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Littler Women: A Modern Retelling
by Laura Schaefer
Submitted by Patty G.
This junior novel stays true to the characters of Louisa May Alcott’s classic
Little Women
. It’s a contemporary retelling of a year in the life of the March girls, perfect for the younger reader that may not be quite ready for the full length version of
Little Women
. The story reminds us of the importance of family, charity, and accepting each other’s differences - does not change no matter what the era of the story. Each chapter ends with a sweet recipe or craft that would be perfect for mother daughter bonding.
(Children’s Fiction)
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Roverandom
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Submitted by Erik S.
I last read Roverandom when I was probably 9 years old. I was enthralled, at the time, by Tolkien’s Middle Earth books (especially
The Hobbit
), and although this story is unrelated to his more famous works, I loved it nonetheless, and I loved revisiting it now, many years later. This book, ideal for any child with an adventurous bent, follows Rover—a small dog turned into a toy by a disgruntled wizard—as he journeys to the moon and to the bottom of the sea, all in an attempt to regain his original form.
(Children’s Fiction)
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Dear Sweet Pea
by Julie Murphy
Submitted by Katie B.
Perfect narration, quick moving plot, characters you can't help but adore, tons of diversity, and so much more. Did I mention it's hilarious? Issues addressed include divorce, friendship issues, homophobia, body issues (nobody writes about fat positivity better than Julie Murphy) and more. Great middle school read.
(Children’s Playaway)
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Winterhouse
by Ben Guterson
Submitted by Stefanie M.
Elizabeth has been living with her distant aunt and uncle since she was four years old and she HATES it. It’s December in the dreary town of Drere where she lives, and her aunt and uncle decided that they are going to go on vacation for the winter holidays, and are sending Elizabeth to a strange hotel to stay by herself for
three whole weeks
. Elizabeth is hurt that her family is abandoning her for the holidays until she arrives at the majestic Winterhouse, a renowned resort (not without its quirks and secrets, however) where people travel from near and far to spend their holiday season. Her stay does not disappoint, and she is thrust into what seems like a million different mysteries to solve, including the discovery of a magical book that might have the key to some of those aforementioned quirks and secrets. This was such a fun winter read full of adventure, puzzles, and a little tinge of the supernatural as well.
For fans of
Greenglass House
,
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
, or
Book Scavenger.
Recommended for Grades 4+
(Children’s Fiction)
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Look Both Ways
by Jason Reynolds
Submitted by Emily D.
The dismissal bell rings and Latimer Middle Schoolers all have such big lives to get back to outside of school. Reynolds tells 10 different stories, one for each block on a student’s way home. These middle school students are going through everything outside of school from planning the safest route home to avoid dogs, writing down every difference they spot, dealing with a sick parent, to understanding their own emotions. A wonderful read.
(Children’s Fiction)
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Charlotte's Web
by E.B. White
Read by Meryl Streep and a full cast
Submitted by Katie B.
Read by Meryl Streep and a full cast including voices for Homer Zuckerman, Mr. and Mrs. Arable, as well as the goose and the gander. A perfect classic audiobook for a long road trip. After 50 years since the last audiobook read by E.B. White, this takes the book to a new level. LOVED listening to this with my daughter.
(Children’s Audiobook)
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Quiet Power:
The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids
by Susan Cain
Submitted by Katie S.
Have you or your child ever been described as too quiet or a loner? This inspiring book looks at the negative connotations of an introvert as something positive and empowering. You are a thinker, a great listener, focused, and have close quality friendships. At the end of every chapter about school, socializing, hobbies, and home look for helpful tips. What I found surprising is this book has a very wide audience appeal. It is accessible for anyone age 10 or older. One of my favorite takeaways from this book is, “you don’t grow out of being shy, you grow into it.”
(Parenting Collection)
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The Presidents: Portraits of History
by Leah Tinari
Submitted by Katie B.
Beautiful art portraits, but wish there was more substance. Quick tips for all the current presidents next to their portrait make this an enjoyable book. Did you know James Buchanan had one brown eye and one green? Or that Fillmore started the first White House library?
(Children’s Non-Fiction)
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The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World
by the Staff of
The Undefeated
Submitted by Katie B.
The Fierce 44 is an accessible, engaging introduction to influential African Americans. The portraits are accompanied by one-liners describing the importance of the subject. Sidney Poitier: "because he ushered in the modern black leading man," Zora Neale Hurston: "because she inspired pride in southern black culture"; Jay-Z: "because he's the greatest man in hip-hop."
(Children’s Non-Fiction)
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Rockabye Baby!
Lullaby Renditions of Snoop Dogg
by Rockabye Baby
Submitted by Katie B.
What infant wouldn’t want to bop to “Gin and Juice”, or rock-a-bye to “California Roll”? Already “Doggy Dogg World” sounds like a hit kids’ show waiting to happen. Just don’t take “Drop It Like It’s Hot” too literally.
(Children’s CD)
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There Are No Bears in This Bakery
by Julia Sarcone-Roach
Submitted by Terri S.
Muffin, the gumshoe cat, takes his job of guarding The Little Bear Bakery very seriously. On guard one night, he hears a noise – a bear cub with a growling tummy. What ensues is a late night escapade of fun. Bright, imaginative illustrations and an enjoyable little story for mini mystery sleuths.
(Children’s Picture Books)
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I Love You, Fred
by Mick Inkpen & Chloe Inkpen
Submitted by Terri S.
Fred, an irresistibly drawn pooch, knows his words and just what they mean. He knows SIT, STAY, WALK, BED. But what is FRED? How does one FRED? Sweet illustrations (who can resist a sweatband wearing pug with goo goo eyes?!) and a thoughtful message make this fun book a classic “read to me” story.
(New Picture Books)
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Kids Choice & Monarch Book Clubs
August 16th - February 28th
Great books for emerging readers, the Monarch Award nominees offer a chance to read something different. Which one will be your favorite? Read all twenty to find out. Voting starts in November, prizes given at halfway and completion of list. Pick up your list at the Kid City Desk downstairs.
Choose from a diverse collection of the Illinois Bluestem and Rebecca Caudill nominees. Earn a prize when you read five and ten books. Pick up your list at the Kid City Desk downstairs.
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