Reading is one of the best ways that children can cope with trauma and grow as individuals. There are so many benefits to reading including, increased social and cognitive development, generally improved well-being, increased creativity, better sleep, and my favorite, developed empathy. If these benefits are relevant for any child, imagine how much they can help a child who has been abused.
I began reading very young, and I can attest to the benefits listed above. Reading a book for me was a form of resiliency. It led me to a world outside of my chaos and gave me safety and joy. Not only did I read fiction, but I poured over autobiographies. Actually, those were my favorite. It was amazing for me to read about people who had overcome adversity and risked their lives for others.
As an adult, I still read a lot today. In fact, the library is one of my favorite places to visit. All of those benefits listed above for children apply to adults too. I love that reading helps develop empathy, and this really makes a lot of sense to me. When I am in the middle of a book, I feel for the characters and put myself in their shoes. Just think of how much reading helps children grow, cope, and develop!