Even though Pride Month is almost over, the Youth Services staff at the Barrington Area Library love to read books that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community all year round! Here are some of our most recent favorites.
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart and Anne Passchier
A wonderful primer for LGBTQ+ pride for any time of the year, this book celebrates all kinds of families and the meaning behind each of the colors in the rainbow flag.
When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita
When Aidan was a baby, things didn’t go so smoothly for him. You see, everyone thought he was a girl, and that was very frustrating for him, because he is actually a boy. Things got better for him when he got to pick out his name, his clothes, and share his true self with his family. When Aidan finds out that his mom is having a baby, he does everything he can to ensure that his family creates the most loving and inclusive environment for his new sibling.
Ho’onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale and Mika Song
Ho’onani really wants to audition for the traditional hula chant at school, but this role is usually reserved for boys (kāne), not girls (wahine). But Ho’onani feels just like Ho’onani--not quite a girl and not quite a boy--and therefore decides to defy traditional gender norms and try out for the role anyway. Based on a true story, Ho’onani: Hula Warrior is an inspiring tale that showcases the dynamic tradition of the māhū, or nonbinary, people of Hawaii.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book about Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn and Noah Grigni
This is a non-fiction introduction to gender identity that provides accessible explanations and language for different identities, and encourages children to be true to themselves.
Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager and Sarah Prapworth
This illustrated biography collection celebrates the lives of revolutionary figures in the LGBTQ+ community, such as Marsha P. Johnson, Frida Kahlo, James Baldwin, Sylvia Rivera, and so many more!
Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender
Because she was born during a hurricane, Caroline Murphy believes she has been cursed with bad luck. Everything around her seems to confirm this: her mom left abruptly, her classmates and teacher bully her for her dark skin, and she seems to be followed around by a mysterious spirit. Things begin to change when she befriends a new student named Kalinda, but she also must grapple with her budding feelings for this person in a world that describes them as sinful. Infused with magical realism, this book is a vibrant and poetic masterpiece.
Zenobia July is starting a new life in Portland, Maine with her cool, eccentric aunts after the death of her not-so-accepting father. An expert coder and hacker, Zenobia often hid behind her computer in the past, but begins to open herself to a new friend group. She is reluctant to share her true gender identity, even after developing a strong relationship with Arlo, who is genderqueer and uses vo/ven/veir pronouns, but decides to take a stand when someone posts transphobic and anti-Muslim memes to the school’s website. This is a phenomenal story about navigating identity and friendship, standing up for what is right, and growing and learning from our mistakes along the way.
Star-Crossed by Barbara Dee
12-year-old Mattie, a star student and book lover, is beyond excited when she's cast as Romeo in her school's production of Romeo and Juliet. As opening night approaches, Mattie develops a crush on Gemma, the new girl in school who just so happens to be playing Juliet. But does brilliant, outgoing Gemma like her back? This is a sweet, funny romance in which Mattie learns how to be the leading player in her own life.
The Moon Within by Aida Salazar
An Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret for the modern age, Celi is turning 12 soon and trying to make sense of all the impending changes happening in her life. Written in verse, this book beautifully encapsulates the ups and downs of middle school, including first crushes, body changes, and helping a friend who has recently come out as genderfluid navigate a world that can sometimes be so cruel.
Looking for some personalized selections? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Stefanie
Have you ever made a paper airplane, only to be disappointed with the results? The folds are too complicated, and it just doesn't seem to fly very well.
Well, I have a solution for you! With just a straw, strips of stiff paper (such as an index card), tape, and scissors, you can make a simple straw glider that will fly well.
Check out the video below, to see how to make a straw glider.
Now that you know how to make a straw glider, you can experiment with the design and see what happens when you change your design. Here are some questions to ask when you make changes.
- What happens when you make the glider with a different type of paper?
- What happens if you move the loops to a different part of the straw?
- What happens if you add more loops?
- What happens if you use different kinds of straws?
- What happens if you make the straw shorter or longer?
