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Book suggestions

Younger readers

Sophie Mouse: Journey to the Crystal Cave by Poppy Green

Sophie Mouse and her friends are playing hide-and-seek near Butterfly Brook. Sophie finds the perfect hiding spot, but she finds something else, too! It's a glowing cave. The problem is, when Sophie tells her friends about her discovery, they don't believe her! After all, who's ever heard of a cave that glows? Now Sophie is on a mission to prove she's telling the truth! This is part of a series about Sophie. It is available on OverDrive as an ebook. 

Middle grade readers

The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt

Gaylen, the King's messenger, a skinny boy of twelve, is off to poll the kingdom, traveling from town to farmstead to town on his horse, Marrow. At first it is merely a question of disagreement at the royal castle over which food should stand for Delicious in the new dictionary. But soon it seems that the search for Delicious had better succeed if civil war is to be avoided. This classic fantasy story includes a mermaid and is available on OverDrive as an ebook. 

Upper grade readers

Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani

The U.S. may have put the first man on the moon, but it was the Soviet space program that made Valentina Tereshkova the first woman in space. It took years to catch up, but soon NASA's first female astronauts were racing past milestones of their own. The trail-blazing women of Group 9, NASA's first mixed gender class, had the challenging task of convincing the powers that be that a woman's place is in space, but they discovered that NASA had plenty to learn about how to make space travel possible for everyone. This graphic book is available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Summer reading

Brookline Schools' summer reading lists will be posted soon. In the meantime, here are a few other lists you can check out from the American Library Association. Choose your grade level and see how many you've already read! 

And here's a list of summer reading suggestions from Horn Book Magazine.

Boston Public Library's kids' page has some great ideas of things to create and do:   https://www.bpl.org/kids/

Camp Candlewick! 

Online book guides and author interview on books published by Candlewick Press for a variety of age levels. Check it out and follow the "camp" all summer to read along with other kids your age. 

Have a great weekend! 

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Have you heard? 

Lawrence Community meeting is going online! June 13! 

Book suggestions

Younger students

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka

Frank Einstein loves figuring out how the world works by creating household contraptions that are part science, part imagination, and definitely unusual. After an uneventful experiment in his garage-lab, a lightning storm and flash of electricity bring Frank's inventions—the robots Klink and Klank—to life! Not exactly the ideal lab partners, the wisecracking Klink and the overly expressive Klank nonetheless help Frank attempt to perfect his Antimatter Motor . . . until Frank's archnemesis, T. Edison, steals Klink and Klank for his evil doomsday plan! This book is full of Jon Scieszka's usual wacky humor and real science concepts. Available as an ebook on OverDrive/ Libby. 

Middle grade students

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer

One week after their eleventh birthday, the Fowl twins—scientist Myles, and Beckett, the force of nature—are left in the care of house security (NANNI) for a single night. In that time they befriend a troll who has clawed his way through the earth's crust to the surface. Unfortunately for the troll, he is being chased by a nefarious nobleman and an interrogating nun, who both need the magical creature for their own gain, as well as a fairy-in-training who has been assigned to protect him. The boys and their new troll best friend escape and go on the run. This companion series to the Artemis Fowl series is full of adventure and unusual characters. Available as an ebook on OverDrive/ Libby. 

Older students

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined—every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes. A companion book to The Hunger Games -- it's a real page-turner! Available as an ebook and audiobook on OverDrive. 

Online writing prompts

This site offers an intriguing image each day to give you ideas for writing. Some prompts are fantastical, some are set in reality, either type of prompt is sure to get your imagination working. If the image isn't enough for you, the creators of the site provide some questions below each image that might help engage your imagination. 

Make a collage with Supriya Kelkar

This illustrator will show you her technique for making a beautiful collage. 

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Book Suggestions

Younger readers

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin

J.J. Tully is a former search-and-rescue dog who is trying to enjoy his retirement after years of performing daring missions saving lives. So he's not terribly impressed when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar (who look like popcorn on legs) and their chicken mom show up demanding his help to find their missing siblings. Driven by the promise of a cheeseburger, J.J. begins to track down clues. Is Vince the Funnel hiding something? Are there dark forces at work—or is J.J. not smelling the evidence that's right in front of him?

Middle grade readers

The Last-Last Day of Summer by Lamar Giles

Otto and Sheed are the local sleuths in their zany Virginia town, masters of unraveling mischief using their unmatched powers of deduction. And as the summer winds down and the first day of school looms, the boys are craving just a little bit more time for fun, even as they bicker over what kind of fun they want to have. That is, until a mysterious man appears with a camera that literally freezes time. Now, with the help of some very strange people and even stranger creatures, Otto and Sheed will have to put aside their differences to save their town—and each other—before time stops for good.

