nicole.frilling

Black History Month is observed every February in the United States. Black history is American history, however, observing Black History Month in February gives us a chance to be intentional in learning about this topic. There are so many wonderful books that were published this past year. Narrowing down our list has been difficult at best. In addition, the American Library Association announced the children’s literature awards for 2019 on January 27. A few of the books that we had chosen to feature during Black History Month are among those awards: The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illus. by Kadir Nelson You’ve probably heard the phrase “swept the Oscars,” well, this new picture book “swept the awards.” It won the Caldecott Medal which is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Honor titles are generally selected each year as well. Kadir Nelson is a two-time Caldecott Honoree, but this is his first Caldecott Medal. The Undefeated was also named as one of four Newbery Honor winning titles. The Newbery Medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Kwame Alexander won the Newbery Medal in 2015 for The Crossover. The Caldecott and Newbery Medals are perhaps the two most prestigious awards in the field of children’s literature, so for this book to recognized in both categories, it is truly an exceptional work. The Undefeated was also awarded the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. The Coretta Scott King Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture. In The Undefeated, Alexander gives us a poetic tribute [...]

Creativebug has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. Access is FREE with your Library card.    This one-of-a-kind book will show readers how to identify and nurture their own visual identity, navigate the influence of artists they admire, push through fear and insecurity, and appreciate the value of their personal journey.   Do something creative every day! In A Year of Creativity, learn how to throw the perfect creative party with your friends-with organizing tips, 25 project ideas, and even recipes for snacks.   Stories, Advice, and Inspiration from a Community of Modern Makers An exploration of how making by hand is the key to discovering your life's passion-whether that means spinning natural fibers, carving a wooden bowl, or creating elaborate papercuts; featuring profiles of 30 creatives. Practical Advice on the Artist's Personality and Career from America's Foremost Creativity Coach. Creativity for Life offers practical ideas as well as exercises and inspiration to nurture growth as an artist and as a person.            

Each year the American Library Association awards outstanding books for children and young adults. Awards include including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards. (Complete list) This year's winners include: New Kid - Jerry CraftInstead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. The Undefeated Illustrated by Kadir Nelson, Written by Kwame Alexander The Newbery Award-winning author of THE CROSSOVER pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree. Dig - A.S. King Five white teenage cousins who are struggling with the failures and racial ignorance of their dysfunctional parents and their wealthy grandparents, reunite for Easter. Just Ask – Sonia Sotomayor Sonia and her friends plant a garden, and each one contributes in his or her own special way, in a book that celebrates the many differences among humans. Field Guide to the North American Teenager - Ben Philippe When Norris, a black French Canadian, starts his junior year at an Austin, Texas, high school, he views his fellow students as cliches from "a bad 90s teen movie."   Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño played the piano for President Lincoln - Margarita Engle Looks at the life and accomplishments of Teresa Carreño, one of the most famous pianist who, by age nine, performed for President Abraham Lincoln at the White House.

The Splendid and the Vile - Erik Larson New York Times bestselling author of Dead Wake and The Devil in the White City delivers a startlingly fresh portrait of Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz. The Holdout - Graham Moore A woman is wrongly implicated in a murder one decade after convincing the members of a deadlocked jury to return a not-guilty verdict. By the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of The Imitation Game. The Worst Best Man - Mia Sosa A wedding planner left at the altar? Yeah, the irony isn't lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina's offered an opportunity that could change her life. There's just one hitch... she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials.   The Authenticity Project - Clare Pooley The story of a solitary green notebook that brings together six strangers and leads to unexpected friendship, and even love.   A Well Behaved Woman - Therese Ann Fowler The riveting novel of iron-willed Alva Vanderbilt and her illustrious family as they rule Gilded-Age New York, written by Therese Anne Fowler, a New York Times bestselling author of Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.      

Which is better, the book or the movie? Get a head start this year on some great books that will be released as movies in 2020. Little Women (Currently in Theaters) Based loosely on Louisa May Alcott's own upbringing, Little Women follows the lives of four sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March. Each girl has a vision of what their ideal future will bring, though ultimately experiencing, as most young do, something completely different. Little Women, originally written as two volumes, was a great commercial success and is considered one of the most widely read American novels.   Artemis Fowl (May 29th) Twelve-year-old Artemis is a millionaire, a genius-and above all, a criminal mastermind. But Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of the bedtime stories-they're dangerous! Woman in the Window (May 15th) Twisty and powerful, ingenious and moving, The Woman in the Window is a smart, sophisticated novel of psychological suspense that recalls the best of Hitchcock. News of the World (December 25th) In the aftermath of the Civil War, an aging itinerant news reader agrees to transport a young captive of the Kiowa back to her people in this exquisitely rendered, morally complex, multilayered novel of historical fiction from the author of Enemy Women that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust. Rebecca (Netflix - TBD) The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady's maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at [...]

Request a Book Kit Requesting a book kit for your book club just got a lot easier!  Thinking about starting a book club, or have you been with the same friends for years?  The Library just made requesting a book kit a lot easier!  You can now request a book kit for a specific date so you'll know what you're reading next month.  Save money and time by checking out a book kit and discussion guide from the Library. Our book kits contain 10-15 copies of a book, a discussion guide and come in an easy to carry tote bag. Choose Your Title (this is the hard part!) Select the date and pickup location, and enter your contact information Reserve this kit We will contact you when you book kit is available for pick up.  

Shopping season is upon us! Let Consumer Reports do the heavy lifting for you when you are trying to decide what to buy.  Consumer reports is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace. I’ve used Consumer Reports for advice when purchasing a dishwasher, car seats, paint and much more. All you need is your Library card. Consumer Reports: Login first to unlock the ratings Before you buy some of the most popular gifts read the review: Coffee Makers Headphones Laptops

WHAT IS THE WINTER READ CHALLENGE? Winter Read Challenge is a reading challenge where you can complete reading missions throughout December, January, and February in order to be entered to win prizes. RULES Complete any of their choice of 5 challenges out of the 10 offered. For any challenge you complete after 5 you'll be given another entry into the prize drawing, so you can earn a total of 6 entries. Entry forms can be picked up (or printed from this site) starting on December 1st and must be returned by February 29th to qualify for the prize drawing. PRIZES Our grand prize this year is a $50 Amazon gift card. Second and third place winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card.