Dig Deeper into Soil Science

Now that you've had a chance to check out our soil video, here are some activity booklets from the
good soil scientists over at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). They're full of coloring page, word scrambles, and crossword puzzles.

We've also got a bunch of great books on soil and soil citizens that you can place on hold for curbside pickup.

The Ant's Nest: A Huge, Underground City by Miriam Aronin
Earthworms by Sue Barraclough
Under the Ground by Emily Bone
Who Dug This Hole? by Anita Holmes
Underground Habitats by Bobbie Kalman
Animals Under the Ground by Phyllis J. Perry
Dirt: The Scoop on Soil by Natalie M. Rosinsky
Under Your Feet: Soil, Sand, and Everything Underground by Dr. Jackie Stroud
Mama Dug a Little Den by Jennifer Ward

Children's Book List: Worlds of Wonder: Picture Books That Encourage Imagination and Play

During these Interesting Times, the Children's Department has been hard at work updating our book lists. Whether you're looking for a book on a particular topic (like feeling different) or want to read something similar to that series that you just finished up (and now have that empty, lost feeling), we've probably got a book list for that. You can find the full list of our children's book lists on our website. We've also put all of these awesome lists on Beanstack. If you haven't had a chance to check out Beanstack, you really should. It makes signing up for and monitoring summer reading a breeze! We'll be highlighting some of our book lists in these blog posts throughout the summer. Happy reading!

We know that reading can take you to new worlds, but this trio focuses on the unique wonders of the imagination.

Everyone's Awake
by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Shawn Harris
San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2020

My brother's staged a coup d' état
and overthrown the state
while my sister's joined the résistance
(they never got on great).







Where the Wild Things Are

by Maurice Sendak
New York City: Harper & Row, 1963 

The timeless classic follows Max, who's been sent to bed without supper, as he journeys to a strange land and meets the unusual inhabitants.

And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street
by Dr. Seuss
New York City: Vanguard Press, 1937

The first children's book published under Dr. Seuss' name, this charming tale starts off with an every-day observation that swiftly runs through an ever-increasing chain of elaborations.

Children's Book List: Rick Riordan Read-Alike

During these Interesting Times, the Children's Department has been hard at work updating our book lists. Whether you're looking for a book on a particular topic (like feeling different) or want to read something similar to that series that you just finished up (and now have that empty, lost feeling), we've probably got a book list for that. You can find the full list of our children's book lists on our website. We've also put all of these awesome lists on Beanstack. If you haven't had a chance to check out Beanstack, you really should. It makes signing up for and monitoring summer reading a breeze! We'll be highlighting some of our book lists in these blog posts throughout the summer. Happy reading!

If  you're enjoying all five of Rick Riordan's awesome series of gods and demigods, we've definitely got some recommendations for you!

Artemis Fowl
by Eoin Colfer
New York: Viking Press, 2001

Artemis Fowl is a brilliant criminal mastermind. His family (and their fortune) have been on the wrong side of the law for generations. His latest plan is to ransom a fairy for its gold and find his missing father. Completely realistic plans for a twelve year old.








Mythology: The Gods, Heroes, and Monsters of Ancient Greece

by Lady Hestia Evans
Somerville, Mass: Candlewick Press, 2007

One of the popular Ologies series, this large book is filled with history and stories, along with gem inserts on the cover and lots of pop-ups, secret messages, surprise notes, and other discoveries.   







The Rick Riordan Presents imprint features books chosen by Rick that he thinks you'll like. They feature underrepresented voices and cultures in a similar style to the books you already love. In addition to Tristan Strong, I really enjoyed the first Aru Shah book.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
by Kwame Mbalia
New York: Disney Hyperion, 2019 

'Power, boy! It's all about power. You control the story, you control the narrative, you control power.'

Seventh grader Tristan has just lost his best friend Eddie in a tragic accident. He's also just lost his first boxing match, disappointing his father and grandfather, both former champions. He leaves Chicago with his grandparents to spend some time on the family farm in Alabama, in hopes that he can work through his grief. He brings Eddie's journal with him. No one else seems to notice that it's glowing. That night he finds Gum Baby, from his Nana's stories, stealing his journal. Giving chase, he ends up in the woods and falls into a world inhabited by African American folk heroes and West African gods. When he tore a hole in the sky, Tristan brought a great evil with him. Can he save the world and make his way back home?

Children's Book List: 'Am I the Only One Who...?' Books About Feeling Different

During these Interesting Times, the Children's Department has been hard at work updating our book lists. Whether you're looking for a book on a particular topic (like feeling different) or want to read something similar to that series that you just finished up (and now have that empty, lost feeling), we've probably got a book list for that. You can find the full list of our children's book lists on our website. We've also put all of these awesome lists on Beanstack. If you haven't had a chance to check out Beanstack, you really should. It makes signing up for and monitoring summer reading a breeze! We'll be highlighting some of our book lists in these blog posts throughout the summer. Happy reading!

Everyone feels different at one time or another, even adults. Here are some books with characters you may be able to relate to.

The Proudest Blue
by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
New York City: Hachette Book Group, 2019

It's Faizah's first day of school, and her older sister Asiyah's first day of hijab. Author and Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad weaves a beautiful story of brand new experiences and learning who you are.







