Beth Vrabel, author of middle-grade novels such as Bringing Me Back and A Blind Guide to Stinkville, shares insights on the power of storytelling for children, especially during uncertain times. Her newest book, The Newspaper Club, is about kids who start their own newspaper. Vrabel emphasizes the importance of giving children the tools to understand and share their own stories and the stories around them. Let’s explore A Blinds Guide To Stinkville Questions Plus Answers!
About The Newspaper Club
The Newspaper Club follows Nellie Murrow, the daughter of former newspaper reporters, as she moves to a new town and discovers a mystery surrounding the local park. Determined to uncover the truth, Nellie starts a newspaper, The Cub Report, with the help of her new friends. The book explores themes of journalism, community, and the importance of reliable news.
Beth Vrabel’s Guest Post: The Power of Storytelling
Vrabel begins by sharing a personal anecdote about handmade books she created for her father as a child. These books, filled with simple jokes and artwork, represented her voice and her way of processing the world around her. One book, titled “Daddy’s Operation,” holds particular significance.
Vrabel connects this personal experience to the themes explored in The Newspaper Club. She writes about a time when her father had a serious accident at work, and how she struggled to understand the situation. Fearful of the unknown, she retreated into herself, pretending to be invisible.
It was through writing that Vrabel found her voice. Although her early stories were not great, they allowed her to express herself and connect with others. Her mother encouraged her writing, which inspired her to keep practicing and improving. She started to imagine herself as a journalist, a fearless investigator who could uncover the truth.
Over time, Vrabel’s father recovered. She began asking him questions about his life, discovering fascinating stories about his past. These stories became the basis for the handmade books she created for him, which strengthened their relationship.
Vrabel learned that everyone has a story to tell, and that every story matters. Writing became her way of connecting with the world around her, of being informed and asking questions.
Vrabel encourages parents and educators to give children the tools they need to tell their own stories, especially during times of uncertainty. She suggests providing them with a notebook and a pen and encouraging them to report their feelings, observations, and projections.
She emphasizes the importance of teaching children how to distinguish between reliable and unreliable news sources. By discussing the characteristics of reputable media platforms and verifiable sources, we can help them become informed, not influenced.
Vrabel believes that storytelling can help us feel connected and less lost. By empowering young readers to ask questions and share their own stories, we can help them discover the power of their own voices.
Right now, we’re all feeling disconnected and maybe a little lost. Give young readers the tools they need to connect a notebook and a pen. Remind them to practice, not just pretend. Empower them to ask questions, knowing that nothing but information changes once they have the answers.
Watch as they discover that everyone has a story, and that every story matters especially their own.
A Blind Guide to Stinkville: Finding Answers
Vrabel’s novel, A Blind Guide to Stinkville, also highlights the importance of asking questions and finding answers. The main character, Alice, is visually impaired and navigates the world through her other senses. She uses her unique perspective to uncover a mystery in her town.
Alice’s story teaches us to look beyond the surface and to trust our own senses. She asks questions that others might overlook, and she is determined to find the truth. Like Nellie in The Newspaper Club, Alice uses her curiosity and determination to make a positive impact on her community.
Conclusion
Beth Vrabel’s books remind us of the power of storytelling to connect us, inform us, and empower us. By giving children the tools to tell their own stories and to understand the stories around them, we can help them navigate the world with confidence and curiosity. The Newspaper Club and A Blind Guide to Stinkville are excellent resources for parents and educators who want to encourage young people to ask questions, seek answers, and make their voices heard. Consider exploring the curriculum guide and Nellie’s tips for cub reporters to further delve into the world of journalism and storytelling with your children.
