Story Tags

The Parker Inheritance

You've Got a Friend in Me

Books about friendship for kids and teens

Younger kids (Pre-k through 2nd grade) Hooray for Hat by Brian Won Elephant is in a terrible mood, but surprising generosity from a mysterious benefactor cheers him up so much that he decides to help his friends get out of their gloominess. An excellent opportunity to discuss supporting friends and shaking off sadness.

Izzy Barr

And I ran, I ran so far away

Track and Field books for school kids

I walk along the avenue I never thought I'd read a book like you Read a book like you Within a cover the story lies The kind of book that hypnotizes me through You hypnotize me through And I ran I ran so far away I just ran And read all night and day I couldn't get away ----

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.

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)

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