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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?

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.

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.

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)

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.

Stranger Things That Go Bump in the Night!

Darkness falls across the land The midnight hour is close at hand Creatures crawl in search of blood To terrorize y’awl’s neighborhood

Her Initials are W.W.

Get Your Lasso and Bracelets Ready!

Perhaps you've noticed that a certain female superhero made her film debut recently. If not, then you are missing an awesome movie! But to be fair, Wonder Woman – the Amazonian princess who features a lasso and bracelets – has been around since 1941. I have been a fan since childhood and still have a picture of my Halloween costume as the demigoddess.

Primates as People

Books about families adopting primates

I read several books recently with themes about the differences and similarities between humans and other animals. I wanted to highlight some books that talk about the specific relationship between humans and our non-human primate cousins. There's a history of scientists experimenting on chimpanzees to help understand what makes our species so different from the rest of the animal kingdom, but these experiments often have a profound impact on the scientists - and non-scientists - involved.

Challenge Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge #6: Read an all ages comic

A new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot's 2017 Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook. This year, there are 24 prompts for readers, and a complete list may be found here on the Book Riot Goodreads page.