Books as windows and as reflections

I loved this TED.

As a teacher who loves sharing books with students, it did get me thinking. I do tend select books that offer kids that window into the world. The one to explore different possibilities​ within the realm of fiction and make the connections back to reality.

Is honesty always the best policy?
When placed in an impossible situation – which of the disagreeable outcomes would you chose?
What does it mean to be evil?

Sometimes the kids see reflections of themselves or other children in the characters in the book. But could do that better? I often rely on books to provoke and discuss but maybe just as important are the books that the kids see part of themselves in that story.