Young Adult

For ages 12 and up

World War II: Fiction

Whether flying secret missions, trying to avoid capture by the Nazis, or tracking spies, fiction brings the people and events of World War II’s European front to life. These titles, published since 2010, have great appeal. (Other recent titles about World War II in Fact and Fiction can be found in our 2012 Memorial Day […]

Food and Cooking

Why do we eat? What do we eat? Why do we eat what we eat? How is food grown and prepared? Encourage the youngsters in your life to be knowledgeable about what they eat and to cook for themselves (and others)-these books will help with that goal. Web links to additional information and activities about […]

Visual Arts

“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” (H. D. Thoreau) Drawing, painting, sculpture, photography allow that imagination to soar, for the artist and the observer. Let your imagination soar with these books on various visual arts! Web links to additional information and activities about the Visual Arts follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson […]

Irish

Who are the Irish? Historian Carl Wittke described them as having a “temperament [that] is a mixture of flaming ego, hot temper, stubbornness, great personal charm and warmth, and a wit that shines through adversity. An irrepressible buoyancy, a vivacious spirit, a kindliness and tolerance for the common frailties… ” Watch for some of these […]

Winter

Silently, softly falls the snow-and with it comes all sorts of wintery times. Chill out with these books featuring winter! Web links to additional information and activities about Winter follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews After the Snow S.D. Crockett In this powerful first novel, global warming has killed the North Atlantic Current, sending […]

American Revolutionary Times

ALA Midwinter is in Philadelphia January 24-28, but over 200 years ago it was the meeting place for America’s Founding Fathers and where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. Explore the people, places and time in fact and fiction. Web links to additional information and activities about American Revolutionary people and times […]

Russia

“To many, Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. (Winston Churchill)” The Winter Olympics will be in Sochi, Russia, in February 2014. The world’s largest country, Russia spans two continents and eleven time zones. Part of the Soviet Union for nearly 70 years, it has had its own political, legal, and […]

Immigration

America is often called “A Nation of Immigrants.” Opportunity and freedom call people to our shores, making the United States a diverse mix of people. Literature can help us understand their hopes and their plight.Web links to additional information and activities about Immigrants and Immigration follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Angel Island: Gateway […]

Playtime

Fun and Games! December brings gifts and time off from school. While it’s said, “Play is child’s work,” even grown-ups enjoy letting loose with games or play activities. The titles in this list explore several aspects of play, from pure fun to slightly sinister. Web links to additional information and activities about toys and play […]

Military Families

Veteran’s Day and Military Family Appreciation Month both fall in November. Whether deployed in the United States or abroad, military families face unique challenges. Families are often separated when the military spouse or sibling serves overseas, while the rest of the family is stateside. Their contributions to our country’s well being and safety are immeasurable. […]

Thanksgiving

While America celebrates Thanksgiving Day in November, it is celebrated on different days around the world. Our book selections reflect a sense of gratitude as well as more “traditional” Thanksgiving fare. View Thanksgiving book recommendations from previous years at http://clcd.com/index.php/nlindex. Web links to additional information and activities about Thanksgiving and gratitude follow these reviews. Contributor: […]

Fall Holidays

Crisp apples, colored leaves, seasonal celebrations–Autumn is filled with fun. Explore the many aspects of fall, enjoyable, educational, or eerie, with these titles. Web links to additional information and activities about fall celebrations follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews The Apple Orchard Riddle Margaret McNamara Pictures by G. Brian Karas When Mr. Tiffin takes […]

Bullying

Bullying has become a national issue. More than 30% of teens in the U.S. are either a bully, a target of bullying, or both. Explore the social dynamics and impact of bullying in fact and fiction. Web links to additional information and activities about bullies and bullying follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews 90 […]

Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition

More and more we recognize the importance of being fit and healthy. Diet, exercise, and sleep can help us feel and look better, have more energy, and enhance performance. Whether through organized sports or personal discipline, good habits need to be formed. Take a look at these books to kick-start your reading on this vital […]

Mind your Ps and Qs

Manners Count everywhere! Whether at home, school, grocery store, online, riding bikes, on the phone, or on the field … good manners show respect, courtesy, kindness, and responsibility. Web links to additional information and activities about manners follow these reviews. Contributor: Peg Glisson Reviews Emily Post’s Table Manners for Kids Emily Post and Cindy Post […]

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Rosh Hashanah or Jewish New Year is observered on the first and second days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish year (coinciding with September or early October). Customs include sounding the shofar, eating symbolic foods, and wishing one another a “good year.” It is the beginning of ten days of reflection and prayer, […]

Superheroes

Superheroes June 15 is Superman Day, coinciding with the release of the newest Superman movie. Some superheroes and heroines have extraordinary abilities, enhanced senses, and advanced equipment or gadgets. Others have no superhuman powers but have mastered certain skills to a remarkable degree. They have a strong moral code and risk their own safety for […]

The Caribbean and Caribbean-Americans

The Caribbean and Caribbean-Americans 2013 marks the eighth anniversary of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The United States officially recognizes that the destinies of the peoples of the Caribbean and North America have been linked since the sixteenth century. The region is filled with natural resources, blended cultures and even real life pirates. […]

Family History

Family History Family history can become a fascinating journey back in time for kids and adults. It’s a wonderful way to help children make connections, have a sense of the world and history. Intergenerational relationships provide insight, a sense of time and place, memories, and tolerance. The books listed below offer family stories, focusing on […]

Space

Space Who doesn’t look at the sky with wonder? A person might wonder what the stars are made of or if anyone else is up there? These books will foster a love of the night sky and a sense of exploration. Strap in for an exciting ride! Web links to additional information and activities about […]