Every year a crew of actors and artisans revive a themed village on the outskirts of Phoenix, and The Arizona Renaissance Festival comes to life. With jousting tournaments, comedy acts, street performers, artisans, food, games, rides, and more, the Festival is literally a full day of fun for the whole family. It’s a particularly memorable place for me because I watched my brother propose to his wife at the Festival (in front of a huge crowd and at the request of the king, no less).

The Festival can help your child envision what life may have been like for the characters in one of our favorite books, Princess Academy. Though the book isn’t necessarily set in the Renaissance period, the descriptions of life on the slopes of Mount Eskel seem to hearken back to a Medieval Era. The villagers go through their own form of awakening and enlightenment that felt to us like a localized version of the Renaissance. Besides the lack of technology, your little reader will find other similarities between the Festival and events in the book, including the singing, dancing, craftsmanship, and (of course) the life of royalty!

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Inspire your pre-teen to read and explore a fun art form. A Single Shard is a Newbery Award-winning book about a Korean orphan boy whose life is changed as he learns to create beautiful pottery from a master potter. After reading this exciting and beautiful book, try your hand at decorating and glazing pottery with your kids at As You Wish, the pottery painting place. With locations all around the Valley, a good time is a short drive away. Your child might discover a new talent, and you will have keepsakes to help you remember the adventure.

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Growing up I had relatively little exposure to racism and hate. Perhaps it was largely a function of geography and time, as my childhood friends have expressed similar sentiment. Despite my lack of direct exposure, my parents and teachers made sure that I understood the history of racism in America and the damage any future racism could cause for individuals, families, and communities.

One tool my teacher used was the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. The fictional work had such an impact on me as a child that I read the whole series. I can even still remember the diorama one of my friends made as a school project. It’s imperative that we teach our children about history so that we won’t repeat mistakes of the past. This book will get discussion flowing in your family and help you tackle an issue that is often difficult for kids to understand. While you’re at it,take the opportunity to celebrate equality and civil rights this coming weekend at the MLK Parade in downtown Mesa.

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