Middle Grade Books with Heart and Humor

January 2, 2021 | Boydl

These titles feature strong protagonists, strong values, kindness, and humor. Read these with your grownup or your friends and chat about what you read and experiences in your life that are similar. Did we miss your favorite? What book would you recommend?

A drop of hope by Keith Calabrese
New kid by illustrator Jerry Craft

Diwali 2020: The Festival of Lights

November 12, 2020 | Boydl
orange background with mandala designs that says "Happy Diwali"

Diwali (also called Deepavali, Dipavali, Dewali, Deepawali, or the Festival of Lights) is the biggest and most important celebration in India. The name originates from the row of clay lamps (diya or deepa) that Indians light outside their homes in the representation of the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This celebration is over 2,500 years old. This holiday is celebrated by Hindus mainly but is also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities too. Diwali takes place over 5 days in either October or November. This year it spans November 12- 16 with the main celebration day in the middle on November 14. 

To learn more, or to find some activities or materials to check out, keep scrolling down! 

Rangoli Decorations

Electronic Resources for Native American Heritage Month

November 11, 2020 | Boydl

November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

- information from National Congress of American Indians

 

Red bird sings [electronic resource] : The story of zitkala-¿Ła, native american author, musician, and activist. by Gina Capaldi
A boy named beckoning [electronic resource] : The true story of dr. carlos montezuma, native american hero. by Gina Capaldi

Kids Books that Remember, Honor, and Celebrate our Veterans

November 11, 2020 | Boydl

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. 

Celebrate Veterans Day and read one of the books linked below to celebrate and honor our veterans. 

-Information on Veterans Day was gathered at History.com 
 

The Frank show by David Mackintosh
Wolf Hollow [sound recording] : a novel by 1956- Lauren Wolk

Chapter Books Series Worth Investigating

October 7, 2020 | Boydl

Looking for a new series to dive into? Here are some newer series that might just lead you into a new favorite genre or author. 

Hole in the middle by Coco Simon
Treasure hunters by 1947- James Patterson

This Is NOT A Book Club*- TINA Take-Out

Boydl

January

January registration for Dactyl Hill Squad is now closed. Those who have registered, please pick up your kits and join us on January 28th for the Zoom meeting. The link for the meeting will be sent within 24 hours of the event. 

February

New from the creators of This is NOT a Book Club (TINA): TINA Take-Out! Check out our menu for this month's tasty book and side treat. Patrons aged 10-13 are invited to register for this month's special and choose your own side! 

Register for this program starting January 25th. Pick-up your free book and craft kit, read the book, and then join us on February 25th where we will hangout and talk about the book, create your side craft, and compete for prizes in our live trivia event! 

Note: please schedule your pickup appointment OR pick up your kit from the hold shelf AFTER you receive an email noting your kit is ready. Kits take time to make and place on the hold shelf. 

Main Course

This month's TINA Take-Out menu features the FRESH read, Amulet #1: The Stonekeeper. This book is great for fantasy graphic novel fans.

Side Dish

The choices for your side this month are below. Please indicate which side you would like by entering the letter in the Note Field when you register.

A- DIY Amulet Necklace

B- Comic Book Collage

 

Can't decide or want to be surprised? Leave the note field blank and we will pick for you! 

Upcoming sessions

Thursday, January 28 - 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM — Online — Dactyl Hill Squad (rescheduled from December) — Register
Thursday, February 25 - 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM — Online — Amulet (registration opens January 25)

Return To Hogwarts

August 5, 2020 | Boydl
View of Hogwarts school; a large castle on a mountain top

This school year is right around the corner and even though we are not sure what it will look like just yet, we can always count on returning to the majestic halls in Harry Potter's own Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Join us for a number of programs including Howell Nature Center's presentation of Fantastical Beasts, check out super fun activities and find out the best place to check out or listen to the Harry Potter books for free. 

Class List

Explore Religion In Youth Fiction

August 4, 2020 | Boydl

One of the best ways to learn about the world around you is by reading books. We learn about ourselves and others by reading books that we can relate to, as well as those that teach us something about our neighbors. If there is something specific you'd like to read on, feel free to try a subject search in our catalog, or ask a librarian for help with search terms and suggestions. For a general smattering of books that feature characters who follow certain religious faiths, below are some titles that include Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity which might be of interest. Did we miss one of your favorite books? Feel free to comment below. 

Judaism

Confessions of a closet Catholic by Sarah Littman

If You Enjoyed Harry Potter...

July 31, 2020 | Boydl

These books are suggested as readalikes for the popular series Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling. Magic, friendship, mischief, and action are all themes you will find in these titles. 

The alchemyst : the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel by 1959- Michael Scott

The truth: Nicholas Flamel's tomb is empty. The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. Nicholas Flamel is the greatest Alchemyst to ever live. The records show that he died in 1418, but what if he's actually been making the elixir of life for centuries? The secrets to eternal life are hidden within the book he protects--the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed, and in the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. And that's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. There is one hope. If the prophecy is true, Sophie and Josh Newman have the power to save everyone. Now they just have to learn to use it. 

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths. Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret--behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime. In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation. But it's a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

Mysteries and Thrillers to Binge

July 31, 2020 | Boydl

Are you a fan of Patterson, Baldacci, Koontz, or other popular writers and looking for something new to try? Perhaps you just want to check out a title in the genres mentioned above. Either way, we've got you covered with these newer titles which are stand-alone, or part of a newer series for your reading pleasure. 

Before the fall by Noah Hawley

On a foggy summer night, eleven people--ten privileged, one down-on-his-luck painter--depart Martha's Vineyard on a private jet headed for New York. Sixteen minutes later, the unthinkable happens: the plane plunges into the ocean. The only survivors are the painter Scott Burroughs and a four-year-old boy, who is now the last remaining member of an immensely wealthy and powerful media mogul's family.

Was it by chance that so many influential people perished? Or was something more sinister at work? A storm of media attention brings Scott fame that quickly morphs into notoriety and accusations, and he scrambles to salvage truth from the wreckage. Amid trauma and chaos, the fragile relationship between Scott and the young boy grows and glows at the heart of this stunning novel, raising questions of fate, morality, and the inextricable ties that bind us together.

The anomaly by Michael Rutger

If Indiana Jones lived in the X-Files era, he might bear at least a passing resemblance to Nolan Moore -- a rogue archaeologist hosting a web series derisively dismissed by the "real" experts, but beloved of conspiracy theorists. Nolan sets out to retrace the steps of an explorer from 1909 who claimed to have discovered a mysterious cavern high up in the ancient rock of the Grand Canyon. And, for once, he may have actually found what he seeks. Then the trip takes a nasty turn, and the cave begins turning against them in mysterious ways. Nolan's story becomes one of survival against seemingly impossible odds. The only way out is to answer a series of intriguing questions: What is this strange cave? How has it remained hidden for so long? And what secret does it conceal that made its last visitors attempt to seal it forever

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