This award-winning book shows how embracing criticism was key to Lincoln’s genius as a president.

Amazon link

Movies have a way of going straight to our hearts, and showing us the power of coaches, mentors, and being able to change our minds to take a better path. Consider how movies show the greatest coaches (Mr. Miyagi), mentors (Yoda,, Gandalf, Professor Dumbledore) and mind-changers (Gru in Despicable Me).

Movies about coaches and mentors

Karate Kid (both versions!)

The Mighty Ducks

Hoosiers

The Empire Strikes Back

Dead Poets Society

Good Will Hunting

Harry Potter

The Lord of the Rings

Movies about changing your mind

Despicable Me

Megamind

Malcolm X

The Magic School Bus does an excellent job of mixing science and down-to-earth kid interactions. In this particular episode the kids are arguing over whether trees can communicate. As Ms. Frizzle says, “Speaking of talking… looks like we have a class here that isn’t! ... You’re all convinced you’re right and the other side’s wrong!” If your kids haven’t watched it, you should check it out.

This TV show had 65 episodes, in which comedian Adam Conover debunks common beliefs on a variety of topics. You may disagree with some of his arguments, but it will definitely give you something to think about!

https://www.trutv.com/shows/adam-ruins-everything

Introduce your kid to some of the great mind-changers from history and literature:

Scrooge and The Grinch – Former haters of Christmas cheer

Buddha – Changed his mind about materialism and the meaning of life

Saul / St. Paul – Changed from persecuting Christians, to writing books of the Bible

Alfred Nobel – Invented various explosives, but then founded the Nobel Prize to ensure that he left a more positive legacy

Malcolm X – Changed from criminal activity to devout member of the Nation of Islam, then later turned against the Nation of Islam

Elizabeth Warren – Used to be conservative, but her own research findings about bankruptcy made her a liberal

Robert Byrd – Regretted being part of the KKK

Oliver Wendell Holmes – Changed his views to become a strong proponent of First Amendment rights

Wayne Mclaren and Eric Lawson – Former Marlboro men who later fought against smoking

John Quincy Adams – Changed his mind about his brutal treatment of Native Americans

Christian Picciolini – Changed his mind about racism

Dr. Seuss – Regretted his support for the internment of Japanese people in WWII, wrote Horton Hears a Who as an apology

Eddie Murphy – Regretted having made comedy out of the AIDS crisis

Mikhail Kalashnikov – Regretted inventing the AK-47