Reading Lists

Reading List: National Suicide Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Awareness Month, also known as Suicide Prevention Month. Award-winning titles in this booklist share stories of characters who are struggling with thoughts of suicide or who are grieving the loss of a family member or friend who has committed suicide. As always, with reading there is understanding. It is our hope […]

Thematic Reading List: Photography

Photography for kids!: a fun guide to digital photography By: Michael Ebert and Sandra Abend Keys to capturing exciting images range from advice on how to take photos of small things such as insects to self-portraits and pictures that can be taken on […]

Thematic Reading List: Out of this World Characters

Stories are entertaining to read, especially when they feature characters who are out of this world! Whether they actually live on another planet or they are simply not typically part of the common landscape, these creatures inspire imagination and joy. While mythical, the characters in these stories have found a way into the hearts of […]

Thematic Reading List: Nobel Prize winners

In the history of its existence, the Nobel Prize has been awarded to outstanding humans from around the world. These people have contributed significantly to their areas of expertise and have moved global civilization forward in doing so. From peace to science to literature, these movers and shakers have made and continue to make a […]

Thematic Reading List: Hello, Winter!

The chill of winter brings with it snow, hot cocoa, and winter fun. Especially for young children who have not had much experience with this season, the arrival of winter can be magical! Folk tales and stories about winter abound, as do non-fiction titles that explain winter in an accessible and factual way. Both kinds […]

Thematic Reading List: Ninja Day

In honor of International Ninja Day on December 5, this book list has been curated to give readers a solid place to start learning about these elusive characters. In recent years, ninjas have made a significant mark on juvenile literature: folk tales have been retold to include ninjas, and even the LEGO franchise has added […]

Thematic Reading List: 10 Thanksgiving Family-Themed Picture Books

Thanksgiving picture book lists typically include a mixture of books about the first Thanksgiving, turkeys trying to escape becoming dinner, and dinner mishaps. For this year’s Thanksgiving list, we focus on the dynamic of the family get-together. Enjoy these 10 picture book recommendations about the most stressful dinner of the year. […]

Thematic Reading List: Cake Day!

Cake is one of the most common celebratory foods, especially on birthdays. In honor of National Cake Day (November 26), this list is designed to help children ages five and under to learn about cake. These fiction titles introduce birthday cake, how cakes are designed, and how cakes bring people together. Families will love reading […]

Thematic Reading List: Librarians Rock!

A book can change a thought, a belief, an action. A book can bring understanding and exploration. While books can have these powers, it sometimes takes a powerful person to connect us with these books. That powerful person in the library is the librarian. A librarian shares in the reading journey by connecting the voice […]

Thematic Reading List: Grief and Young Children

Though it is not easy to talk about, young children experience grief just like adults do. However, it is newer to them and may not be something that they have the tools to manage. Books are a great way to help children understand what grief is, that it is ok to grieve, and how to […]

Thematic Reading List: 8 Books to Learn Coding

Coders are one of the most highly sought after employees not only in computer-related companies but in many industries. Teaching children coding skills in elementary school can help them grasp coding language early and may promote a love of the language and possibly a future vocation. These eight books, recommended for readers under the age […]

Thematic Reading List: Books to Make Kiddos Giggle

It is hard to find a sound more enjoyable than that of a baby’s laughter. And it’s hard to predict exactly what will make a baby laugh! This collection of books will tickle young and old alike, especially those readers under the age of 5. An assortment of stories is included in this list, combining […]

Thematic Reading List: Illustrators Who Also Author Books

Authors and illustrators are creative people. But what do you get when an illustrator decides to author and illustrate his/her own book? Pure magic! We all know the long list of classic author/illustrators- Dr. Seuss, Jan Brett, Ezra Jack Keats, Eric Carle, Donald Crews, Rosemary Wells- just to name a few. They have produced classics […]

Thematic Reading List : Machines that Move!

Children of all ages love watching things that move. From cars and trucks to more heavy machinery, each one holds a unique and exciting place in a child’s attention. Technology is a vital component to daily life and is emphasized in STEM curriculum. This selection of books introduces children ages 0-5 to the technology of […]

Thematic Reading List : The Space Race

Learn about the people who made space travel happen. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Hidden figures By: Margot Lee Before John Glenn orbited the Earth or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as “Human Computers,” calculating the flight […]

Thematic Reading List: Tap me a Rhythm, Sing me a Song

Great books for kids ages 0-3 who love rhythm and music. These selections include a blend of traditional favorites and new hits that inspire movement and participation. Readers of all ages will enjoy sharing these books with their youngest family members, especially reading them aloud. Don’t be surprised if these books are requested over and […]

Thematic Reading List: Kindergarten

Kindergarten- the first formal education of many children. The concept of Kindergarten was created by Wilhelm August Frobel whom started the very first Kindergarten in Germany in 1837. Frobel believed that children learn through play and experience. Kindergarten was a balance of the two that would allow children to transition from home to school more […]

Thematic Reading List: 10 Essential Graphic Novel Series

While there have been many graphic novels published this year, no graphic novel collection is complete without these graphic novel series. We consider them signature series in the juvenile graphic novel collection. They helped graphic novels gain popularity and even come out of the regular fiction shelves to create a new library collection in many […]

Thematic Reading List: National I Love Horses Day

July 15th is National I Love Horses Day. To celebrate, we are revisiting 10 horse themed classics and soon to be classics. Misty of Chincoteague By: Marguerite Henry Two children from Chincoteague help in the annual roundup of wild horses on a nearby island. They work hard to raise money […]

Thematic Reading List: 25 Everything 4th of July Books

When we think about the 4th of July we not only think of America’s independence, but we also think of parades, fireworks, and picnics with family and friends. This reading list covers the meaning of Independence Day, the many types of things we do to celebrate the holiday, and a few chapter books with July 4th settings for our chapter book readers. […]