Story Tags

We came to America

Kids' American History Reads

In coordination with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Read about America with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History! These picture and chapter books are wonderful family reads and are a great tool to help your family develop a sense of home and aspiration for the future of the country. Whether you're a history buff or just avoiding summer slide, these picks will move you, inspire you, and wrap you up in a world that was, so that you can help to decide what the world will become.  Picture Books

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)

Wuthering Heights

Gothic Fiction for the Whole Family Part 2 (Teens and Adults)

A celebration of old-world-style scares

It's never too late to develop a taste for Gothic reads. 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 in such, to find ways to cope with scary and negative feelings in their day-to-day lives. Find a comfy chair and get ready for some shocking, fearsome and morose reads.

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.

Post Secret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God

These Are My Confessions

Just when I thought I said all I could say...

Forgive me reader, for I have sinned. For penance, I offer you book after book of guilty consciences, all of which are suitable for adult audiences. I Didn't Come Here to Make Friends: Confessions of a Reality Show Villain By: Courtney Robertson

Took

A Catalog of Disturbing Dolls

In case you needed more nightmares.

Glass eyes, rag dresses, and yarn curls. There's nothing like a haunted doll to make even the bravest readers shiver. Forget that old Stephen King X-Files episode and read on for some thrilling tales that will leave you frightened, but not in pieces. Older Children Grades 3-6 Doll Bones by Holly Black

We should all be feminists

You Go, Girl!

Books to inspire girls and women to reach their full potential

Feeling dissatisfied with the obstacles that prevent women from reaching their full potential? Looking for a way to make a difference and inspire your child and the world around you to appreciate the contributions women make in society? Use these splendid resources as a tool to build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of women in the world. For Young Readers (Pre-K to 3rd Grade)

Inside Out and Back Again

Strength in the Face of Adversity

Books to inspire fortitude in readers of all ages

Are you looking for ways to build your bravery? Are you trying to figure out what hardships people have overcome in the past? Take a stand with these books that focus on children and adults staying true to their values despite their challenging and unjust circumstances.   For Younger Children (Pre-K to 3rd Grade)

The Good Girls Revolt

Book Pairings for Amazon's "Good Girls Revolt"

"Maybe she felt like a soda bottle that the world was just shaking and shaking- and one day the cap comes off" - Patti Robinson

In March of 1970, Newsweek published a cover story on the Women's Liberation movement entitled "Women in Revolt". That same morning, 46 women employed at Newsweek held a press conference to announce they were suing the paper for gender discrimination. For viewers who can't get enough of the Amazon mini-series based on this historic event, below are some reads that provide a closer look into the era. 

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

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