Story Tags

We came to America

Kids' American History Reads

In coordination with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Read about America with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History! These picture and chapter books are wonderful family reads and are a great tool to help your family develop a sense of home and aspiration for the future of the country. Whether you're a history buff or just avoiding summer slide, these picks will move you, inspire you, and wrap you up in a world that was, so that you can help to decide what the world will become.  Picture Books

Ella Minnow Pea

FUNomenal Wordplay

Novels for Wordplay Lovers

For most of my life I've been fond of zany wordplay, such as palindromes, anagrams, puns, lipograms, pangrams, oxymorons, and alliteration. I have discovered some novelists who share a similar fascination and whimsically employ wordplay in their fiction, even as they also explore deeper themes. If you too are a wordplay enthusiast, check out the children's and adult novels below.

Cover for the book The Giver

Why So Series-ous?

Stories so long they need to be split up

Some stories are long. Real long. But often times, authors take pity on us and break the stories up in to chunks. And that's how a series is born. Here are some of my favorite series for kids.  The first book of the series is discussed along with other series like it. The Giver By Lois Lowry

A Wrinkle in Time book cover

Books to Spur Your Child’s Imagination

School has begun, but the summer spirit of adventure doesn’t have to end. Now is as great a time as any for a good book. This list of classic fantasies, both new and old, will keep your child dreaming even as they get settled into a new school year.

School's First Day Of School

School Here We Come!

 It is that time of year again, the beginning of a new school year. For some parents and children this tradition has become routine, and for others it is the very first stage of growing and going to school for the very first time.  This joyous list of  books is sure to help parents calm children of their first day jitters and show them how much fun they will have on their first day of school and onward.  

Inquisitor's Tale

A Quest is Afoot!

Middle grade novels about journeys and adventure

I have always found the idea of a quest kind of fascinating. Setting off with a purpose with your friends by your side and excitement before you has always appealed to me. Of course real life isn't always filled with noble steads waiting for your command and kings in need of a brave volunteer to set out on a daring mission. So instead I read. There are too many great quest books to cover in just one list but what follows are some of my favorites.

Black Flag

Jolly Roger Reads

Books About Pirates, Swashbucklers, and other Assorted Buccaneers

Avast, matey! Here be several sea-faring tales of sunken ships, hidden treasures, bloodthirsty corsairs, and a whole heap of scurvy! Everyone likes a good adventure yarn, and pirates, both real and fictional, have had some of the greatest adventures in storytelling. Who hasn’t dreamed of discovering secret chests of gold or tasting the salty sea air as you sail about the tropics?

Picture of Wonder Woman

Her Initials are W.W.

Get Your Lasso and Bracelets Ready!

Perhaps you've noticed that a certain female superhero made her film debut recently. If not, then you are missing an awesome movie! But to be fair,  Wonder Woman – the Amazonian princess who features a lasso and bracelets – has been around since 1941. I have been a fan since childhood and still have a picture of  my Halloween costume as the demigoddess.

bookcover

Friendly Monsters

While most monsters have earned a reputation for being creepy, frightening, dreadful creatures, the following collection of books portrays monsters in an amicable fashion. Treat the little ones in your life (ages 2-6) to a mystical world of imagination, friendship, and colorful tales. Animate your voice, and let the adventures begin.

United States National Park Service

National Park Week

April 15 to 23, 2017

Did you know: National Park Week is April 15 to 23, 2017! Plan your visit by what you want to do or where you want to go. Here are some highlights during National Park Week:  

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