Story Tags

The four agreements: a practical guide to personal freedom

A penny for your thoughts!?

Here's a list of books that challenge us to think twice about our thinking. Distractions and unhealthy messages abound so much so, its easy to engage in self-deprecating thought patterns.These books challenge us to find our grounding and to be present with our thoughts as we engage with life. Adult titles: 

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.

What if cover - Face of a girl with purple hair

Grow your Creativity, Grow your World

Books to help spark new ideas

Everyone (even kids!) can feel stuck at times. Whether you're facing a tough homework problem, or a challenge that seems insurmountable, sometimes the answer requires taking a new perspective. That's where creativity enters the picture. Treating creativity as a practice allows new perspectives and options to enter the world. The books below can help stretch the mind and develop new insights. For children birth to 5

Ready Set Baby

New Baby Books

introducing a sibling to a new baby

It can be hard to become a new sibling. You used to be the center of attention, but now there's this new loud crying tiny thing taking up your parents attention. Luckily, there are lots of books out there to help explain to new big siblings how to help and why that new baby isn't so bad after all. My colleague Abby made a list last year, but there are tons of books on this topic so I wanted to share some of my favorites as well!  

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by L Pichon

Zoo-Wee-Mama!

Series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid

There’s no doubt that Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is massively popular. Keeping the books on library shelves can be a huge challenge, and it’s always tough when we (the library staff) have to tell eager kids that the book in the series they’re seeking isn’t currently available.

HH Bright

The Essential Theatre Presents:

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

In partnership with The Essential Theatre, the Anacostia Library cordially invites you to see the play, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  This play based upon Washington Irving’s famous short story has been adapted by David Ostergaard and directed by Emily Hubbard. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow  is an ideal autumn tale for young and old.  More tricks and treats will follow after the play provided by the Fairlawn Citizens Association and the Friends of Anacostia Library.

A Festival of Ghosts cover : A girl and boy in fall clothing stand in front of a gnarled and leafless tree.

More Children's Scary Stories

For a bone chilling read

Ok, ghost story loving kids. Get ready, because this year I have even more spooky books for you as we head into the long nights and the winds grow chillier.

Love Sugar Magic

Magical Middle Grade

Do you have a child in your life who loves fantastical stories? Check out these five magical middle grade novels, with diverse settings ranging from a Texas panaderia (bakery) to two different Caribbean islands, from the mountains of Appalachia to a mysterious town where everything is just a little too perfect.  

and tango makes three

Too Gay for America

Challenged books featuring same-sex content

Banned Books Week, which occurs every September, is a very important time for people who endorse reading without restrictions.

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