• Snow Day E-Books

    Winter is here! Do you want a new book to read but don’t want to travel in the snow? We got you covered! Check out some of these beginning reader and early chapter snow-inspired e-books! All e-books shown are available at BALibrary. Check them out and read with the Libby app on your phone, tablet, or computer.

    Looking for some personalized selections? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!

     

       Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessica 

     

  • 6 New E-Books to Read This Week

    The first week of March is National Read An E-Book Week! Here are some new chapter books that are available to download on Libby or OverDrive now!

       

    Broken Wish by Julie C. Dao

    "Sixteen-year-old Elva has a secret. She has visions and strange powers that she will do anything to hide. She knows the warnings about what happens to witches in their small village of Hanau. She’s heard the terrible things people say about the Witch of the North Woods, and the malicious hunts that follow. But when Elva accidentally witnesses a devastating vision of the future, she decides she has to do everything she can to prevent it. Tapping into her powers for the first time, Elva discovers a magical mirror and its owner—none other than the Witch of the North Woods herself. As Elva learns more about her burgeoning magic, and the lines between hero and villain start to blur, she must find a way to right past wrongs before it’s too late."
       

    Golden Girl by Reem Faruqi

    "Seventh grader Aafiyah loves playing tennis, reading Weird but True facts, and hanging out with her best friend, Zaina. However, Aafiyah has a bad habit that troubles her--she's drawn to pretty things and can't help but occasionally 'borrow' them. But when her father is falsely accused of a crime he hasn't committed and gets taken in by authorities, Aafiyah knows she needs to do something to help. When she brainstorms a way to bring her father back, she turns to her Weird but True facts and devises the perfect plan."
       

    The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

    "There lived a girl named Petra Peña, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita. But Petra's world is ending. Earth has been destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children – among them Petra and her family – have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race. Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet – and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth. A sinister Collective has taken over the ship during its journey, bent on erasing the sins of humanity's past. They have systematically purged the memories of all aboard – or purged them altogether. Petra alone now carries the stories of our past, and with them, any hope for our future. Can she make them live again?"
       

    Julieta and the Diamond Enigma by Luisana Duarte Armendáriz

    "Nine-year-old Julieta is finally about to put a purple pin in her family's world traveling map! She's off to Paris to help her art-handler dad collect pieces for a new exhibit at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Sadly, they must leave Julieta's very pregnant mother behind, but they're sure they'll be back before the baby is born. Julieta sees the best of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur, and plenty of great art. But things go awry when she and Dad walk in on a thief stealing the Louvre's most prized piece--a priceless cursed diamond with a shady history. When Julieta runs for help, she accidentally frees the thief instead! Now Dad's job is in danger and he's become a suspect. Can Julieta determine who the thief really is before it's too late?"
       

    Loyalty by Avi

    "When his father is killed by rebel vigilantes, Noah flees with his family to Boston. Intent on avenging his father, Noah becomes a spy for the British and firsthand witness to the power of partisan rumor to distort facts, the hypocrisy of men who demand freedom while enslaving others, and the human connections that bind people together regardless of stated allegiances. Awash in contradictory information and participating in key events leading to the American Revolution, Noah must forge his own understanding of right and wrong and determine for himself where his loyalty truly lies."
       

    Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor

    "Eleven-year-old Aurora Petrequin's best friend has never spoken a word to her. In fact, Frenchie Livernois doesn't talk. Aurora is bouncy, loud and impulsive - 'a big old blurter.' Making friends has never come easily. When Frenchie, who is autistic, silently chose Aurora as his person back in third grade, she chose him back. They make a good team, sharing their love of the natural world in coastal Maine. In the woods, Aurora and Frenchie encounter a piebald deer, a rare creature with a coat like a patchwork quilt. Whenever it appears, Aurora feels compelled to follow. At school, Aurora looks out for Frenchie, who has been her classmate until this year. One morning, Frenchie doesn't make it to his classroom. Aurora feels she's to blame. The entire town begins to search, and everyone wonders: how is it possible that nobody has seen Frenchie?"
       

    Want more suggestions? Fill out this form to have a librarian pick some new titles for you!

       Youth Services Assistant Librarian Claire 

     

  • Wintry Books for Your Break

    Winter break is here-HURRAY! Celebrate by cuddling up with one of these excellent winter reads, a nice cup of hot cocoa, and a cozy blanket.

     

    Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.

     

     

        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • 5 Spine-Chilling Books to Share Around the Campfire

    Looking for the perfect creepy stories to share around the campfire (or by candlelight) this weekend? We've got you covered! This selection of stories ranges from very light scares to truly terrifying tales, and everything in between.

