Story Tags

The Lake

Read Around the World: Japan

Japanese literature that isn't by Haruki Murakami

Expand your literary horizons by reading literature from other countries. Haruki Murakami is one of the most well-known authors in Japanese literature. Yet he is only one of many modern Japanese writers whose works are accessible in translation. A wide variety of genres and styles are represented in the selections below (all of which can be accessed through DC Public Library's stellar and diverse collection). Young Readers (Pre-K to 3rd Grade)

Elephant and Piggie

Picture Book Madness

Who will be Palisades' most beloved picture book character?

Some of the most beloved picture book characters are going head-to-head, and you get to choose the winner. Stop by the Children's Room, read books with each character and vote for your favorite at the Children's Desk. Check the bracket in the Children's Room every week to see who makes it to the next round, and who will be crowned Palisades' favorite picture book character. The madness begins on March 1 and the winner will be revealed on March 31.

The Boy with 17 Senses

Worlds Where Senses Mix, Part One

Explorations of Synesthesia in Children's Fiction

Young people are often taught that humans have five separate senses. However, the neurological condition of synesthesia, in which a stimulus of one sense involuntarily evokes another sense, challenges the assumed universality of distinct senses. Although once thought to be very rare, recent scientific research has found that as many as 4 percent of people have at least one of over 80 kinds of synesthesia.

The Year of the Dog

It's the Year of the Dog

Celebrate Chinese New Year with these reads for all ages

The Chinese New Year is a time for fresh beginnings, celebrations with friends and family and honoring ancestors. These books will give insight into how Chinese New Year is celebrated, and how centuries-old traditions came to be. The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

the doubtful guest

Gothic Fiction for the Whole Family (Part 1: Children)

A celebration of old-world-style scares

It's never too early to introduce your child to Gothic and Modern Gothic literature (or to develop a taste for it yourself). This glorious genre explores negativity in a manageable package. With supernatural elements and an exploration of feelings like unhappiness and loneliness, both Gothic and Modern Gothic literature provide a unique opportunity for readers to explore and discuss some of the more challenging and gruesome aspects of life, and to find ways to cope with scary and negative feelings in their day-to-day lives.

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

The Halloween Tree

Halloween Tales!

Not-so-spooky chapter books for kids

Halloween is my favorite time of year. I spend the month of October reading spooky stories to get ready for the season. But spooky books aren't just for adults. There have been some excellent ones written for children. Here are some that are just the right level of scary for your young reader.

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.

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.

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