Ask any readers who their favorite fictional character in a novel is and you’ll likely get a detailed explanation about the beloved character that they admire. It might even sound like they’re talking about a person they know.

In a study, researchers looked at the brains of a group of people over nine days. Half of the group read the novel Pompeii, and half didn’t. After examining, researchers found the readers’ brains showed heightened connectivity in some areas. This is likely because the brain imagines the movement and emotions of the character they read about in the book. Even though the participants were then asked not to read the novel, they kept this heightened connectivity. We call that a “shadow activity”, almost like a muscle memory. So even after you’ve finished a book, your brain keeps those benefits for some time afterwards.

It has been suggested that people who read a lot of fiction become more empathic (移情的), because fiction is a simulation (模拟) of social experiences, in which people practice and improve their interpersonal skills. The people who not only read fiction, but felt a high level of “emotional transportation” while reading—as compared to people who weren’t taken by the story or who read non-fiction—displayed higher levels of empathy when tested. Increase of empathy is important for people because empathy is positively related to creativity, performance at work and cooperative behaviors.

Besides, reading improves “Theory of Mind”. It is “the ability to understand that others have mental states that are different from one’s own.” Of various activities, reading novels has been found to improve this ability, while watching television programs or movies has been found to do just the opposite — a reduced understanding of others and weaker cognitive (认知的) development overall.

Maybe we should put more of a priority on novel-reading. And many readers believe that reading a novel is far better and more meaningful than watching any movie. As David Kidd of the New School study said, “Fiction is not just a simulator of a social experience; it is a social experience.”

Summer Reading

Here are some good books to read!

Houdini and Me

Harry Mancini is an 11-year-old boy in New York City. He has read every book he can find about the great magician Harry Houdini. He has the same first name as Houdini and lives in a house where the magician once lived. One day, something happened. …Anyone would love Houdini and Me, by Dan Gutman.

Paradise on Fire

In Paradise on Fire, by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Addy is a 15-year-old girl who lives with her grandmother in the Bronx, in New York City. When she was young, Addy escaped from an apartment fire that killed her parents. Now she draws maps of the places she visits. When a fire breaks out at the wilderness camp she attends, Addy knows what to do. Will Addy be able to lead other campers to safety?

Chunky

Chunky, by Yehudi Mercdo, is a colorful memoir (传记). When the author was a kid, his parents and doctor encouraged him to be more active. Hudi tries various sports. But they all take Hudi away from the thing that he truly loves: comedy. His imaginary friend, Chunky, appears throughout the story to help Hudi achieve his dreams. Chunky is a great book for kids trying to find where they might fit in.

Black Boy Joy

The short stories in Black Boy Joy, edited by Kwame Mbalia, celebrate the pleasures of Black childhood. There are also stories about triumphs (胜利) and competitions. Most are short, with simple plots. You don’ t have to read a giant book all in one go. You can take it a little at a time.

The Shearer

By Pat Ritter

Price: $2.79. Words: 37, 370. Language: Australian English. Published: January 7, 2014.

In 1891, Australian history changed forever because of   “The Great Shearers Strike of 1891”   when shearers from across the country went on strike for better working conditions and wages. Joy Ray was one of those shearers. This is his history.

The Invisible Boy

By Daniel Glasser

Price: $0.99. Words: 5, 240. Language: English. Published: January 7, 2014.

The Invisible Boy is an action adventure story about Jeffrey Mach, a high scholar who tries to save the world from the Evil Power Group, led by the Shadow Keeper. Jeffrey must pass three tests to get the power he needs to face the enemy. Will Jeffrey succeed?

Long Way to Dodge

By Bryan Davidson

Price: $2.89. Words: 85, 570. Language: American English. Published: January 6, 2014.

22-year-old Thomas Bertram wants nothing more than to get home to Mississippi. With a lot of open country to cross, two children to look after, Indians and outlaws (歹徒) on their trail,   and a price on his hand put there by someone from his hometown, his chances on reaching his destination arent looking too good.

Pirates of the Storm

By Fletcher Best

Price: Free. Words: 70, 540. Language: English. Published: January 10, 2014.

Jeff Greene is enjoying his vacation on the Western Caribbean island of Roatan when a strange storm transports him back in time to the 17th century. Jeff takes up with a band of pirates led by the infamous Captain John Coxen as he searches for a way back to his own time in this roller-coaster ride of high seas adventure,   bloody fighting,   secret romance, and mysterious forces of nature.