     

    The Doll in the Hall and Other Scary Stories by Max Brallier, illustrated by Letizia Rubegni

    This third book in the Mister Shivers series is perfect for those ready to dip their toes into some scary content. These five standalone stories include a little something for everyone, including a creepy doll, an eerily itchy cast, a vengeful tooth fairy, and so much more. 

    Recommended for Grades K-2

     

    Scary Stories to Read When It's Dark

     Scary Stories to Read When It’s Dark is a classic collection of thrills and chills featuring your favorite amphibians, Frog and Toad, and along with a handful of other popular folktales and retellings. 

    Recommended for Grades K-3

     

    A World Full of Spooky Stories: 50 Tales to Make Your Spine Tingle by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Madalina Andronic

    An anthology of tales from around the world, divided into themes such as strangers at the door, home of the spirits, enchanted places, and frozen lands. 

    Recommended for Grades K-4

     

    Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories by Anica Mrose Rissi

     In this contemporary collection of 20 hair-raising stories, you’ll be sure to find the right fit for your campfire storytelling. From a murder of murderous crows, to an unconventional summer camp, and an even more unconventional teacher, and so much more, these stories are guaranteed to have you peeking over your shoulders for days.

    Recommended for Grades 4-6

     

    Through the Woods by Emily Carroll

     This graphic novel is truly terrifying and not for the faint of heart, perfect for fans of the classic book,Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.

    Recommended for Grades 6+

     

    Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.

     

     

        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • Booktalk: Bad Mermaids Make Waves by Sibéal Pounder

    For a silly summer read, I recommend this funny take on mermaid life and drama.

    You can download Bad Mermaids Make Wavesby Sibéal Pounderon Overdrive. 

     
    Subscribe to our Youth Services YouTube channel for more videos of book recommendations, story times, and activity how-tos.

    Youth Services Librarian Allison 

     

  • Dystopian Middle-Grade Novels for Some Seriously Strange Times

    The world is very weird right now. Embrace it by reading about disaster, survival, and science-fiction futures in these strange new worlds.

    The Disaster Days by Rebecca BehrensThe Disaster Daysby Rebecca Behrens

     A young babysitter survives an epic earthquake with two kids in her charge. The damage has them stranded on their small island off Seattle, with no cell service, and all their adults stuck on the mainland. 

     

     

    Sputnik's Guide to Life on EarthSputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce 

    Separated from his aging caregiver grandfather and placed in a foster home, Prez forges an unusual friendship with an alien who appears as a dog to everyone else and entreats Prez to help compile a list of Earth's redeeming qualities to prevent the planet from being destroyed.

     

     

    The Last Kids On EarthThe Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier 

    After a monster apocalypse hits town, average thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan builds a team of friends to help slay the eerily intelligent monster known as Blarg.Also available in audio.

     

     

     

    It's the End of the World as I Know It by Matthew LandisIt’s the End of the World As I Know It by Matthew Landis

    Derrick is sure that doomsday is coming, and he's prepping to survive—whether his friends believe him or not—in this quirky, sometimes-funny, sometimes-moving middle grade novel.

     

     

     

    The World Ends in AprilThe World Ends in April by Stacy McAnulty  

    Eleanor Dross knows a thing or two about the end of the world, thanks to a survivalist grandfather who stockpiles freeze-dried food and supplies—just in case. So when she reads about a Harvard scientist's prediction that an asteroid will strike Earth in April, Eleanor forms the (secret) End of the World Club.

     

     

    Bloom by Kenneth OppelBloom by Kenneth Oppel 

    An invasion of toxic plants threatens to take over the world. The only ones immune to the deadly pollen are three kids, isolated on an island. This new sci-fi thriller is the first in a planned trilogy by a fantastic author. Also available in audio. 

     

     

    Life As We Knew ItLife As We Knew Itby Susan Beth Pfeffer  

    Through journal entries, sixteen-year-old Miranda describes her family's struggle to survive after a meteor hits the moon, causing worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. This is the start of theLast Survivors series.Also available in audio.

     

     

     

    We're Not From HereWe’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey 

    After the Earth becomes inhabitable, all people are now refugees in space. When a possible new planet is found, the creatures who already live there (who look like giant mosquitoes) aren’t convinced they want to share the planet. They agree to allow one family in to see if humans are worth saving. No pressure! Also available in audio.

     

     

    Little Apocalypse by Katherine SparrowLittle Apocalypseby Katherine Sparrow 

    A sudden earthquake leaves a girl stranded in a devastated city, but she meets a group of kids who call themselves The Hunters and claim that monsters caused the damage. This survival story's got a creepy, supernatural vibe.

     

     

    The Last WildThe Last Wildby Piers Torday

    In a world where animals are slowly fading into extinction, twelve-year-old Kester Jayne discovers that he can speak to them, and perhaps help them survive. A unique adventure tale.

