There are so many great books about scientific innovation, but I don't know what to do with them all.
Hmm... eureka! I've got it! I'll make a list!
These titles and more are available at the Barrington Area Library.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Written by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
Desperate to save his village after a devastating drought, Malawian teenager William Kamkwamba embarked on an amazing mission: using scrap metal and other junk, he constructed a functioning windmill, complete with running electricity, and prevented the local crops from failing. This inspiring story of innovation and perseverance gives weight to the old saying that necessity is the mother of invention.
Attention, grown ups: there is an adult version of this title available in the Adult Services biography collection.
Going Up! Elisha Otis's Trip to the Top
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Elisha Otis had always marveled at ropes and pulleys, at the way they hoisted machinery and cargo to and fro. But people were skeptical when he revealed his intention to create a machine that could do the same for people, until a spectacular showing at the 1854 World's Fair showed everyone it was possible.
This is part of a series, the Great Ideas Series, showcasing a variety of innovators and inventors. Children who enjoy this book should check out the rest of the series, available at the Barrington Area Library.
The House That Cleaned Itself: The True Story of Frances Gabe's (Mostly) Marvelous Invention
Written by Laura Dershewitz and Susan Romberg
Illustrated by Meghann Rader
Exhausted from the "nerve-twangling bore" of constant housework, Frances Gabe wished her house would just clean itself... so she tried her best to make that a reality. She installed a sprinkler that sprayed soap everywhere, air jets that could dry the bathtub, a special cabinet that could wash and dry clothes, and 67 other amazing inventions. While Gabe's home design never caught on, readers will still marvel at her ingenuity (and the fact that it all actually happened!).
Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions
Written by Chris Barton
Illustrated by Don Tate
Lonnie Johnson had a lot working against him: he was born in the segregated American South, an environment that actively tried to squash his dreams. Discouraged by school aptitude tests that dismissed his dream of being an engineer, subjected to racist abuse, Johnson had to rise above the cruel hand he'd been dealt. After graduating with two engineering degrees he joined the Air Force, and later NASA, where he worked on the Galileo mission... and that would be enough, a great story for any engineer.
Except Lonnie Johnson also created the Super Soaker.
Featuring dynamic artwork and fun narration, Whoosh! documents the life and times of an inventor who rose above the odds and gave joy to children everywhere.
Patricia's Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight
Written by Michelle Lord
Illustrated by Alleanna Harris
Born in the 1940s, Patricia Bath grew up at a time when the idea of an African-American woman doctor was considered little more than a fantasy. But she persevered, becoming a celebrated ophthalmologist, humanitarian, and patented inventor (in fact, she was the first African-American woman to receive a patent for a medical device). Dr. Bath's commitment to preventing blindness led her to create an improved eye laser, as well as found the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness.
Eager to discover more great books? Try a Browsing Bundle!
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash
Looking for educational websites or educational games for kids? Here are 7 websites that are chock full of fun facts, learning experiences, and games.
ABCYa (Grades PreK-6) - This site includes a large number of educational games for kids in PreK-6 grade. The games cover a wide variety of topics including, math, English, and strategy. All games are free on the website. A premium version is available for purchase that includes no ads and mobile access.
FunBrain (Grades PreK-8) - Games, reading selections, and videos for kids in PreK-8 grade. All of the content is free. However, ads are shown on the side and after playing a game.
Google Arts and Culture (Grades 3-8) Explore art, museums, history, and landmarks throughout the world. Games include digital art, puzzles, music experimentation, and augmented reality.
Met Kids (Grades 3-8) - Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art with interactive exhibits, behind the scenes videos, and project activities inspired by famous artworks.
National Geographic Kids (Grades PreK-8) - Games, videos, and fun facts on animals, history, and science.
PBS Kids (Grades PreK-5) Featuring your favorite PBS Kids characters, including Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Curious George, and more! These games cover education topics from engineering to history to math.
Smithsonian Kids ( Grades PreK-8) - Live animal webcams, games, project ideas, and opportunities to explore the Smithsonian’s exhibits.
Looking for more educational information, help with homework, or practice worksheets? Check out our databases for kids!
Youth Services Librarian Ann
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!
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"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." |
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"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." |
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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?" |
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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?" |
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"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." |
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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
Stuck inside on a rainy day? Looking for something to do? Check out these great albums, full of participatory and inspiring tracks perfect for cooped-up kids.
These albums and more are available at the Barrington Area Library.
Ella Jenkins
You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song
Ella Jenkins composes the perfect soundtrack to a sleepy, rainy day inside. Using her voice, an acoustic guitar, hand claps, and the Urban Gateways Children's Chorus, Jenkins guides the listener across a gentle, folky landscape punctuated by participatory songs and chants, mostly in English but in other languages, too, from Hebrew ("Shabot Shalom") to Spanish ("Dulce Dulce") to Maori ("Maori Indian Battle Chant"). This album serves as a fine introduction to Ella Jenkins's stripped down, world music-inspired approach to children's entertainment.
