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! 

Museum Inspired Grab & Go Bags!

A post from Ms. Lorraine.

With many museums closed for public visitation, I thought we could have fun and learn with STEAM activities connected to some of the museums we have library passes for, thus keeping them in our hearts until we can visit in person. 

Using very few supplies, we can create and experiment with ideas I’ve researched and modified. 

Most of their websites have a variety of virtual offerings, as well, depending on your desires to learn or just have fun. 

OK, so what is all the fuss about STEM/STEAM?, you may ask.  What’s the difference between STEM and STEAM? And just what makes STEM/STEAM learning important? Let me share what I have learned.

Science encourages investigation and answering questions, often involving experimentation.

Technology refers to using simple tools like crayons and rulers, as well as more complex ones like microscopes and computers

Engineering refers to recognizing problems and testing solutions

Arts encourage creativity and allows children to illustrate concepts they are learning

Mathematics deals with numbers, but also patterns, shapes, organizational skills and much more

The main difference between STEM and STEAM is STEM explicitly focuses on scientific concepts.  STEM represents science, technology, engineering and math, while STEAM adds in the arts – humanities, language arts, dance, drama, music, visual arts, design and new media.

STEM and STEAM learning are both very important because these five disciplines are used in everyday activities. They promote problem solving, innovation, and creative and analytical thinking. STEM disciplines are a growing part of our economy.  Including the A for Arts helps us remember the importance of personal expression and creativity as well.   

So let the fun and learning begin!

Look for our Grab-N-Go Bucket on the Front porch starting January 5th!

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!

"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.

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