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Book Cover

Graphic Novel Girls

I have always been interested in graphic novels that have a woman or young girl as the main character. Maybe it's because when I was younger, I did not see a lot of female lead characters. Well, that has definitely changed. Here are some of my favorite Juvenile Graphic Novels with strong young women as leads. Snow White written and illustrated by Matt Phelan

Fever 1793

History Meets Fiction

Great Historical Fiction for ages 9-14

The DC Public Library and the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History have teamed up to highlight some great novels all about American history! As we head back into the school year, dive into some great historical fiction and hear a new perspective throughout different periods in American history.

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Five Books That Got Me Interested in Reading

Reading used to be a chore for me. I used to cringe every time I had English/Literature class through my elementary/middle school years. I sat in the back and rarely raised my hand. I had done the reading required for that day. I had pretty good "reading comprehension" skills even though I didn't know it was even called that at that age. That wasn't the problem. I just was never interested in the books they had us reading at that time.

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?

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