Once you've determined the best design, try having some glider races with your family. How far was your glider able to go?
At the Barrington Area Library, we love seeing your creativity. Share your pictures or videos of your straw gliders by emailing youthservices@balibrary.org.
Looking for more fun activities? Here is a list of the library’s upcoming events for kids.
Youth Services Librarian Ann
The world is very weird right now. Embrace it by reading about disaster, survival, and science-fiction futures in these strange new worlds.
The Disaster Days by Rebecca Behrens
A young babysitter survives an epic earthquake with two kids in her charge. The damage has them stranded on their small island off Seattle, with no cell service, and all their adults stuck on the mainland.
Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Separated from his aging caregiver grandfather and placed in a foster home, Prez forges an unusual friendship with an alien who appears as a dog to everyone else and entreats Prez to help compile a list of Earth's redeeming qualities to prevent the planet from being destroyed.
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
After a monster apocalypse hits town, average thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan builds a team of friends to help slay the eerily intelligent monster known as Blarg. Also available in audio.
It’s the End of the World As I Know It by Matthew Landis
Derrick is sure that doomsday is coming, and he's prepping to survive—whether his friends believe him or not—in this quirky, sometimes-funny, sometimes-moving middle grade novel.
The World Ends in April by Stacy McAnulty
Eleanor Dross knows a thing or two about the end of the world, thanks to a survivalist grandfather who stockpiles freeze-dried food and supplies—just in case. So when she reads about a Harvard scientist's prediction that an asteroid will strike Earth in April, Eleanor forms the (secret) End of the World Club.
Bloom by Kenneth OppelAn invasion of toxic plants threatens to take over the world. The only ones immune to the deadly pollen are three kids, isolated on an island. This new sci-fi thriller is the first in a planned trilogy by a fantastic author. Also available in audio.
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Through journal entries, sixteen-year-old Miranda describes her family's struggle to survive after a meteor hits the moon, causing worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. This is the start of the Last Survivors series. Also available in audio.
We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey
After the Earth becomes inhabitable, all people are now refugees in space. When a possible new planet is found, the creatures who already live there (who look like giant mosquitoes) aren’t convinced they want to share the planet. They agree to allow one family in to see if humans are worth saving. No pressure! Also available in audio.
Little Apocalypse by Katherine Sparrow
A sudden earthquake leaves a girl stranded in a devastated city, but she meets a group of kids who call themselves The Hunters and claim that monsters caused the damage. This survival story's got a creepy, supernatural vibe.
In a world where animals are slowly fading into extinction, twelve-year-old Kester Jayne discovers that he can speak to them, and perhaps help them survive. A unique adventure tale.
The Boy at the End of the World by Greg Van Eekhout
Fisher is the only one left alive when the survival dome (the only thing keeping humans safe from wild, super-evolved animals) is destroyed. He must face terrible creatures and dangerous environments on his journey to a second dome rumored to exist.
Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse by Susan Vaught
When her father is arrested for a crime, Jesse and her trusty Pomeranian must prove his innocence, even as a tornado strikes their town. A mystery with a smart and funny young hero.
Want personalized reading suggestions? Fill out our form and we’ll email you a list of great reads.
Youth Services Librarian Allison
I love Creativebug’s motto because so often we admire what others are creating, but we don’t think we can manage anything creative on our own, and most of all, we don’t know where to start.
But creativity is not always about the outcome: it’s the process of creating that is so beneficial. Because of that, art can be a great stress-reliever for all ages. This is something we really try to emphasize at the Barrington Area Library with our “process art” programs. There’s no one way or right way to create art.
So where do we begin? Creativebug is a database that is available to you with your Barrington Area Library card. They have many videos to help you with “the joy of making.” They offer classes such as knitting, paper crafts, sewing, painting, and drawing. They even have a collection of videos for Kids' crafts. Today, why not put on some music and print these pages to color with crayons, pencils, or watercolor paints (I recommend printing with a laser printer so the ink won’t bleed).