Recess Monkey
Flying!
Composed of three goofy teachers, Recess Monkey embraces the silliness and absurdity of youth. On this superhero-themed album, the trio encourages kids to flick the switch on their imagination and go on a grand adventure -- even if they're stuck inside. And if your child gets tuckered out after an afternoon of fighting crime, put on "Your Favorite Book" to inspire some reading and relaxation.
Laura Veirs
Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children
This collection of refurbished folk classics (plus one original track, "Tumble Bee") is great for a cloudy day, whether your little one spends it dancing around the living room, playing on the floor, or hopping in rain puddles. By turns energetic ("Jack Can I Ride?") and mellow ("All the Pretty Little Horses"), Tumble Bee is a beautiful match for the highs and lows of an afternoon bristling with pent-up energy. And when it's time for a nap, be sure to put on "Prairie Lullabye."
Justin Roberts
Jungle Gym
Children's music veteran Justin Roberts invites kids to play with this rollicking, feel good album. Indie pop/rock-inspired tracks like "Gym Class Parachute" and "Cardboard Box" remind children that there's fun in everything, even when your options are limited. In fact, why not dig out an old cardboard box and see what they make of it? Maybe this is the perfect day to build a spaceship.
The Lucky Band
Buenos Diaz
It doesn't matter whether or not you speak Spanish -- the Lucky Band is fun for everyone. Buenos Diaz is jam-packed with great, Latin pop-inspired tracks -- some of my favorites are "Nacho Song," "Pan Dulce," and "Zapatitos" -- guaranteed to make your little one's day a little sunnier. These infectious tunes are sure to get the listener up on their feet and out of whatever rainy day funk they've fallen into.
Let us shop the shelves for you! Fill out a Browsing Bundle request, and a Librarian will bag up a small collection books or movies we think you'll love.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... two librarians wearing capes!
That's right -- to celebrate the beginning of Fandom Fest at the Barrington Area Library, Youth Services Librarians Chris and MaryJo have donned their capes and put together a great story time for your little superhero.
Be sure to check out all of the great Fandom Fest events this year!
Looking for more great programming? Visit balibrary.org. Don't forget to sign up for our free e-newsletter!
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Dear Middle Grade Students,
Are you stuck inside 'cause of COVID? Wanna write but don't know where to start? Just plain bored? Here are 31 journal-writing prompts (a whole month's worth!) to get you started.
By the way, don't worry about word count or anything like that -- express yourself how you want, as much as you want.
1. Describe two people you look up to or admire: one real, one fictional. Why do you admire them? How are they different? How are they the same?
2. What's something that always makes you laugh, whether you're feeling happy or sad?
3. Write about a mistake you made recently. Did you learn anything from it? What did you learn?
4. If you could have any fictional creature as a pet, what would it be and why?
5. Pick your least favorite character from your favorite book and write from their point of view.
6. What was your least favorite thing about quarantine? What was your favorite thing?
7. What's a food you could eat every day for the rest of your life? Do you think you'd get tired of it? Why or why not?
8. If you could learn another language, what would it be? Why? How would you use it?
9. Write a poem about your happiest memory.
10. Write a poem about a sad memory.
11. Do you have a favorite song? If you do, describe what you love about it, how it makes you feel. If not, why? How does music make you feel?
12. If you could talk to your future self, what would you say? Would you want to learn about what happens in your life, or would you want to keep it a surprise?
13. If you could talk to your past self, what would you say? Is there anything you'd suggest they do differently?
14. If it's nice out, find a safe spot outside. Sit down. Close your eyes. Listen to the world around you. What do you hear? If you can't go outside, find a spot by a window. Sit down. Close your eyes. Listen to the world outside. What do you hear? How does it make you feel?
15. Write about something you're proud of, even if you don't think it's a big deal.
16. If you have a hobby, write about why you enjoy it and what got you into it in the first place. If you don't have a hobby, write about one that sounds fun.
17. What is the best advice someone has ever given you?
18. What calms you down when you're upset?
19. Is there anything that worries you about the future? How do you think you'll handle it? Is there anything you can do about it now?
20. Describe three things you enjoy about today, no matter how small.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
22. Imagine you have access to a time machine. Would you go to the past or the future? What do you think it would be like?
23. Write your autobiography in only six words.
24. What is one thing that excites you about the future?
25. Close your eyes. Imagine your favorite color. Now describe it as if you were talking to someone who's never seen it before.