Upper grade readers

The Swap by Megan Shull

With one random wish, Jack and Ellie are living life in each other's shoes. He's her. And she's him. ELLIE assumed popular guys didn't worry about body image, being perfect, or talking to girls, but acting like you're cool with everything is tougher than it looks. JACK thought girls had it easy—no fights with bullies, no demanding dads, no power plays—but facing mean girls at sleepovers  is way harder than taking a hit to the face at sports practice. Told in alternating chapters by Ellie and Jack. Available as an ebook or audiobook on OverDrive. 

JK Rowling's new book....chapter by chapter....for free! 

JK Rowling announced yesterday that she will be publishing an all new fantasy story set in the fictional world of Cornucopia on this website bhttps://www.theickabog.com/en-us/read-the-story/ over the next 7 weeks! The whole book will be publihsed in November, but you get to read it piece by piece starting this week! Sounds exciting! Not a sequel to Harry Potter, but a page-turner nonetheless. 

Rowling invites kids to illustrate the book and enter them in a competition-- best drawings will be published in the print book in November. 

Thank you, JK Rowling! 

Junior Library Guild

JLG's free ebooks offer ends on May 31! Read them while you can! 

https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/jlgdigital-free

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Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend! 

Enjoy a walk through the New York Botanical Gardens 

Or check out the library department's page for your grade level. New content arrives every Friday! 

I'll be back with more recommendations tomorrow! 

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Book suggestions

Younger readers

Awesome LEGO Creations with Bricks You Already Have by Sara Dees

Turn your pile of LEGO bricks into a day of fun! This unique activity book has step-by-step instructions and tons of photos to teach you how to build all-new and totally awesome robots and a robot lab, race cars to race your friends and jet planes to zoom across the room at lightning speed or fit in your pocket for on-the-go play. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Middle grade readers

Tumtum and Nutmeg: The Rose Cottage Tales by Emily Bearn

Tumtum and Nutmeg just want to live out their comfy lives in peace, unbothered by anything as distracting as an adventure. But the holidays are upon them, and it seems to be the time of year when Arthur and Lucy, the disheveled human children of Rose Cottage, and bumbling veteran hero General Marchmouse are most likely to get into trouble. Tumtum and Nutmeg want to make things right, but first they'll have to outwit a wicked mouse named Purple Claw, face a crazed circus ringmaster, and even save Christmas! Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Upper grade readers

Crash: The Great Depression and the Fall and Rise of America by Marc Favreau

Crash tells the story of the Great Depression, from the sweeping fallout of the market collapse to the more personal stories of those caught up in the aftermath. Packed with photographs, primary documents, and firsthand accounts, Crash shines a spotlight on pivotal moments and figures across ethnic, gender, racial, social, and geographic divides, reflecting many different experiences of one of the most turbulent decades in American history. Available as an ebook on Overdrive. 

Wild, Free and Crafty

Free art lessons for kids and adults. 

Worcester Art Museum

Browse the Worcester Art Museum by category. https://worcester.emuseum.com/categories

Happy weekend! 

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Book suggestions

Younger readers

Hamster and Cheese by Colleen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue

There's a sandwich thief in Mr. Venezi's pet shop, and everyone is a suspect, from the chinchillas to the goldfish. Never fear! The world's fluffiest detective on the case: Sasspants, PI(G). By day, Sasspants is your average book-loving, gizmo-inventing guinea pig. By night she solves pet shop mysteries with the help of her sidekick, Hamisher the hamster. Our furry little heroes will stop at nothing to find the sandwich thief! Book one in a series of early reader graphic novels. Available on OverDrive as an ebook. 

Middle grade readers

Baking Class: 50 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Bake! by Deanna F. Cook

Very attractive recipe book for kids. Step-by-step photos teach you how to bake a pie, knead dough and decorate cookies! Your family will love the treats you make! Available as an ebook on OverDrive.

Upper grade readers

Dive: World War II Stories of Sailors and Submarines in the Pacific by Deborah Hopkinson

Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific tells the incredible story of America's little known "war within a war" — US submarine warfare during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US entered World War II in December 1941 with only 44 Naval submarines — many of them dating from the 1920s. With the Pacific battleship fleet decimated after Pearl Harbor, it was up to the feisty and heroic sailors aboard the US submarines to stop the Japanese invasion across the Pacific. Including breakouts highlighting submarine life and unsung African-American and female war heroes, award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson uses first-person accounts, archival materials, official Naval documents, and photographs to bring the voices and exploits of these brave service members to life. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Comics: As Easy as ABC-- free ebook

Toon publishing has Comics: As Easy as ABC available on its website for free. Here's the link.

Learn all the techniques of comic-making. Get inspired to make some comics of your own! 

Recipes

Still cooking and baking? Here are some new recipes to try from America's Test Kitchen for Kids!