     

     

     

    The Boy at the End of the World by Greg Van EekhoutThe Boy at the End of the World by Greg Van Eekhout

    Fisher is the only one left alive when the survival dome (the only thing keeping humans safe from wild, super-evolved animals) is destroyed. He must face terrible creatures and dangerous environments on his journey to a second dome rumored to exist. 

     

     

    Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse by Susan VaughtMe and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypseby Susan Vaught

    When her father is arrested for a crime, Jesse and her trusty Pomeranian must prove his innocence, even as a tornado strikes their town. A mystery with a smart and funny young hero. 

     

     

     

     Want personalized reading suggestions?Fill out our form and we’ll email you a list of great reads.

    Youth Services Librarian Allison 

     

  • Let's Talk About Racism: e-Books and Online Resources for Families

    Help your child better understand the injustices and violence in our society with these resources that address racism and activism.

    E-Books for Children

    The Breaking News, book coverThe Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul
    When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers—the good people working to make things better in big and small ways. She wants more than anything to help in a big way. A picture book addressing the difficulties of community trauma, and the ways every person can make a difference. Good for sharing with ages 4-8.    The author also has provided a read-along video.


    The Day You Begin, book coverThe Day You Beginby Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
    “There will be times when you walk into a room / and no one there is quite like you.” There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. A poignant picture book about diversity and connection, good for sharing with children ages 4-8.

     

     

     

    Enough! 20 Protesters, book coverEnough! 20 Protesters Who Changed Americaby Emily Easton and Ziyue Chen
    Join Samuel Adams as he masterminds the Boston Tea Party, Ruby Bridges on her march to school, Colin Kaepernick as he takes a knee, and the multitude of other American activists whose peaceful protests have ushered in lasting change. A picture book highlighting America’s rich tradition of protesting, good for ages 6-10.

     

     

     

    Can I Touch Your Hair, book coverCan I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
    A collection of poems by two narrators, a black boy and a white girl, who are teamed up to be class partners and grow to learn about each others’ families, cultures, and identities. Good for ages 8-12.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    New Kid, book coverNew Kidby Jerry Craft 
    Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade in his new private school known for its academics. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself? Winner of both the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Author Award, this graphic novel is funny and thought-provoking, especially as Jordan deals with endless microaggressions from his mostly white classmates and teachers. Great for ages 9-14. HarperCollins also has a great author talk with Jerry Craft available.

     

     

    A Good Kind of Trouble, book coverA Good Kind of Troubleby Lisa Moore Ramée
    Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. But after experiencing a powerful Black Lives Matter protest, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking. She starts wearing an armband to school in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Soon everyone is taking sides. And she is given an ultimatum. A lighthearted novel about standing up for what’s right, great for ages 9-14.

     

     

     

     

     

    Ghost Boys, book coverGhost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes 
    Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that's been unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing. Soon Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances. A powerful and timely novel, best for ages 9-14.

     

     

     

     

     

    Stamped, book coverStamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
    A timely reimagining for younger readers of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped From the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and what young people can do moving forward. A powerful nonfiction choice for ages 11 and up.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Find many more fiction and nonfiction options for all ages on our e-booklist.

     

    Web Resources for Parents

    “10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids about Race.” EmbraceRace.
    Simple tips for parents of all backgrounds to help raise tolerant and socially engaged children.

    “How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids.” Common Sense Media.
    Details practical and easy-to-use advice on fostering empathy and anti-racism in your children.

    Raising Race Conscious Children.
    A web resource to support adults who are trying to talk about race with young children. Tons of great ideas on this website! 

    “‘Raising White Kids’ Author on How White Parents Can Talk About Race.”NPR. 
    An interview with Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, about how to talk with white kids about racially-charged events.

    “Talking Race with Young Children.” NPR.
    A 20-minute podcast with great advice about talking about race even with very young children. The link offers a great list of other resources, as well. 

    “They’re Not Too Young to Talk About Race.” The Children’s Community School. 
    This page includes a fantastic infographic on how children are already learning racial biases at a very young age. An extensive list of further resources is also included. 

    “Too Few Parents Talk to their Kids About Race and Identity, Report Finds.” The Hechinger Report.
    This article details why it’s important to discuss race with your child and offers suggestions.

    “The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf.” TEDx Talks.
    Children’s author Grace Lin describes her own childhood experiences with mostly-white book characters, and illustrates how crucial it is for young readers to see both themselves and others in the pages of books. A must-watch TED talk. 

     

    Youth Services Librarian Allison 

     

  • 5 Nonfiction e-Books to Keep You Busy

    Check out one of these e-books, available on Overdrive, and full of fun activity ideas to keep hands and brains occupied!