26. What are 5 things you'd like to accomplish during your lifetime?
27. What do you like about the city you live in? What would you change?
28. What are 3 things you will never forget? Why?
29. Write a letter to someone who will never read it.
30. What is something you'd change about school? Why? How do you think students would deal with the change? What about the staff?
31. What is your best quality? Why? If you want to be extra ambitious, write this entry in the form of a one-page comic.
And there we have it -- a whole month of journal prompts. Don't feel like you need to do them all -- just do as many as you'd like.
One last thing: after you're done journaling, think about what you've written. Did you learn anything new about yourself?
Looking for recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
In 1968 Fred Rogers asked, "What do you do with the mad that you feel?" While we have not yet arrived at a definitive answer to that question, we've since been given a wealth of resources to help us better understand ourselves, the way we feel, and the way those feelings affect others.
As your little one grows, they are sure to experience new, sometimes confusing or scary feelings -- sadness, frustration, disappointment, etc. -- and they may need a little help understanding what they're going through, or how to communicate what they're feeling to their caregivers.
I've selected five non-fiction titles, each centered around addressing a different emotion. These titles and more are available at the Barrington Area Library.
You're Angry: Throw a Fit or Talk It Out? You Choose the Ending...
Written by Connie Colwell Miller
Illustrated by Victoria Assanelli
So... what do you do with the mad that you feel? Connie Miller doesn't answer that question for readers; instead, she lets them explore for themselves.
In this book we follow Kendra, a young girl, who does not want to go to bed. Her father calls out to her, asking her to come inside... but what does Kendra do? Every page notes that Kendra has the option to either angrily lash out or make another decision, and with each decision made we see the outcome -- does Kendra get in trouble? Does she upset her father? Does she communicate her feelings in a constructive manner? That's up to the reader?
This is a fun way to address angry feelings, as it puts the power in your little one's hands, allows them to explore the consequences of throwing a tantrum (without actually experiencing one themselves), and supports emerging problem-solving skills.
I Feel... Anxious
By DJ Corchin
"Sometimes I feel anxious because of what people say.
Like when I hear adults argue... and I'm not sure it's OK.
Or when there's a germ in the air
And I can't go and play.
Bad thoughts stick in my head and they won't go away."
There's no way around it: we live in anxious times. Real life may be overwhelming at times, but DJ Corchin urges kids not to give in. Instead, with simple, empathetic poetry, he helps them work through their anxieties, first exploring the different causes then giving tips for management. The text is accompanied by expressive, if somewhat silly, drawings that perfectly capture how it feels to be overcome with anxiety.
The book is supplemented by specific anxiety management exercises with step-by-step instructions.
Get Unstuck from Disappointment
Written by Gill Hasson
Illustrated by Sarah Jennings
What do you when things don't go your way, or someone lets you down?
Gill Hasson offers strategies for overcoming disappointment, whether it's something as simple as having a back-up plan or something that takes a little more work, like trying to look at things with a different point-of-view. But no matter what form your disappointment takes, Gill Hasson makes sure you know that you're not alone, and that you can get past it.
Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too)
By Keith Negley
It doesn't matter if you're a superhero, a pirate, a biker, or a ninja -- it's okay to be sad or upset, and it's okay to express it.
While this book is ostensibly for boys, especially those who feel uncomfortable expressing emotions like sorrow, any child can enjoy its universal message. You can be strong, brave, tough, and open with your emotions. And you are not alone in feeling the way you feel.
Unlike the other entries in this post, Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) does not offer solutions or strategies; instead, it encourages kids to express themselves when they feel sad, and to not feel ashamed for doing so.
Step Back from Frustration
Written by Gill Hasson
Illustrated by Sarah Jennings
Maybe things aren't going your way. Maybe you want something you can't have -- a new toy, a video game, a cool new book from your local library...
Maybe you feel like you're just going to explode if you don't get what you want.
It's okay to feel frustrated. It's okay to be upset that you're not getting the thing you want. But before you lash out, consider reading this helpful how-to guide on confronting frustration. Gill Hasson returns with this sister volume to Get Unstuck from Disappointment, which takes the same format: first telling the reader what frustration is, then offering examples of things that make us frustrated, before giving us tips on how to manage our frustrations.
Let us shop the shelves for you! Fill out a Browsing Bundle request, and a Librarian will bag up a small collection books or movies we think you'll love.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Bring home a fun new project! Sign up from our Library Calendar and pick up a kit at the Youth Services desk or through our Parking Lot Pickup service between February 14-March 11.
Toddler & PreK: Coffee Filter Butterflies
Liquid watercolor and coffee filters transform into beautiful butterflies. Register for the February/March Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Kit contains:
- 5 coffee filters
- 5 pipe cleaners
- 3 containers of watercolor paint
- 1 pipette
Instructions:
- Dress for a mess, and cover your work area—the paint will soak through the coffee filters.