ChopChop magazine offers lots of recipes. Learn to make a new smoothie, try a new vegetable or make a dessert for your family to enjoy! 

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Book Suggestions

Younger readers

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles

Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the new year by eating a special soup, a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. This year, Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make the soup—Freedom Soup—just like she was taught when she was a little girl. Together, they dance and clap as they prepare the holiday feast, and Ti Gran tells Belle about the history of the soup, the history of Belle's family, and the history of Haiti, where Belle's family is from. Available on OverDrive through the public library. 

Middle grade readers

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

When a book of unexplainable occurences brings Petra and Calder together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect; an eccentric old woman seeks their company; an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. An intriguing mystery with puzzles for the reader to solve along the way. This is the first in a series. Available on OverDrive. 

Upper grade readers

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Lily Jo McGrother, born Timothy McGrother, is a girl. But being a girl is not so easy when you look like a boy. Especially when you're in the eighth grade. Dunkin Dorfman, birth name Norbert Dorfman, is dealing with bipolar disorder and has just moved from the New Jersey town he's called home for the past thirteen years. This would be hard enough, but the fact that he is also hiding from a painful secret makes it even worse. One summer morning, Lily Jo McGrother meets Dunkin Dorfman, and their lives forever change. Wonderful characters! Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Xander's Panda Party by Linda Sue Park

Here's a little taste of this fun book about a panda who hosts a very inclusive party at the zoo! 

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/0B-e2daE0hoOBaE1qeEkySDRHejQ

Some live animal action: 

Coral Reef Cam at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Penguin Cam at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Sea Otter Cam

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Book Suggestions

Younger readers

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett

Beatrice is so well-known for never making a mistake that she is greeted each morning by fans and reporters, but a near-error on the day of the school talent show could change everything. A good reminder that none of us is perfect! Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Middle grade readers

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

When Kyle learns that the world's most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town's new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, he's determined to be there! But the tricky part isn't getting into the library—it's getting out. Because when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route! Reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Lots of good ideas of more books to read are worked into the text. There are now several sequels. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Upper grade readers

Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin

Ebo is alone.His brother, Kwame, has disappeared, and Ebo knows it can only be to attempt the hazardous journey to Europe, and a better life—the same journey their sister set out on months ago. But Ebo refuses to be left behind in Ghana. He sets out after Kwame and joins him on the quest to reach Europe. Ebo's epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step he holds on to his hope for a new life, and a reunion with his family. This graphic novel is available on OverDrive. 

When will the public libraries reopen? 

According to the governor's website Mass.gov, public libraries can reopen in phase 2. So hopefully by the summer months the libraries will reopen for browsing! Yay! 

Read alouds with Michelle (and Barack) Obama! 

The four weeks of read alouds with Michelle Obama are over, but you can catch them all on the PBS YouTube channel.  And her guest reader on the last episode was none other than the former President! Watch him read The Bear Ate Your Sandwich. So funny. 

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A reading survey for you! 

What have you been reading since the school building closed? Where are you getting your books? Please fill out this survey to let me know. If you give me permission, I will feature your recommendations in upcoming blog posts with just your initials and grade level. 

Book Suggestions

Younger readers

Poppleton Every Day by Cynthia Rylant

Poppleton has great adventures every day! He stargazes with his friend Hudson. He goes shopping for a new bed. And he even goes sailing with his friend Fillmore! Another funny early reader series from Cynthia Rylant who wrote Henry and Mudge and the Mr. Putter and Tabby series. Available as an ebook from Overdrive. 

Middle Grade readers

Power Forward by Hena Khan

Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has some serious hoop dreams. He's not just going to be a professional basketball player. He's going to be a star. A legend. The first Pakistani-American kid to make it to the NBA. He knows this deep in his soul. It's his destiny. There are only a few small things in his way. 

Upper Grade readers

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Gene understands stories—comic book stories, in particular. Big action. Bigger thrills. And the hero always wins. But Gene doesn't get sports. As a kid, his friends called him "Stick" and every basketball game he played ended in pain. He lost interest in basketball long ago, but at the high school where he now teaches, it's all anyone can talk about. The men's varsity team, the Dragons, is having a phenomenal season that's been decades in the making. Each victory brings them closer to their ultimate goal: the California State Championships. In this graphic novel Yang tells us about this specific team AND traces the history of the game of basketball. Available as an ebook on OverDrive.. 

Stop by Jarrett Krosoczka's studio! 

The author and illustrator of the Lunch Lady series has been presenting a drawing lesson a day since school buildings closed! There are 8 weeks of lessons to catch up on! 

Visit Greg Pizzoli author and illustrator

Author of The Watermelon Seed invites you into his studio and teaches you how to draw some of his characters:   https://twitter.com/gregpizzoli?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor