Reading List: Embracing Spanish! Bilingual Books for Kids

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The United States is filled with many cultures and languages, all residing together beneath one flag. One of the most common languages spoken after English is Spanish, and many families speak both languages in one home. Books that are bilingual English/Spanish have emerged in recent years to support children learning both Spanish and English, no […]


Reading List: Art

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Art is everywhere, and as children become more comfortable with their fine motor skills, there is more they can create. From finger painting to more delicate collage work and design, the possibilities shift and change over time. As children experiment with producing art themselves, it can be beneficial for them to learn about the many […]


Reading List: National Sandwich Month

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Sandwiches come in all shapes and sizes, containing vegetables, meats, cheeses, and sauces of all kinds. They can be hot or cold, round or square, piled high, or squished flat. August is National Sandwich Month, and what better time is there to celebrate these delicious creations? This book list includes titles for readers ages 8-12, […]


Reading List: Camping

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It’s that time of year! The days are long and warm, and it is a great time to get outdoors. Camping is one of the most popular ways to introduce children to life outside of familiar, modern comforts, but not everybody gets the chance to experience it. These books are selected for readers ages 8-12 […]


Reading List: Anti-Boredom Month

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After months of quarantine, what might have once been a welcome summer break might now seem terribly boring. However, in honor of July being Anti-Boredom month, these titles are sure to inspire fun activities to fill the time and encourage learning and exploration. From crafts to cooking to science experiments, the non-fiction titles provide readers […]


Reading List: I’ve Got a Secret

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Secrets are everywhere…but by their very nature, they are seldom seen. In some cases, secrets bring people together by sharing something unique; in other cases, secrets push people away through their inherent alienation. Regardless of their intent, secrets are coveted, sometimes shielding their carriers from unwanted attention. This book list is intended for readers aged […]


Thematic Reading List: Our Communities

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Human culture is built around communities big and small. Whether a community is made up of people who live near one another or composed of those who share a cultural heritage or background, these groups sustain one another. Sometimes, it is hard to see where one community ends and another begins, and other times it […]


Thematic Reading List: Graphic Novels with Strong Female Leads

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In the last decade, graphic novels have made a place for themselves on the shelves of readers young and old. While often misconstrued with comic books, these visual stories are an excellent way for readers of all kinds to experience books. Many graphic novels are geared toward boys and reluctant readers, which is why this […]


Thematic Reading List: Dealing with Illness

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It is hard enough watching a loved one fight an illness; it can be even harder to fight illness on one’s own. With illness an inevitability in human society, many turn to books to help manage the emotions that accompany personal or external trauma. When reading about someone else’s experience, even if it is a […]


Thematic Reading List: Out of this World Characters

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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: Activities at Home!

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Whether it’s summer vacation or a stay at home order, long days with young people outside of school can seem interminable. Even at home, there are endless activities kids can do to continue learning about their world. From science to cooking to arts and crafts, the books in this list provide myriad opportunities for school-aged […]


Thematic Reading List: Easter Fun!

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With the arrival of Spring comes the Easter holiday and celebrations of springtime animals. Though holiday celebrations now include the Easter bunny, chocolate, and gifts, Easter’s origin story remains strong in the hearts and minds of Christians around the world. This book list includes fiction and nonfiction titles specifically for emerging readers between the ages […]


Thematic Reading List: We all have Feelings!

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Understanding feelings is an important part of growing up. When children are able to recognize their feelings and express them appropriately, they are much better equipped to be successful adults. It is also important to remember that feelings are not inherently bad: everyone experiences them. What is important is how people work through those feelings. […]


Thematic Reading List: Winter Sports

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With snow and ice come winter sports for athletes of all ages. Whether it is skiing or ice skating, bobsledding or snowboarding, people love getting out and being active in the winter months. This book list includes fiction and nonfiction books for new and emerging readers about some of the more well-known winter sports. Some […]


Thematic Reading List: Read Across America Day

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Reading is one of the most important activities children, and their parents can do together. From day one, reading helps children learn words, the cadence of language, and how to construct sentences. Not only that, but reading enhances learning through story and connection with caregivers. This reading list is designed for families to read together, […]


Thematic Reading List: World Poetry Day

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Poems are one of the most beautiful and enjoyable forms of human writing. Poems express feelings of joy, sorrow, love, and wonder. In a celebration of World Poetry Day, this collection of books of poems introduces readers aged 7-12 to the world through poems. Using this style, even reluctant readers can access the stories they […]


Thematic Reading List: Siblings

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Having a sibling can be both wonderful and challenging—especially when they are brand new! This book list incorporates fiction books about siblings of various ages, from brand new to elementary school. These books discuss the joys and tribulations that come with having a sibling, allowing readers to build empathy and understanding for one another. Ideal […]


Thematic Reading List: Kids and Teens in Business

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Businesses aren’t just for adults—kids and teens can have them, too! More and more, young entrepreneurs are finding their place in the world. No longer is the lemonade stand their primary outlet for making money, either. The nonfiction titles in this booklist introduce readers aged 12-18 to the idea of business and how they can […]


Thematic Reading List: National Weatherperson’s Day – February 5

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People who predict the weather, also known as meteorologists, have the challenging task of hypothesizing how weather patterns will move and change hours and even days into the future. The science behind this job is robust, but it is not always accurate as the weather does not always behave as it seems it will. These […]