by Veera Hiranandani JF HIRANANDANI, V. Ariel Goldberg is in middle school, dealing with friendship and learning challenges. Ariel is also dealing with family issues, as her beloved older sister Leah leaves home to marry Raj, the Indian man that she has fallen in love with. When Leah’s parents refuse to accept the marriage, Ariel realizes…
Picks by Amy S.
No Vacancy
by Tziporah Cohen JF COHEN, T. Miriam and her family move from Manhattan to upstate New York to run a motel. Miriam is 11, and has two good friends she hates to leave back home. Upon arrival in her new town, Miriam meets a new friend, Kate and a cast of towns people who begin…
National Portrait Gallery and Black History Month
Let's visit the National Portrait Gallery without even leaving the house! Google arts and culture has created a virtual exhibit of notable African Americans, which is a great exhibit to explore any time, but especially during Black History Month. To extend your experience, we've put together a list of books about some of the famous…
One Last Word by Nikki Grimes
One Last Word, Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes author Nikki Grimes, photo by Aaron Lemen Original poems from the Harlem Renaissance are used as the foundation for Grimes new poems in the beautiful poetry book, One Last Word, Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance. Grimes brings the Harlem Renaissance right to the present with…
E-Book & E-Audiobook – Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
Twelve-year-old Amal’s dreams of becoming a teacher are crushed when she accidentally insults a member of her Pakistani village’s ruling family. Her punishment is to become a servant for the insulted family. As Amal navigates this new, harsh life, her unwavering courage keep her going. Amal’s sense of hope makes this ultimately an uplifting story.…
When the Stars Come Out by Nicola Edwards
When the Stars Come Out by Nicola Edwards, and illustrated by Lucy Cartwright is a celebration of night time. This fact filled book is full of so much fascinating information. Ever wonder about the history and formation of the night sky? Looking for more information about habitats at night and the nocturnal animals that live…
Checked by Cynthia Kadohata
Conor is a typical 11-year-old boy who eats and breathes hockey. After Conor, his dad, and his Doberman, Sinbad, temporarily relocate due to wildfires near their home, he discovers his dog is suffering from cancer and his dad is struggling with his stressful job as a police officer. Because hockey can be an expensive sport,…
Poetree by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds
Poetree, written by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds and illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani is a picture book about a little girl who, at the end of winter, writes a poem about spring and leaves it tied to a birch tree. Much to the girl’s surprise, the tree writes back! The watercolor illustrations and the sweet text create…
Paul Writes a Letter by Chris Raschka
In Paul Writes a Letter, Raschka gives us a lovely introduction to St. Paul and his epistles. Paul was a faithful and educated man who in the middle of his life began to believe in the story and teaching of Jesus. He traveled all throughout the Roman Empire to speak of his new way of thinking. While he…
Vincent Comes Home by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley
Vincent is a cat who lives on a cargo ship and his paws have never touched land. He has a happy life aboard ship and travels all over the world. Vincent overhears a ship’s crewman speaking of Home, and decides to follow the man Home and see just why Home is so wonderful. This beautifully…
