Our Summer Reading Program has come to a close. We hope you enjoyed our themed booklists, weekly yoga, art kits, and science experiments. Now it's time for a new academic year to begin! School year reading might be more formal than summer, and you might have to stick to certain rules set by the teacher, but don't worry -- it can still be enjoyable! Here are some tips from a children's librarian to help you find some Great Reads for Kids.
- OPL publishes booklists organized by grade level: each one is a collection of excellent titles that our children's librarians have judged are right for many children of a particular age and stage. While we can't possibly list ALL the good books we love, the printed pamphlets at your library have the newest version of each list of 40-50 titles. You can see more suggestions in the online catalog by choosing a Tag for the grade level you want.
- Have a beginning reader or one who needs some help? Try our sources for animated picture books: Tumblebook Library and Weston Woods on Kanopy. Here the illustrations are shown while a recording reads the text aloud. It's good practice to read along in the same hardcover book or on the screen. We also have book and audio CD kits to check out, or you can listen to longer audiobooks online on Overdrive or Hoopla. These can be great for time in the car, either listening as a family or with headphones so multiple kids can listen to their choice of story.
Look for the headphones symbol - Kids are individuals; your kid may prefer something lighter/gentler than a classic you read at their age, have a high reading level but typical interests for their grade, or want graphic novels instead of chapter books. We encourage everyone to read what they enjoy.
- Ask a librarian! We can show you the sections best suited for your needs, and recommend a title or two. Need more? Ask Book Me. What did you read recently and love? What was the best part? What DON'T you like to read? Why? A librarian will choose specific books for you and can place them on hold at your closest library. Helping children (and their families) find new books to love is one of the highlights of our job.
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