Story Tags

The One and Only Ivan.

Newbery Winners Adapted to Film

The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the best children’s book published the previous year. Since its first awarding in 1922, numerous beloved books have been Newbery Medal winners or honor books, many have influenced children’s lives for the better, and several have been adapted to film. 

Where the Watermelons Grow cover

Stay At Home Family Book Club Picks

Great Books for the Whole Family to Read & Discuss During Self-Quarantine

Being cooped up at home with your family 24/7 can be stressful, no matter how much you love them. Everyone needs entertainment and intellectual stimulation, and a bit of quiet time to themselves. During this self-quarantine period, it can be hard to find enough of the first two, and any of the third. So I’ve put together this list of 10 excellent middle grade books that the entire family can read and discuss. If you're seeking something that is educational, quiet, and promotes family bonding, then look no further! All the books on this list had to meet four simple criteria:

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.

Cover of The History of Gallaudet University

See What I'm Saying?

A Read Feed dedicated to Deaf culture and American Sign Language!

A Perfectly Unhaunted Place book cover

Spooky stories to read around an autumn campfire

(or under a blanket fort with a flashlight)

As the leaves begin to yellow at the edges and the wind begins to blow a little cooler, it becomes the perfect time of year to settle in with a good ghost story. If you're taking an early fall camping trip, be sure to tote along one of these haunting middle grade books (grades 3-7) to pass the time. Or just read them at home with a flashlight under the covers--as long as you don't stay up too late.

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

Blankets

Cool as a Cucumber

Books to lower your temperature in the dog days of August

Has the sweltering heat and the stifling humidity been getting you down? A tall glass of ice water accompanied by one of these chilly reads will be sure to keep you cool! For Young Readers (Pre-K to 3rd Grade)   Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle

Serafina and the Black Cloak book cover

Brave & Daring Girls

Fiction for Ages 8 to 12

At the Southeast Library, our Kids’ Book Club meets once a month to discuss a book, enjoy snacks, and do an interactive activity (ages 8 to 12, last Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. – check out our calendar!). As much fun as the meetings are, my favorite part comes at the end: the participating kids vote on which book they will read and discuss the following month.

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny

Daring Detectives

Fantastic detective novels for every young super sleuth

Mystery and intrigue are compelling components of every genre of literature whether it's written for children or adults. There is something in human nature that longs to solve the puzzle or at least be along for the ride. That is one of the reasons detective and mystery novels are great choices for reluctant or beginner readers.

calpurnia

Defiant Damsels of Historical Fiction

These gritty grrrls defy the damsel in distress trope!

Young people's literature is filled with characters of emotional depth and range, internal conflict, conviction, and courage that impressionable young girls can relate to and/or draw inspiration from. As this is the season for doling out awards to film, TV, and books, I am sharing my favorite historical fiction books teeming with gritty grrrls and intrepid womenfolk who defy the "damsel in distress" trope despite their complicated circumstances.

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