Reading African American authors with your kids

 

A post from Sydney and Ms. Lorraine.

One way to recognize and honor Black History Month is to read books with your family that feature the African American experience, and that are written or illustrated by African Americans.  Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing African American authors and illustrators to choose from on our library shelves!  There are so many that is hard to choose just a few to highlight here.  We highly encourage you try some of these with your family this month, and beyond! 

Picture Books:

We have to start with the wonderful Pinkney Family!  Jerry Pinkney is a Philadelphia-born author and illustrator.  He has illustrated over 100 books since 1964, including picture books, nonfiction titles and novels. Pinkney's works address diverse themes and are usually done in watercolors.  He has received multiple awards for his illustrations and his contributions to the field of children's literature. Jerry’s wife, Gloria Jean Pinkney, is also an author, and several of their children are prolific authors or artists as well.  Search for the name “Pinkney” in our catalog—you will be amazed at how many titles come up!

Here are just a few other ideas for picture books authors and illustrators:

• Kadir Nelson (e.g., We Are the Ship: the Story of the Negro Baseball League)
• Donald Crews (e.g., Freight Train)
• Faith Ringgold (e.g., Tar Beach)
• Natasha Tarpley (e.g., I Love My Hair!)
• John Steptoe (e.g., Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: an African Tale)

Chapter Books & Graphic Novels: 

Jacqueline Woodson has written books for all ages but may be best known for her works for middle grader readers: e.g., Harbor Me (a novel) and Brown Girl Dreaming (her beautiful memoir in verse).  You can read her many picture books--including The Day You Begin, Show Way, or The Other Side (illustrated by the equally wonderful E.B. Lewis)--with young children.  On their own, adults would enjoy Red at the Bone or Another Brooklyn.  Here are just a few more ideas if you are looking for African American authors for middle graders:

• Sharon M. Draper (e.g., Stella by Starlight
• Kwame Alexander (e.g., Crossover)
• Jerry Craft (e.g., New Kid)
• Rita Williams-Garcia (e.g., One Crazy Summer)
• Kwame Mbalia (e.g., Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky)
• Mildred D. Taylor (e.g., Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry)
• Christopher Paul Curtis (e.g., Bud, Not Buddy)
• Renee Watson (e.g., Ways to Make Sunshine)

Young Adult:  

It’s wonderful to see more and African American authors appearing on the YA shelves.  Sydney just read a recent publication, Legendborn, by Tracy Deonn, and highly recommends it for fantasy YA fans.  Here are a few more of authors to try—they offer contemporary fiction, fantasy, novels in verse. 

• Angie Thomas (e.g., The Hate U Give)
• Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone series)
• Elizabeth Acevedo (e.g., Clap When You Land)
• Jason Reynolds (e.g., Long Way Down)
• Bethany Morrow (A Song Below Water)
• Walter Dean Myers (e.g., Monster)

Are any of your favorites listed here?  There are so many more to choose from.  Commemorate Black History Month with us this month and check out some of these great reads. We think you'll discover some new favorites to keep enjoying all year! 

Ms. Lorraine at play: Try a Launchpad!

 

Hello Library Friends! Ms. Lorraine here!

Thanks to a donation from ASTM, International, the library recently added Playaway Launchpads to our collection. These are durable tablets preloaded with educational games and read-alongs, etc.!  We have Launchpads covering many subjects and different age/grade levels. 

I decided to try one out so I can tell you all what to expect from this new collection.  I set out on my own adventure by checking out Backpack of Fun! which is aimed at ages 5-7, grades K-2.  I have to admit that it has been several years since I was even close to this age/grade level, but I guess I am still a perfect fit for games aimed at this range.  Once I determined how to turn on the preloaded tablet (no children at my home to guide me), I was on my way!

The choices are many--let the adventure begin! There were stories to listen to, languages to explore, games to play!  I read along with Arthur, traveled to France and picked up a few French words.  I magically explored the Rain Forest with music.  I played one of my favorite childhood games: Highlights Magazine “Find the Hidden Pictures.  The 10 interactive books, games and activities on this particular Launchpad kept me entertained and busy. 

I highly recommend that you call or visit the library to choose a Playaway Launchpad adventure of your own!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

What a great way to get your child ready for Kindergarten, and for a lifetime of enjoying books!  If you read just one book a day with your child, that's 365 books in a year.  Before you and your child know it, you'll have 1,000 books read.  

Conshohocken Free Library and MCNPL have a program designed to help for families with kids up to age 5 (or Kindergarten age) keep track of their reading.  Register for the challenge at http://mcnpl.beanstack.org, and then log your books.  This is the same platform we used for the Summer Reading Program online this year, and it's really easy to use.  You can log your reading on a computer or through the app on a mobile device. And YES, repeat reads count!  