Mindful Moment: “Art is a natural way to practice mindfulness. The colors, textures, and sounds of creating pull us into the moment. You don’t need any previous training to meditate through art, just a willingness to draw like a child, with freedom and a sense of curiosity.” — Amy Maricle, art therapist and founder of Mindful Art Studio
Watch “Daniel Gets Mad/Katerina Gets Mad” on Kanopy Kids using your Barrington Area Library card number to log in, and come back to this blog post to enjoy some family activities that will enhance your child’s learning around the episode.
Now that you’ve watched the episode, here is a companion video that will demonstrate some breathing exercises for when you’re feeling so mad that you want to roar!
Here are some questions that will help you unpack some of the topics in the episode with your child.
“Daniel Gets Mad”
- When Daniel Tiger was playing make-believe, he imagined he was swimming in the deep blue sea. Have you pretended you’ve gone on an adventure while staying at home? Where would you most like to go? Take a pretend trip with your family! What did you do?
- How did Daniel and Wednesday feel when they saw that it was raining outside? Can you remember a time when you felt like that? What happened?
- What are some ways that you and your family have had to change plans since we’ve been staying at home?
“Katerina Gets Mad”
- Daniel and his friends visit the local music shop together. Do you have any musical instruments at home? If not, have you ever tried to make a musical instrument with supplies you have at home?
- When Katerina gets upset about not being first in line, she counts and then dances her mad out. Have you ever tried to dance your mad out? Pick out some of your favorite tunes and plan a dance party with your family! You can also sign up for our Family Concert with Ralph Covert on Saturday, June 27 at 10:30am to dance some of your feelings out!
Below are some other activities to try as a family.
- Make a DIY shaker out of a plastic egg and beans, or paper plates and beans. What other materials do you have at home that you could use to make a musical instrument?
- Check out our Summer Reading program and complete an activity for the Heart My Home or Wellness Warrior badges.
- Children’s Author and Illustrator Christian Robinson has a video series on YouTube called Making Space, all about art and feelings. Watch his video on the topic of anger and complete an art project with him!
- Sign up for our program Little Kids, Big Feelings on Tuesday, June 23 at 2:30pm!
- Mister Rogers sang a lot of great songs about feelings on his show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Check out some old recordings on his website.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Stefanie
Here at the Barrington Area Library, we love making stop-motion animation videos because they are easy, there are so many different kinds, and you don’t need a lot of equipment.
Check out the video below where I show you how to make a stop-motion video with a camera, iMovie, and toys. If you are using a smart phone or device, there are several apps that will help you put your stop-motion animation video together.
Now that you know how to make stop-motion animation videos, we would love to see what you make! Send your videos to youthservices@balibrary.org by June 15th.
Learning something new is both fun and challenging. Take a mindful moment and breathe. Take a few deep breaths. Inhale by 'smelling a flower' and exhale like you are blowing out a candle on a cake.
Youth Services Librarian Ann
Help your child better understand the injustices and violence in our society with these resources that address racism and activism.
The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul
When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers—the good people working to make things better in big and small ways. She wants more than anything to help in a big way. A picture book addressing the difficulties of community trauma, and the ways every person can make a difference. Good for sharing with ages 4-8. The author also has provided a read-along video.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
“There will be times when you walk into a room / and no one there is quite like you.” There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. A poignant picture book about diversity and connection, good for sharing with children ages 4-8.
Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America by Emily Easton and Ziyue Chen
Join Samuel Adams as he masterminds the Boston Tea Party, Ruby Bridges on her march to school, Colin Kaepernick as he takes a knee, and the multitude of other American activists whose peaceful protests have ushered in lasting change. A picture book highlighting America’s rich tradition of protesting, good for ages 6-10.
Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
A collection of poems by two narrators, a black boy and a white girl, who are teamed up to be class partners and grow to learn about each others’ families, cultures, and identities. Good for ages 8-12.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade in his new private school known for its academics. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself? Winner of both the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Author Award, this graphic novel is funny and thought-provoking, especially as Jordan deals with endless microaggressions from his mostly white classmates and teachers. Great for ages 9-14. HarperCollins also has a great author talk with Jerry Craft available.
