It's Childrens Book Week!
This week is Children's Book Week! Reading is not only a great way for kids to develop their reading skills but can be an exciting way to connect with other cultures, learn about important historical figures and events, and expand their imagination as they dive into new worlds. It's also a great way to increase their vocabulary and writing skills!
To celebrate the importance of children's books and promote a little reading this week, we want to share some of our favorite books that include both historical and fictional characters, like Ms. Frizzle and Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who promote the importance of public health and encourage others to get involved in making their community a better place.
Check out the list of books we've included below and consider checking out a few from your local library! For a list of local libraries in your area, visit: All Locations – Spokane Public Library (spokanelibrary.org) or Locations – Spokane County Library District (scld.org)
Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor
In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges—and looks at the special powers those kids have as well.
As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same. When we come across someone who is different from us but we're not sure why, all we have to do is “Just Ask.”
The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford
It is one of the worst storms ever - the snow has not stopped for days, and it is 30 degrees below zero. But somehow Balto must get through. He is the lead dog of his sled team, and he is carrying medicine to sick children miles away in Nome, Alaska. He is their only hope. Can Balto find his way through the terrible storm? Find out in this exciting true story!
The Giant Germ (Magic School Bus Chapter Book Series #6) by Anne Capeci
Ms. Frizzle takes her class on amazing field trips in the Magic School Bus. They never know what will happen when they get on the bus, but they always learn something new about science! A class picnic in the park becomes an exploration of the mini world of microbes. Even though microbes are tiny, they have huge effects on the world. Ms. Frizzle and her class get into trouble when they run into a giant germ!
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery
Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration.
Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America's Children by Monica Kulling
Sara Josephine Baker was a strong girl who loved adventure. Growing up in New York in the late 1800s was not easy. When she lost her brother and father to typhoid fever, she became determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. In Jo's day, medical schools were closed to women, but times were changing, and Jo was at the forefront.
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel
Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change―even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things, like going to school or eating lunch in the cafeteria.
Jennifer knew that everyone deserves a voice! That’s why when the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that would make public spaces much more accessible to people with disabilities was proposed to Congress, she went to the steps of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. to convince them. Without her wheelchair, she climbed. ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP!
For a list of local libraries in your area, visit: All Locations – Spokane Public Library (spokanelibrary.org) or Locations – Spokane County Library District (scld.org)