Story Tags

Coffee Story: Ethiopia

Ethiopia

The Mysterious Land on the Horn of Africa

Washington, DC is home to the largest Ethiopian community outside of Ethiopia.

Patternmaster

My Baby Step into Science Fiction

Trekking along with my goal of branching out and reading different genres, science fiction was next on my list (after poetry). With every genre I read I always seek out authors of color/Black authors so the following books on this list are Black science fiction authors, talented voices that are not at the forefront of the genre.  

Homie

My Reentry to Poetry

This year I set out to read genres that I’m not drawn to. The list includes mysteries, horror, and poetry. My introduction to poetry was in grade school, and I was not impressed; I just couldn’t understand the deeper meaning behind the metaphors, and it was not enjoyable. Now, far removed from grade school I’m setting out to re-discover the genre.

Lost Children Archive cover

Andrew Carnegie Medals 2020

During the American Library Association Mid-Winter Conference, the winners of the 2020 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Non-Fiction were announced. The winners will received their prizes in June.  Below are the winning titles.  Copies are available to check out and download from the library. Fiction

look both ways

Trouble in the Middle

Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Middle Readers

For a taste of some of the best middle grade reads of the past year try one of the books listed below. Each book focuses on issues surrounding tweens and adolescents, including growing independence, friendship and advocacy. Perfectly paced and timely these novels will capture the most casual readers of the realistic fiction, of all ages. Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Books by Jason Reynolds

Finding my virginity

From Anonymity to Acclaim

These titles explore the personal stories of individuals who achieved acclaim in the business world and made a significant mark on society and culture. What unique traits do they possess that elevated them above the plane of mediocrity? What principles do they live by? Finding My Virginity: The New Autobiography by Richard Branson

My Sister the Serial Killer

Best Books I've Read This Year

The anniversary of my first year of being with DC Public Library was a few weeks ago, and I thought that a great way to commemorate this occasion would be with a book list! Since joining the Library I’ve been exposed to so many great books -- from board books that I use for my story time to graphic novels recommended by my coworker -- and I have a new favorite genre!

How Chipmunk Got His Stripes

Origin Stories

How people got rain, night, fire and more

People didn’t always know what caused storms or earthquakes, so they invented stories to explain the inexplicable. Perhaps lightning flashes across the sky when Zeus is angry. Perhaps earthquakes are caused by the writhing of Loki who is imprisoned under the surface of the Earth while poison drips on his face.

Uncle Tom's Journey cover

Staff Picks: Forgotten Maryland History

Check out these local history books about the forgotten people and events in 19th century Maryland that shaped American history.  Copies are available to check out from the library system. Uncle Tom's Journey from Maryland to Canada by Edna M. Troiano

Akissi

My Introduction to Graphic Novels

Shamefully, I have to admit that I read my first graphic novel two months ago. I wrote them off as childish and because of my ignorance I have missed out on great books over the years. As with most of the books I read, I look for characters that I see myself in: characters that are beautiful, smart, responsible and passionate about the world around them. What makes it extra special for me is finding these qualities in Black people across the African diaspora. Surprisingly, finding graphic novels with such specific criteria was not hard to find in our catalog.  

Pages