and inspiring questions to ask each member of your family.
Nolte, Dorothy Law and Rachel Harris. Children Learn What They Live: Parenting to Inspire Values. Workman, 1998. Since its publication in 1954, Dorothy Law Nolte's inspirational and educational poem has been published worldwide. Each of the 19 couplets of the poem is developed into a chapter -- on jealousy, criticism, praise, recognition, honesty, fairness, tolerance, and more -- to offer a clear, constructive perspective on teaching basic life lessons.
Pavuk, Stephen, Pamela Pavuk and Diana Thurman illus. The Story of a Lifetime: A Keepsake of Personal Memoirs. TriAngel, 2000. A "fill-in" book with many thought-provoking questions to cover everything in your personal story from your family background and childhood to your regrets, milestones, and advice for your children and grandchildren.
Pearmain, Elisa Davy (ed). Doorways to the Soul. Pilgrim Press, 1998. 52 wisdom tales -- one for each week of the year -- from around the world for all ages.
Perls, Thomas T. and Margery Hutter Silver with John F. Lauerman. Living to 100: Lessons in Living to Your Maximum Potential at Any Age. Basic, 1999. Based on studies of some 100 centenarians, this book includes life patterns, personal profiles, and informational sidebars and quizzes.
Pipher, Mary. The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families. Ballantine, 1996. A practical, hopeful book about nurturing families.
Pipher, Mary. Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders. Riverhead Books, 1999. A sensitive, thought-provoking look at aging.
Prutzman, Priscilla, Lee Stern, M. Leonard Burger and Gretchen Bodenhamer. The Friendly Classroom for a Small Planet: A Handbook on Creative Approaches to Living and Problem Solving for Children. New Society, 1988. A comprehensive selection of ideas and activities based on the work of the Children's Creative Response to Conflict program.
Restak, Richard M. Older & Wiser: How to Maintain Peak Mental Ability for As Long As You Live. Berkley Books, 1999. An accessible, thoughtful look at the brain, genetic influences on mental ability through your life, and steps you can take to enhance your brain in your older years.
Robinson, Jo and Jean Coppock Staeheli. Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love & Joy Back into the Season. William Morrow, 1991. Now in its 13th printing, this remains one of the best guides to managing holiday stress and making the season meaningful.
Rose, Christine. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy. MacMillan, 1997. An easy-to-use guide that covers the basic techniques needed to conduct a search, including how to gather names, dates, places, relationships, and family documents.
Rowe, John W. and Robert L. Kahn. Successful Aging. Dell, 1999. Based on the results of the MacArthur Foundation Study (one of the most extensive, recent studies on aging), a look at how the way you live -- not the genes you were born with -- determines health and vitality.
Rubin, Rhea Joyce. Intergenerational Programming: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians. Neal-Schuman, 1993. A practical guide that details the "what and why" of library-based intergenerational programs -- from one-time events to story/reading projects to pen pal programs.
Schachter-Shalomi, Zalman and Ronald S. Miller. From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older. Warner, 1995. An inspiring book that encourages older adults to use their life experiences to enrich their later years, repair relationships, and develop a regenerative spirit that allows you to transmit your wisdom to younger generations.
Schaefer, Dan and Christine Lyons. How Do We Tell the Children?: A Step-by-Step Guide for Helping Children Cope When Someone Dies (3rd edition). Newmarket Press, 2001. An excellent book which discusses age-appropriate messages and includes a quick-reference section.
Self-Discovery Tapestry Kit by Life Course Publishing (www.lifecoursepublishing.com, (310) 540-6037, PO Box 3924, Redondo Beach, CA 90277-1725). It's not a book, but a kit. A colorful, interactive life review instrument particularly appropriate for activity directors working with seniors. Use different color pens on a specially designed form to review and explore events in your life.
Seligman, Martin. Learned Optimism. Pocket Books, 1998. A renowned psychologist provides insights into one of the most important life skills you can develop and pass on.
Seligman, Martin. The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience. HarperPerennial, 1996. Children need realistically-grounded optimism to deal with many of the challenges in today's world, and helping them develop that life skill is one of the most important legacies you can give them.
Sheridan, Carmel. Reminiscence: Uncovering a Lifetime of Memories. Elder Books, 1991. A guidebook that includes activity and trigger ideas for use with older adults.
Steligo, Kathy. Meals and Memories: How to Create Keepsake Cookbooks. Carlo Press, 1999. Plenty of ideas for recipe style, page layout, and how to write stories and memories about your favorite recipes.
Stone, Douglas, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen. Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. Viking, 1999. How to handle difficult situations, communicate effectively, and constructively resolve conflicts in your family, with your friends, and at work. Based on the work of the Harvard Negotiation Project.
Thorsheim, Howard and Bruce Roberts. I Remember When: Activity Ideas to Help People Reminisce. Elder Books, 2000. A useful book for those who work with older adults that includes ideas, activities, tips, and triggers for different settings and purposes.
Trelease, Jim. The Read-Aloud Handbook (5th edition). Penguin, 2001. The classic book that helps parents and grandparents read aloud to children and encourage them to become avid readers themselves. Includes a treasury of read-aloud suggestions. Highly recommended!
Ury, William. Getting to Peace: Transforming Conflict at Home, at Work, and in the World. Viking, 1999. An insightful, thought-provoking, accessible exploration of human conflict and the prospect for peace in our world. From the work of the Harvard Negotiation Project. A "must read."
Walter, Mildred Pitts. Kwanzaa: A Family Affair. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1995. A useful handbook that describes the holiday, including symbols, traditions, crafts, and recipes.
Weintraub, Stanley. Silent Night: The Story of World War I's Christmas Truce. Free Press, 2001. The fascinating story about an informal truce that began with small, individual acts during the first Christmas of what was then called the Great War.
Winston, Linda. Keepsakes: Using Family Stories in Elementary Classrooms. Heinemann, 1997. Practical approaches to drawing on family stories to enliven and enrich the curriculum.
Wolfman, Ira. Do People Grow on Family Trees? Genealogy for Kids & Other Beginners. Workman, 1991. A book for adults and for sharing with children, it's a complete introduction to genealogy -- from how to track down documents to creating an oral history to compiling a family tree.
Yolen, Jane ed. Gray Heroes: Elder Tales from Around the World. Penguin, 1999. A treasury of tales that celebrate and explore the riches of age. Great for adults to read on their own or share with children.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Holiday Activity Kit by Susan V. Bosak ©2003
www.legacyproject.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
