Story Tags

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.  

Sun is Also a Star

People of Color Protagonists in Romance-ish Novels

Growing up, romance novels were not on my radar. At all. I thought they were cheesy and I had the image of Fabio associated with the genre. Additionally, I never found Young Adult romance books with characters that were not white or middle class. However! I have gotten older and wiser and now *love* cheesy romance and romance-ish novels (fiction books with a sprinkle of romance) and have found books with fulfilling diverse characters of different races and socioeconomic statuses.

Mark of the King cover

Historical Fiction with Faith

Christian novels set between the 18th and 19th centuries

Historical fiction has been a long favorite genre of mine. A few years ago, I added historical Christian fiction novels for my reading enjoyment. Below are a few novels that I've enjoyed set between the 18th to 19th centuries. Copies are available to check out and download.

Signature of All Things

Dream Faraway

Let your imagination have at it conjuring up the images and feelings from these novels. A wide range of emotions as well as personal, social and political experiences are explored giving the reader a window into other cultures and points of view. The signature of all things by Elizabeth Gilbert   

Chicken in the Kitchen

Children’s Picture Books Set in Africa

I chose this topic for my eight-year-old self who wanted to read books with characters that came from where she came from, ate the foods she ate, and looked like her.     Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke and illustrated by Angela Brooksbank

Annotated African American Folktales cover

World Folklore

Adult collections of tales and myths

Enjoy folktales from around the world!  If you're looking to explore more about your heritage or simply curious, you'll have a rich reading experience. Below are a selection of titles available to check out from the library system.

Bring Me Back book cover

Well Read Ears

Noteworthy Audiobook Performances

Did you know that audiobooks are one of the fasting growing ways to read a book? If this is news to you, welcome to your new obsession! There’s no better way to multi-task while cooking, driving, working out or when you can’t easily keep your eyes on the page. Audiobooks have come a long way from “books-on-tape,” and the library has lots of ways to enjoy them.

Pages