Southwest
Neighborhood Library

Five Women Artists

"Can you name five women artists?" That question recently appeared on posters throughout the city in a campaign sponsored by the National Museum of Women In the Arts. [For the record, I could name ten offhand; after that, my knowledge of women artists is decidedly spotty.] Art historians and anthropologists agree that for as long as art has existed, it's been created by women (although often credited to men). It's past time to shine the spotlight on these remarkable painters and sculptors.

Jewish Food for Everyone

A worldwide culinary journey

From bagels to tzimmis, American cooking has been undeniably influenced by Jewish culture. And the reason why is readily apparent -- just glance through one of these amazing volumes, and you'll find a wide variety of flavors and textures. From sweet to savory, Jewish cooking is undeniably diverse and delicious!

A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived by Adam Rutherford

The Stories of Our Lives

Human evolution from prehistory onward

Where do we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? These questions were famously posed by painter Paul Gauguin. And we're still asking them today. With recent advances in the fields of genetics, anthropology, and evolutionary biology, some answers are emerging. Sometimes disturbing, always fascinating, the story of our human origins has been a popular topic writers have been exploring for many years. Here are several titles that address the many questions about our human journey.

Gregg G.

#OwnVoices in Indigenous Picture Books

While there’s a wealth of picture books depicting the Native American experience, many of them are by white authors. The importance of #OwnVoices works, particularly when it comes to pieces for children who may not yet have the skills to determine what is an accurate portrayal of Native life and culture, is clear.

The Wright Stuff

Orville and Wilbur Wright and the quest for human flight

From the earliest days of recorded history, we humans have longed to fly. Although the only known flying mammals are bats, Orville and Wilbur Wright, and other twentieth century inventors, built aircraft that enabled our species to soar through the skies. These titles tell the story of their achievements and the many failures they experienced along the way.

Young Adult Fabulism

7 stories of magic grounded in reality

Fairy tales aren’t just for children. These seven young adult novels will chill teens and adults alike with spooky and haunting bits of magic and fables woven into reality. From a man who moves like corn stalks to a journal that takes its writers to an impossible past in the now, these books will make you want to settle in for the weekend and explore their strange, strange worlds.

Royalty Gone Awry

Hard times for royals in fiction

As Lorde sings, “we’ll never be royals,” and maybe it’s for the best. This list includes stories of the royal life not being all it’s cracked up to be. Although we might have dreamed of running our own kingdoms as kids, now fiction tells us how fraught that experience would be. Enjoy your peasant status while you read about stressful politics, assassination, kidnapping and other trials in the court.

Feels Like Summer

YA and Children's fiction with summer vibes for all ages

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy… The weather is starting to warm up, but it’s not quite summer yet. If you’re yearning for those hot-hot days and warm nights around the campfire, visit June, July and August through these stories. These YA and juvenile reads are great for their target audience -- and adults too!

Graphic Novels and Nonfiction to Share with Kids

Connect with little literatis through graphic works

Sometimes, the best way to connect with the kids in your life is over a good book. But you might be wondering what constitutes a good book when it comes to little literatis. Fear not, the Children’s Librarian is here! Below, find six great graphic novels (and two graphic format nonfiction) to share with kids, whether you’re looking to start a conversation or just want a good story.

What to Read after "The Yellow Wallpaper"

Read-Alikes and Contextual Texts

Published in 1892, “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman has left a lasting impression on readers interested in feminism and mental health. While Gilman’s is one of the better-known stories about women, mental health and their treatment in western society, many authors have also approached the subjects before and since its publication.

Southwest Neighborhood Library