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée
Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. But after experiencing a powerful Black Lives Matter protest, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking. She starts wearing an armband to school in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Soon everyone is taking sides. And she is given an ultimatum. A lighthearted novel about standing up for what’s right, great for ages 9-14.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that's been unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing. Soon Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances. A powerful and timely novel, best for ages 9-14.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
A timely reimagining for younger readers of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped From the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and what young people can do moving forward. A powerful nonfiction choice for ages 11 and up.
Find many more fiction and nonfiction options for all ages on our e-booklist.
Web Resources for Parents
“10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids about Race.” EmbraceRace.
Simple tips for parents of all backgrounds to help raise tolerant and socially engaged children.
“How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids.” Common Sense Media.
Details practical and easy-to-use advice on fostering empathy and anti-racism in your children.
Raising Race Conscious Children.
A web resource to support adults who are trying to talk about race with young children. Tons of great ideas on this website!
“‘Raising White Kids’ Author on How White Parents Can Talk About Race.” NPR.
An interview with Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, about how to talk with white kids about racially-charged events.
“Talking Race with Young Children.” NPR.
A 20-minute podcast with great advice about talking about race even with very young children. The link offers a great list of other resources, as well.
“They’re Not Too Young to Talk About Race.” The Children’s Community School.
This page includes a fantastic infographic on how children are already learning racial biases at a very young age. An extensive list of further resources is also included.
“Too Few Parents Talk to their Kids About Race and Identity, Report Finds.” The Hechinger Report.
This article details why it’s important to discuss race with your child and offers suggestions.
“The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf.” TEDx Talks.
Children’s author Grace Lin describes her own childhood experiences with mostly-white book characters, and illustrates how crucial it is for young readers to see both themselves and others in the pages of books. A must-watch TED talk.
Youth Services Librarian Allison
Here at the Barrington Area Library, we know a lot of fans of the Dog Man series. Here are 5 books that will keep Dog Man Fans reading while they wait for the next book to arrive.
Sparks!
Sparks is a dog that has conducted many heroic rescues. But Sparks is not your typical dog! He is actually a robotic dog suit controlled by two very smart cats. Can the cats keep their secret identity a secret and stop a nefarious plot to control all the animals?
Move over Garfield: there is a new grumpy cat in town and his name is Catwad. Catwad’s best friend is Blurmp, a not too bright, super optimistic cat. The contrast between these two as they interact makes for some very funny situations throughout this silly graphic novel.
All of the animals on the farm think Rock Pigeon is strange because he enjoys disguising himself as different animals and plants. However, Grandpouter Pigeon is thrilled by Rock Pigeon’s talent and recruits him into his special group of crime fighting pigeons. Their first case: find out where all the breadcrumbs have gone!
Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School
Two dogs, Sassy and Waldo, are tired of their owner, Stuart, going to school. Stuart always comes home from school sad and anxious. To help Stuart, the dogs decide that they will impersonate a student by climbing on top of each other and wearing a trench coat. Luckily, Waldo can speak human and the two dogs are able to fool everyone, except Stuart. 
Caveboy Dave: More Scrawny than Brawny
Caveboy Dave is determined to invent something that cave people really need. But with his grandfather inventing fire, and his dad inventing the wheel, nobody is impressed with his inventions of forks or underwear. When Dave and his peers go on a hunting trip, he has to find a way to use his inventions to save the day.
Looking for some personalized selections? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!
Youth Services Librarian Ann
Did you know you can access e-audiobooks for streaming or download without any waiting lists? Check out these five awesome selections on Hoopla that will make your ears smile.
The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
Candace is spending the summer in her grandmother’s old house in Lamber, South Carolina when she finds the letter that sent her grandmother on the treasure hunt that made her the laughing stock of town. Candace thinks she might be able to solve the mystery, find the treasure, and right some past wrongs. Told in alternating past and present chapters this engaging audiobook is one you won’t want to miss.