     

    Art Lab for KidsArt Lab for Kids 

    With full color photographs to inspire, this fun collection of art activities encourages children to create freely, using their own thoughts and experiences as a guide.

     

     

     

     

    The Big Fun Kids CookbookThe Big, Fun Kids Cookbook

    The Food Network Magazine created this colorful recipe collection just for young foodies.

     

     

     

     

    The Complete Baking Book for Young ChefsThe Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs

    Brought to you by the genius minds at America’s Test Kitchen, this recipe book offers over 100 sweet and savory baked goods.

     

     

     

     

    Maker LabMaker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects 

    This award-winning science book is bubbling over with entertaining and educational experiments for budding scientists.

     

     

     

     

    Miss Patch's Learn to Sew BookMiss Patch's Learn to Sew Book by Carolyn Meyer

    Although this book was originally published in 1969, the simple instructions and adorable illustrations still work for today’s young crafters. 

     

     

     

     


    Need more activity ideas? Keep tuning in to our blog for at-home ideas, or check out Creativebug, our database with how-to videos on fun crafting and art projects.

      Youth Services Librarian Allison  

     

  • Booktalk: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman

    Check out this video booktalk on the sensational start of an epic fantasy trilogy, great for fans of Wings of Fire and Harry Potter.

    You can download Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman on Overdrive. 

    Tip: subscribe to our Youth Services YouTube channel for more videos of book recommendations, story times, and activity how-tos.

  • 5 Fantastic Read-Alouds for the Whole Family

    Looking for some read-alouds that will keep the whole family engaged? We have just the right mix of titles to share with everyone a chapter...or two...or three at a time! All titles are available digitally on Overdrive.

    The Vanderbeekers of 141st Streetby Karina Yan Glaser 

    The Vanderbeekers love living in their brownstone on 141st Street, but their grumpy landlord doesn’t want to renew their lease. The Vanderbeeker kids take it upon themselves to come up with a plan and save their family’s home! Your family will love this heartwarming story that has a classic feel with a contemporary setting. Don’t miss out on the sequels! 

     

     

     

    The Doughnut Fixby Jessie Janowitz

    Tristan and his family live in an apartment in New York City and when his parents break it to him that they will be moving to rural Petersville, New York he is sure this will be nothing but a disaster. However, everything can’t be that terrible if there are chocolate cream doughnuts -- too bad the general store doesn't make them anymore. Join Tristan as he navigates his way through a new town and figures out just how to bring life-changing chocolate cream doughnuts back to Petersville.

     

      

    Clementineby Sara Pennypacker

    Meet Clementine, a fiesty girl who is pretty sure that if she has to be named after a fruit then her younger brother should have to be named after a vegetable. The first in a series that combines humor and charm, your family will delight in Clementine’s adventures.

     

     

     

    Good Dog, McTavishby Meg Rosoff

    When Mom goes on strike, suddenly the Peachey family and household is a disaster. Enter McTavish: a rescue dog with enough doggy-knowhow to get this family back on track. A funny little story about doing your fair share.

     

     

     

     

    Rump: The Fairly True Tale of Rumpelstiltskinby Liesl Shurtliff

    When your name is your destiny and your name is Rump, it really doesn’t seem like you’ll amount to much. But when a magic spinning wheel appears, Rump thinks his luck may be changing. You may think you know the story of Rumplestiltskin, but you have no idea. Your family will be absolutely enchanted with the magic and humor of Rump.

     

     

      

    Looking for some personalized selections? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!

      Youth Services Librarian Demitra 

  • 5 Cozy Picture Books You Can Download Now

    Snuggle up with a tablet for a digital story time at home. Here are five fantastic picture books available on Overdrive:

    Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey 

    Pig is a greedy and selfish Pug. He has all the bouncy balls, bones, and chew toys a dog could ever want yet he refuses to share with his poor friend, Trevor. Join Pig as he learns to share in this very silly, rhyming story. First in a series! 

     

     



    Little Excavator by Anna DewdneyLittle Excavator by Anna Dewdney

    A sweet, rhyming read-aloud by the author of Llama, Llama, Red Pajamas, perfect for toddlers who love construction vehicles.

     

     

     

     

     

    The Rabbit Listened, book coverThe Rabbit Listenedby Cori Doerrfeld 

    When a child’s block sculpture comes crashing down, all the animals come to help. But sometimes the only thing a problem needs is a listening ear. A lovely little story - with big opportunity for emotional growth.

     

     

     

    A Big Mooncake for Little Star, book coverA Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin 

    Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble? A beautiful, award-winning picture book perfect for bedtime. 

     

     

    Thank You Omu, book coverThank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

    Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew. One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself? An oh-so-special story of community and care.

     

     

     

     

    Need a library card? No worries; you can apply online and get your card number without leaving your house.

      Youth Services Librarian Allison