El Deafo

by Cece Bell
New York: Amulet Books, 2014

Based on the author's own experience, the main character loses her hearing at age four due to illness. She struggles to connect with her classmates and make friends while wearing bulky hearing aids with long cords (it's the 70s). In her imagination, she's 'El Deafo' and has superpowers, but these don't quite transfer over to the real world.

Wonder
by R.J. Palacio
New York City: Alfred K. Knopf, 2012
 
However you're imagining Auggie's (August) face, it's worse than that. In his own words, and those of his family and friends, Auggie begins his journey in the public school system after being home schooled all his life.

Children's Book List: Reading Takes You...Across the USA in Chapter Books!

During these Interesting Times, the Children's Department has been hard at work updating our book lists. Whether you're looking for a book on a particular topic (like feeling different) or want to read something similar to that series that you just finished up (and now have that empty, lost feeling), we've probably got a book list for that. You can find the full list of our children's book lists on our website. We've also put all of these awesome lists on Beanstack. If you haven't had a chance to check out Beanstack, you really should. It makes signing up for and monitoring summer reading a breeze! We'll be highlighting some of our book lists in these blog posts throughout the summer. Happy reading!

If you're looking for a road trip this summer without the hassle, we've got chapter books set in every state, plus D.C.!

MARYLAND
Jacob Have I Loved
by Katherine Paterson
New York City: Crowell, 1980

This Newbery Medal winning book follows Sara Louise Bradshaw and her family, on a small island in the Chesapeake Bay. Sara Louise's twin sister, Caroline, is beautiful and frail and has always received more attention from the moment they were born. Jacob Have I Loved is a coming of age tale that examines family and relationships, and what it means to be happy.






NEW JERSEY

Superfudge
by Judy Blume
New York City: E.P. Dutton, 1980

This beloved sequel to Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing has the Hatcher family moving to from NYC to New Jersey for the summer. As well as having a baby. You know, nothing at all to adapt to. 

NEW YORK
The Cricket in Times Square
by George Selden
New York City: Ariel Books, 1960

A Newbery Honor winner, Selden's classic tells the story of Chester Cricket, who ended up in Times Square by accident. Befriended by animals and humans alike, Chester's musical ability amazes the subway station and surrounding neighborhoods. 

Children's Book List: Reading Takes You...Across the USA in Picture Books!

During these Interesting Times, the Children's Department has been hard at work updating our book lists. Whether you're looking for a book on a particular topic (like feeling different) or want to read something similar to that series that you just finished up (and now have that empty, lost feeling), we've probably got a book list for that. You can find the full list of our children's book lists on our website. We've also put all of these awesome lists on Beanstack. If you haven't had a chance to check out Beanstack, you really should. It makes signing up for and monitoring summer reading a breeze! We'll be highlighting some of our book lists in these blog posts throughout the summer. Happy reading!

If you're looking for a road trip this summer without the hassle, we've got picture books set in every state, plus D.C.!

ALASKA
Snow Bear
by Jean Craighead George, paintings by Wendell Minor
New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1999

Bessie Nivyek sets out to explore a huge block of ice that has been pushed up out of the Arctic Ocean overnight. Snow Bear, the polar bear cub, is also exploring. He and Bessie play together while Bessie's brother and Snow Bear's mother watch nervously. Gorgeous paintings bring the Arctic and an unlikely friendship to life.

CALIFORNIA
Dream Something Big
by Dianna Aston
London: Dial Book, 2011

Over the course of 34 years, Italian immigrant Simon Rodia used found materials to create a piece of artwork that would become a U.S. National Landmark. A build-your-own-tower activity at the end makes this interactive book a hit.

MASSACHUSETTS
Make Way for Ducklings
by Robert McCloskey
New York: The Viking Press, 1941

This timeless classic follows Mr. and Mrs. Mallard as they lead their family through the streets of Boston to their new home. The sepia toned illustrations show a duck's-eye view of the city. 

Children's Book List: Reading Takes You...Around the World!

During these Interesting Times, the Children's Department has been hard at work updating our book lists. Whether you're looking for a book on a particular topic (like feeling different) or want to read something similar to that series that you just finished up (and now have that empty, lost feeling), we've probably got a book list for that. You can find the full list of our children's book lists on our website. We've also put all of these awesome lists on Beanstack. If you haven't had a chance to check out Beanstack, you really should. It makes signing up for and monitoring summer reading a breeze! We'll be highlighting some of our book lists in these blog posts throughout the summer. Happy reading!

One of the great things about reading is it can allow you to escape to anywhere in the world! Our international reading list has selections set in over a dozen countries, so you're sure to find your next adventure. 

Miriam at the River
by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Khoa Le
Minneapolis: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2020

Seven year old Miriam takes a basket holding her baby brother down to the reeds and rushes of the Nile. With a kiss, she sends him out into the river. She has seen and dreamed what will happen next: the Pharaoh's daughter pulling him from the water and raising him as her own. One day her brother
will return.  


 

The Blind Men and the Elephant
by Karen Backstein, illustrated by Annie Mitra
New York: Scholastic, 1992

Returning to the parable's Indian roots, this picture book shows what can happen when we only have part of the story. 




 

Artemis Fowl
by Eoin Colfer
New York: Viking Press, 2001

Artemis Fowl is a brilliant criminal mastermind, with a family mansion in Ireland. His family (and their fortune) have been on the wrong side of the law for generations. His latest plan is to ransom a fairy for its gold and find his missing father. Completely realistic plans for a twelve year old.