Your child will reach milestones when you read 1 book, 25 books, 100 books, 250 books, 500 books, and 1,000 books.  Once you reach each milestone, come visit us at the Conshohocken Free Library for a special reward.  Conshy Kids who read the most books will have their names featured on a Wall of Fame at the library!  

We already have a few names for our wall--will the next one be YOURS?

Join the challenge at http://mcnpl.beanstack.org!

"SERIE-ous" reads for grade school readers!

Hello Friends!  Ms. Lorraine here, Youth Services Specialist @ the Conshohocken Free Library!

I have been noticing a great many fun and interesting book series' for grade school-aged readers in the past few years.  Here are a few that caught my eye and piqued my interest!

Dog Man, by Dav Pilkey 
Dav Pilkey's wildly popular Dog Man series of graphic novels appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of doing good.

Baby-Sitters Club, by Ann M. Martin, Raina Telgemeier and Gale Gilligan.
These new graphic novel adaptations perfectly capture all the drama and humor of the beloved original novels. 

The Questioneers series by Andrea Beaty
If you loved the bestselling picture books starring Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck, now you can follow their further adventures in brand-new chapter books!

“I survived” series, by Lauren Tarshis
History's most exciting and terrifying events come to life in this New York Times bestselling series.

“I am” books - "OrdinaryPeople Change the World," by Brad Meltzer
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. 

Heidi Heckelbeck series and Henry Heckelbeck series, by Wanda Coven
With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Heidi/Henry Heckelbeck chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Special virtual programs for October

 

A post from Sydney

Thanks to a donation from ASTM International, the library is happy to be able to provide special programs this month focusing on our younger patrons.  These are stressful times for all of us, and we hope to help by giving kids a chance to express themselves creatively, and to keep themselves grounded physically and emotionally.  

We hope to see you at some of these exciting programs!  Register by clicking on the links below.

Creative Practices Virtual Art Programs with Amy Grebe, Tuesdays through October 27, 7PM
We have three sessions for grades K-4 and three more for grades 5-8. Sign up for one or for all in your age groups, and if you are "on the cusp" you may want to sign up for both age groups!  Design a mandala, weave a wall-hanging, learn how to bind your own journal, use recycled cardboard as an artistic medium ... there are so many ways to be creative!  Register to get the Zoom link and call the library to arrange pick up of your materials packets.

Little Yogis, with yoga home.  Wednesdays in October, 10AM
Even our littlest yogis find the physical, mental and emotional benefits of a yoga practice!  From stretching and strengthening immune systems to creating great sense of calm to boosting confidence, yoga can support your little one their development.  Using age appropriate games and storytelling, this class will give your child tools to help regulate their nervous systems in these uncertain times.  

The instructor, Allison Gold Russell, brings her Next Generation Kids Yoga training, parenting experience and joy of teaching to her classes.  Little Yogis is designed for children walking to pre-k.

Yoga for Teens, with yoga home.  Thursdays, starting October 8, 7PM
Recommended ages 12-16.  Students will practice movement to enhance flexibility, coordination, and more! We will also focus on breathing techniques and relaxation each class. Yoga taps into both the mind and body and allows us to act in a way that honors the best version of who we are.  Yoga can build self-confidence, connect you with your community and relieve stress.  

The instructor, Jennifer McCracken, brings her expertise as an educator, yoga and fitness enthusiast to her teaching. 

New picture book arrivals at CFL

 

Hello Friends!

Ms. Lorraine here, Youth Services Specialist @ the Conshohocken Free Library! Now that we are back to the library I have been able to read so many Picture books. Here is my list of Top 5 Favorite Books New to Our Collection. Check them out and give us call to reserve your copy or stop by and visit when we are open and we will be glad to help you find something to read.

Almost Time by Gary Schmidt A tender father-and-son story about the passage of time, the change of seasons, and the excitement of reaching a goal.


Bug Off!: A Story Of Fireflies And Friendship by Cari Best A young girl learns what it really means to sparkle in this charming picture book about the challenges and joys of making new friends.


Cityscape: Where Science And Art Meet by April Pulley Sayre Written by an acclaimed author and photographer, she explores the basic STEAM concepts that are always just around the corner with striking photographs and a lyrical, layered text.


Green on Green written by Dianne White and illustrated by Felicita Sala. A beautifully written and illustrated story of the seasons


Like the Moon Loves the Sky: (Mommy Book for Kids, Islamic Children's Book, Read-Aloud Picture Book) by Hena Khan A lyrical and heartwarming celebration of a mother's love for her children by the award-winning author of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns