It's important to choose culturally relevant and character-building literature for children to shape their young minds positively. Exposure to violent, criminal, or explicit content can pose risks. The Bahamas has a plethora of culturally rich storytellers and books for toddlers to teens. Why not introduce your young readers to these books before looking over the fence for books that may not share your values?

The Dangers of Inappropriate Content:

Exposing children to books containing violence, criminal behavior, or sexual content can negatively impact their cognitive, emotional, and moral development. Such content may desensitize children to real-world consequences, blur the lines between right and wrong, and impact their sense of empathy and compassion.

Celebrating Childhood and Clean Fun:

Among the authors of family-friendly books in the region is the late Dr. Susan J. Wallace, whose books remain a staple in many Bahamian classrooms and homes today. Several of Dr. Wallace’s titles which span several generations, include Back Home and Bahamian Scene. Teri M. Bethel is another Bahamian author who has a list of Ministry of Education approved titles of adventure-packed books with fun character-building themes for toddlers to teens. These books include Polly’s Little Secret, A Goat Called Billy, Courage to Overcome, Trapped on Kooky Island, and The Case of The Missing Boat Captain, along with several coloring books.

Bahamian and Jamaican Authors

Award-winning Jamaican author, poet, and teacher Ms. Claudette Thompson’s published book Take the Wheel-English Literature Made Simple & Enjoyable is a cleverly written short story and poetry book for high school children. Ms. Shennell Louden, another Jamaican national, has published an adorable, full-color picture book for lower primary-level children called Little Tommy’s Great Adventures. Then there’s Oden K. Moss, Princess Burrows, Delvonne Duncombe, Audra Tynes, and many more, who have written books for children and youth.

The books children read play a significant role in shaping their character, values, and understanding of the world. Exposing them to content that promotes violence, criminal behavior, or explicit themes can have detrimental effects on their development. By choosing children's books that celebrate innocence, provide clean fun, foster character building, and explore culturally relevant themes, parents, educators, and caregivers can ensure that young readers are engaged in enriching and positive literary experiences. These carefully selected books not only entertain but also inspire, educate, and contribute to the healthy growth of young minds, preparing them to become compassionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.