The North Star - A Children's Book for Teens?

Why The North Star Works for All!

Cover image of The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds. Candlewick Press (MA).

What is it your heart desires?

What is the right path for you to choose?

What are your wildest dreams?

The North Star is a sweet story that follows a boy from infancy through adolescence as he follows his own path to achieving his best dreams.

If I have time, I like to use this book in conjunction with art therapy. Encourage clients to draw stars and then to identify what the specific points on their stars are. Some may choose to list coping skills, some may list values, others may list internal qualities. This book can also be used in group therapy or a classroom setting; in that case encourage children to share details about their stars with others and utilize it as an opportunity to appreciate individual differences.

While this is a picture book with a suggested age of 3-7, The North Star is a book is suitable for children up through high school and even adults could benefit. While they may not want to admit it, adolescents, teens, and adults secretly LOVE this book and can relate to the main character of the story. Who hasn't found themselves asking some of the same questions about life that he asks throughout the book?

When working with teens or adults I often use the same tactic that I do with any other picture book, which is to just ask them to listen and watch for the underlying message; even though it may feel too "little kid" for them. As teenagers, and even as adults we often find that the lessons we learn as children are applicable even as we grow older. With this book, what teenager isn't contemplating their next step in life as they straddle the cusp of their childhood and pending adulthood? How many adults reach a point in their life where they contemplate a career change, or they find themselves wondering "is this it?"

The North Star is a great book for children of any age! I highly recommend!