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The Chicago Public Library is offering a range of resources to help families address difficult topics with children and teens. The library has curated booklists and support materials aimed at helping parents and caregivers talk about issues such as public tragedies, borders, immigration, family separation, deportation, and activism.
Booklists include titles like "Let's Talk: When the World is Scary," which helps families discuss big feelings related to community or public tragedies. Other lists focus on borders and immigration, family separation due to deportation, and activism for young readers. For teenagers, there are books that encourage conversations about deportation, immigration, and ways to get involved in advocacy.
In addition to books, the library points families to outside resources. The Illinois Chapter of the American Association of Pediatrics provides advice on how parents can offer information and support to their children during stressful times. This guidance is available in both English and Spanish.
The City of Chicago’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights shares basic information and services for residents through a Resource Hub that includes palm cards and rights sheets in multiple languages. Chicago Public Schools also provides information on immigrant rights and outlines steps they are taking to protect students and their families.
Families seeking further assistance can contact the Family Support Network hotline operated by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. This service offers printables and additional ways to get help.
Additional resources include guidance on making family emergency plans and updates on recent policy changes from various immigrant rights organizations, legal aid providers, state agencies, and government partners. Workbooks like the Healing and Resilience Workbook allow children to process issues around deportation through writing or drawing activities in both English and Spanish. Another bilingual workbook titled "Tengo Miedo" was created by school counselor Marlene Huerta to help children of immigrants express their feelings in an age-appropriate manner.
"We can talk about tough topics. Check out these resources from the library and beyond for families with children and teens."