- Smooth one of the coffee filters flat.
- Use the pipette to drop the watercolor paint onto the filter. You can clean the pipette by squeezing fresh water in and out of the pipette a few times.
- Let dry completely. This might take several hours, depending on how much paint you use.
- Pinch two sides of the filter together, creating wings.
- Fold one pipe cleaner in half. Twist the pipe cleaner around the center of the coffee filter, leaving the ends pointing up for the antennae.
- Repeat with the remaining supplies.
Explore more:
- Using a pipette is a great exercise for fine motor control! Kids can experiment with squeezing the liquid out hard and gently to get different amounts of paint.
- You can dilute the paints with water to get lighter shades. Talk about how colors change when we add water, or they mix and bleed together. You might end up with more than 3 colors on your butterflies!
- Try painting with a brush, sponge, or even paper towel. How does that change the way the paint moves and looks?
- Making butterflies is a great opportunity to learn about symmetry. You can try to paint just one half of the coffee filter, and fold it over to achieve a mirrored effect. What other animals or objects look the same on both sides?
- Add tape, magnets, or clothespins to create some cheery decorations with your butterflies.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades K-2: Simple Embroidery
Try out a new skill with this introduction to embroidery techniques. Register for the February/March Grades K-2 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades 3-8: Gratitude Jar
Decorate a jar to fill with origami stars – use the stars to write down everything for which you are grateful. Register for the February/March Grades 3-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Alyssa
This Valentine's Day, check out some books that show your little ones how much you love them!
Looking for something fun to do with your young one? Here’s a list of upcoming events at the library.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Claire
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual event where bird enthusiasts around the world come together to watch/listen for and count as many birds as they can. The event lasts for four days, and anyone can participate! According to the Great Backyard Bird Count website, all you have to do to participate is:
- Decide where you’d like to watch birds.
- Watch birds for at least 15 minutes, over the four days of the bird count, between February 18 and February 21, 2022.
- Count all the birds you see or hear within the time you’ve planned your bird watch.
For more information on how to participate, check out the Great Backyard Bird Count’s website.
Here at the Barrington Area Library, we have a plentiful amount of books to help guide you on your birdwatching journey, but here are a few that we think might be especially helpful.
We’d love to hear about your experience with the Great Backyard Bird Count! Email us at youthservices@balibrary.org with any photos or tales from your birding adventures!
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
Ever wondered what reliving the same day over and over again would be like? In celebration of Groundhog Day, here are some books where the characters are stuck in a time loop!
Tired of reading the same books again and again? Fill out this form to get some new suggestions from our librarians!
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Claire
If you loved The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, try one of these unique animal stories next.
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Audrey (Cow): An Oral Account of a Most Daring Escape, Based More or Less on a True Story “Audrey is a cow with poetry in her blood, who yearns for the greener pastures beyond Bittersweet Farms. But when Roy the horse tells her that she is headed for the slaughter house, Audrey knows that she must leave her home and friends sooner than she ever imagined. With the help of animals and humans alike, Audrey attempts to escape the farm - and certain death. Cleverly written as an oral account, this unique illustrated tale of an animal on the run, uses over 30 narrative voices, including six humans, four cows, three sheep, two sheep dogs, one pig and a very silly rooster.” Audrey is sweet, the cast of characters is hilarious, and overall this makes a perfectly delightful read for an animal lover.
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“Born in a dismal room in a pet store, Alastair the African grey parrot dreams of escape to bluer skies. He'd like nothing more than to fly away to a palm tree with his beloved sister, Aggie. But when Aggie is purchased by twelve-year-old Fritz, and Alastair is adopted by elderly dance-enthusiast and pie-baker Albertina Plopky, the future looks ready to crash-land. In-between anxiously plucking his feathers, eating a few books, and finding his own poetic voice, Alastair plots his way to a family reunion. But soon he's forced to choose between the life he's always dreamed of and admitting the truth: that sometimes, the bravest adventure is in letting go.” I loved the attitude on this snarky parrot! The story itself is touching and surprising.
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“Deep in the heart of the Congo, a baby gorilla is captured by a group of rebel soldiers. Imara and Bobo are also prisoners in the rebels' camp. When they learn that the gorilla will be sold into captivity, they swear to return it to the wild before it's too late. But the consequences of getting caught are too terrible to think about. Will the bond between the gorilla and the children give them the courage they need to escape?” This chapter book is intense, gripping, and eye-opening. A moving read for young conservationists. |
Let us shop the shelves for you! Fill out a Browsing Bundle request, and a Librarian will bag up a small collection books or movies we think you'll love.
Youth Services Librarian Allison