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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

The Twins' Blanket by Hyewon Yum

Twins For the Win

Children's Books About Twins

Sometimes we get promoted at work, and sometimes we get promoted in life.  For a long time, I wanted to become promoted to Auntie Liz, so you can imagine my joy when my brother and his wife told me they were expecting.  A few weeks later, the phone call came that it was twins.

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.  

New Kid book cover

When You've Read All the Raina Telgemeier... (Part 2)

...try some of these.

I didn't want to overwhelm you with too many titles in my first Raina readalikes post, but boy do I have more. If you love Raina Telgemeier's books so much that the only ones you haven't read are the ones she hasn't published yet, there are so many other books you can enjoy in the meantime!

Sunny Side Up book cover

When You've Read All the Raina Telgemeier... (Part 1)

...try some of these.

You may know and love Raina Telgemeier (listen to her pronounce her name here) from her graphic novels Smile, Sisters,

Lovely cover

Learning About Differences

Not just for adults any more!

In cities like Washington, D.C. there are so many people and they are all unique. This curated list contains a variety of protagonists and thoughts about differences. Let's celebrate the beautiful diversity of our city with diverse reads! Picture books for early readers Lovely by Jess Hong

Luz sees the light cover

Graphic Novels and Nonfiction to Share with Kids

Connect with little literatis through graphic works

Sometimes, the best way to connect with the kids in your life is over a good book. But you might be wondering what constitutes a good book when it comes to little literatis. Fear not, the Children’s Librarian is here! Below, find six great graphic novels (and two graphic format nonfiction) to share with kids, whether you’re looking to start a conversation or just want a good story.

White paper with black writing reading "Constellation of Books"

Constellation of Books!

Favorites from Our Young Readers

The Grand Staircase at Woodridge has a few obvious purposes- going up and down between floors, and relaxing on the benches. A new collaborative project also brings book recommendations from young library readers in the form of the Constellation of Books! Friends wrote down their favorite books for inclusion in this fun display along the staircase glass, taking us from the stairs all the way to the stars. See anything you'd like to revisit?

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.

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