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
Felicty is used to moving around but she’s never been to a place quite like Midnight Gulch. When the Pickled Jalapeno (the affectionate name for the van her family travels in) pulls into town, Felicty is certain that this is the place that they are meant to stay. She is also certain that the old magic of the town she keeps hearing about isn’t gone for good and that she and her new friend Jonah can bring it back. The slight southern tinged accent of the narrator will pull you right into Midnight Gulch and Felicity’s story.
Wildwood by Colin Meloy When a murder of crows kidnaps Prue’s brother she finds herself on a rescue mission in the secret forest known as the Impassable Wildnerness or Wildwood as some of the locals call it. Talk animals, action, and just a touch of darkness, this is a fantasy adventure you won’t want to press pause on.
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan Read by Mark Bramhill, David De Vries, MacLeod Andrews, Rebecca Soler, Corky Siegel
The connective power of music is on display in this 3 part story that follows a harmonica as it makes its way from Freidrich Schmidt a 12 year old living in Germany in 1933 to Mike Finnegan an 11 year old orphan living in Philadelphia to Ivy Lopez a fifth grader living on a California farm. With actual harmonica and piano music woven throughout the audiobook, this lyrical story is worth every minute of listening.
Nightbooks by J.A. White Alex loves horror stories and movies, but never thought he might be part of one. After being kidnapped by a witch named Natacha in his apartment building he realizes that the only way to survive is to tell her a new story every night. Survival doesn’t seem ensured and escape seems pretty darn near impossible, but Alex and his fellow prisoner Yasmin, have to try. This twisted mashup of folk and fairy tale elements is sure to keep you enthralled and listening just a little too late into the night.
Looking for some personalized selections? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!
Youth Services Librarian Demitra
Check out one of these e-books, available on Overdrive, and full of fun activity ideas to keep hands and brains occupied!
With full color photographs to inspire, this fun collection of art activities encourages children to create freely, using their own thoughts and experiences as a guide.
The Big, Fun Kids CookbookThe Food Network Magazine created this colorful recipe collection just for young foodies.
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs
Brought to you by the genius minds at America’s Test Kitchen, this recipe book offers over 100 sweet and savory baked goods.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects
This award-winning science book is bubbling over with entertaining and educational experiments for budding scientists.
Miss Patch's Learn to Sew Book by Carolyn Meyer
Although this book was originally published in 1969, the simple instructions and adorable illustrations still work for today’s young crafters.
Need more activity ideas? Keep tuning in to our blog for at-home ideas, or check out Creativebug, our database with how-to videos on fun crafting and art projects.
Taking a break from schoolwork? Rest, refresh, and check out these laugh-out-loud graphic novels, available now on Overdrive:
For fans of Captain Underpants! Dog Man’s got the head of a dog, the body of a human, and the heart of a hero, and he’s going to clean up crime all over the city! First in a series.
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Meet Lunch Lady! When she’s not serving up the Daily Special at school, she’s fighting villainy and saving the day! For fans of superhero stories, science fiction, and mystery. First in a series.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
After skipping a stone across a pond and accidentally hitting a unicorn in the face, Phoebe is granted one wish. Her wish? For a unicorn best friend! First in a series.
Cucumber Quest: The Doughnut Kingdom by Gigi D.G.
Cucumber doesn’t want to be a hero, he just wants to go to school. That’s too bad, because the evil Queen Cordelia has returned to take over the world! A lighthearted fantasy-adventure series for fans of Adventure Time. First in a series.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
Narwhal is silly. Jelly is serious. Together these two best friends go on adventures, throw parties, eat waffles, and discover everything the ocean has to offer. First in a series.
Looking for some personalized selections? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Check out this video booktalk on the sensational start of an epic fantasy trilogy, great for fans of Wings of Fire and Harry Potter.
You can download Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman on Overdrive.
Tip: subscribe to our Youth Services YouTube channel for more videos of book recommendations, story times, and activity how-tos.