For the kids looking for more dark and twisted tales, Erika is here to bring you a middle grade scare! The Skull by Jon Klassen All available formats Otilla is a young girl running away from a very bad place. As she is escaping her past, she comes across a house in the woods, and in the house resides a skull. No body, just skull! As Otilla and the skull befriend each other, we learn the skull has a secret. Can Otilla and the skull survive the night? This story will leave you lingering with some questions including what could
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Archives for books for kids
February Festivities
Each month a variety of observances and celebrations take place, from well-known holidays to much lesser known fun (and downright funny or strange!) observances. February is… Black History Month We Are Here by Tami Charles & Bryan Collier (Preschool to 3rd Grade) Library Catalog In another groundbreaking picture book from the powerhouse creative team behind the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter, is a stirring, poetic, and empowering follow-up that celebrates the rich history of Black and brown men and women throughout history with soaring language and stunning illustrations. Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by
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Creepy Chronicles: Deephaven
For the kids looking for more dark and twisted tales, Erika is here to bring you a middle grade scare! Deephaven by Ethan Aldridge All available formats here Ready to have a fresh start in life, Nev accepts a prestigious full ride scholarship to Deephaven Academy. Of course, anything that comes free tends to come at a cost, and for Nev, the trouble has only just begun when they hear sobbing and scratches coming through the forbidden East Wing. Will Nev be able to untangle the mysteries within this boarding school while under the threat of expulsion? Scare Factor: 3
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January Festivities
During the year, each month celebrates a variety of observances and celebrations that can include celebrations of food, cats, historical events, poets, etc. Observations in January include well known International days to lesser, funny (and downright strange) events celebrating things such as whipped cream, introverts and chickens. I have highlighted a few holidays that are fun, a few that are educational and some that are cultural and historical: January 3rd is Tolkien Day The Complete Guide to Middle Earth by Rober Foster. Explore Middle Earth: a fantastical land full of Elves, Orcs, Dwarves and wizards. Who was J. R. R.
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Celebrate Dragon Appreciation Day
Celebrate Dragon Appreciation Day on January 16th! On January 16th, readers of all ages can celebrate one of the most magnificent creatures that has been a part of our imagination and mythology. Many books, films and shows center around dragons: from shimmering dragon eggs, to taming them, and becoming friends with them – dragons are a delight! Dragons also are known to protect treasure as illustrated in J.R.R Tolkien’s beloved classic The Hobbit. Dragons can also represent the embodiment of enlightenment in Asian mythology/spirituality. We can learn more about dragons as we celebrate Dragon Appreciation Day and for some other
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June Graphic Novel Pick of the Month
In this blog, Donna will highlight graphic novels that are great reads! Graphic Novels are intended for readers ages 8 and up. graph·ic nov·el a novel in comic-strip format Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, Art by Rose Bousamra (ages 8-12) Library catalog Winner of the Pura Belpré Award Marlene is a middle-schooler that is well aware of what “good hair” is and that she does not have it. Every Sunday her mother drags her to the salon to get her curly hair straightened so she looks presentable. Middle school can be tough, but when you have classmates that tease you
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Afrobeats Dance Workshop
Afrobeats Dance Workshop Wednesday, June 28th, at 6:30–8:00 p.m. For: Adults and teens Location: Auditorium Afrobeats Dance is a combination of modern day African movement paired with Afrobeats music. The movement is full body & high energy. Focusing on hip releasing, footwork, arm coordination and rhythm. It's a fun form of dance because it allows the body to move naturally and with the percussion of the music. Past Juneteenth Events: Grab & Go Kits: Juneteenth! Monday, June 12th at 10:00 a.m. For: Grades K-3 Location: Lobby Pick up a new Grab & Go Kit at the Library, while supplies last,
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May Graphic Novel Pick of the Month
In this blog, Donna will highlight graphic novels that are great reads! Graphic Novels are intended for readers ages 8 and up. graph·ic nov·el a novel in comic-strip format A first time for everything by Dan Santat Bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist (ages 10-14) Library catalog: Print Libby: ebook A school trip to Europe in the summer? Most kids would be excited, but not Dan. This graphic novel is a memoir of Dan Santat’s middle school years. Dan is seen as a pretty good kid. He stays out of trouble, listens to his teachers and parents, and tries to fly
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May is Family Wellness Month!
The month of May is a great time to educate, encourage, and enact a healthy lifestyle for your family! Eating healthy, exercising, and unwinding at the end of the day are important ways for keeping everyone happy and healthy. There are lots of simple activities you can do to keep your mind & body fit…and think about ways to improve your daily habits, such as going to bed at a reasonable time! Books for the whole family to check out: Taking Care of Me by Mari C. Schuh Library catalog, ebook Yoga for little kids: simple poses to encourage
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Celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility
International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event that occurs on March 31st. The day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of transgender and gender nonconforming people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people in the United States and worldwide. Attacks on the rights of transgender individuals have risen alarmingly in 2023. According to Tim Walker in his article, “Bill aims to establish Minnesota as a ‘Trans Refuge’ state” for the Minnesota Legislature, “Nearly 250 bills in 32 states are under consideration that would single out trans people for discriminatory treatment of their privacy, their
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Dive Into Diversity: 2021 Releases
White Plains is a wonderfully diverse community! Parents, children, and teens have expressed an interest in titles that reflect the diversity in the community, and Ashley, Kathlyn, and Raquel's “Dive Into Diversity” column will spotlight noteworthy children's and teen titles that are inclusive, diverse, and multicultural to fulfill that interest. Ashley's portion is aimed at readers in grades 4-6. It is absolutely shocking to me that 2021 is winding down! This year has been quite the whirlwind. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds as we head into 2022! There have been a ton of amazing diverse books
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Dive Into Diversity: Food, Family, Friends
White Plains is a wonderfully diverse community! Parents, children, and teens have expressed an interest in titles that reflect the diversity in the community, and Ashley, Kathlyn, and Raquel's “Dive Into Diversity” column will spotlight noteworthy children's and teen titles that are inclusive, diverse, and multicultural to fulfill that interest. Ashley's portion is aimed at readers in grades 4-6. As we delve deeper into the fall and the weather gets chillier, I usually find myself reconnecting with friends and spending time with family around the holidays. I hope you enjoy reading these diverse recommendations that combine all three – food,
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Dive Into Diversity: Spooky Stories
White Plains is a wonderfully diverse community! Parents, children, and teens have expressed an interest in titles that reflect the diversity in the community, and Ashley, Kathlyn, and Raquel's “Dive Into Diversity” column will spotlight noteworthy children's and teen titles that are inclusive, diverse, and multicultural to fulfill that interest. Ashley's portion is aimed at readers in grades 4-6. School has begun again and the weather will turn chillier as we head into fall and the spooky season! When I was a kid, I was a big fan of watching Are You Afraid of the Dark? and reading the Goosebumps
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