Fast Five Fiction: Holiday Chapter Books

It's FRIDAY and time for Fast Five Fiction. The library is getting festive in anticipation of our Christmas Extravaganza and Santa Visit. As we approach this holiday season we've got Holiday books for all ages, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction baking and craft books. Last week I shared some of our new Christmas picture books so this week I've got some recommendations for a read aloud or independent chapter book readers. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

This year's pageant is definitely like no other, but maybe that's exactly what makes it so special.

Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or "the worst kids in the history of the world."

The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids. You and your family will laugh along with this funny story, perfect for independent reading or read-aloud sharing.

Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are an awful bunch. They set fire to Fred Shoemaker's toolshed, blackmailed Wanda Pierce to get her charm bracelet, and smacked Alice Wendelken across the head. And that's just the start! When the Herdmans show up at church for the free snacks and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked.

It's obvious that they're up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdmans, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way.

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child's love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world's greatest storytellers.

One boy and his toy are about to change everything...

Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens -- DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life... even toys. And Jack's newest toy -- the Christmas Pig (DP's replacement) -- has a daring plan: Together they'll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost, and to save the best friend Jack has ever known...

Let It Glow by Marissa Meyer

When Aviva Davis and Holly Martin meet at the holiday pageant tryouts for their local senior's center, they think they must be seeing double. While they both knew they were adopted, they had no idea they had a biological sibling, let alone an identical twin! The similarities are only skin deep, though, because while Aviva has a big personality and even bigger Broadway plans, Holly is more the quiet dreamer type who longs to become a famous author like her grandfather.

One thing the girls do have in common is their curiosity about how the other celebrates the holidays. What better way to discover the magic of the holidays than to experience them firsthand? The girls secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families. Two virtual strangers swapping homes, holidays, and age-old traditions-what could possibly go wrong? Find out in this sweet as a sugarplum and satisfying as a latke middle grade novel by Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, and Joanne Levy, award-winning author of Sorry for Your Loss and several other books for tweens.

Juniper's Christmas by Eoin Colfer

Eleven-year-old Juniper Lane is thrown into a Christmas adventure like no other when she seeks the help of a mysterious woodsman living in her local park, who she suspects is Santa himself, and accidentally gets exposed to North Pole magic. Join a boisterous cast of characters--including a neighbor who always believed in Santa, a young reindeer in training, and a cutthroat crime boss out to steal Santa's magic--on an unpredictable journey bursting with Eoin Colfer's signature exuberance and merriment. Complete with cheerful, festive illustrations, this is a beautifully packaged tale of wonder, sure to delight readers and inspire the Christmas spirit in the whole family.

Celebrate the holidays with a story of joy, magic, and saving Santa Claus, from a celebrated author beloved for his spirited storytelling. Juniper's Christmas is the perfect holiday read, year after year.

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meets Klaus in this cheeky, Christmas classic-in-the-making that sparkles with wit and warmth!

Now a Netflix movie starring Kristen Wiig, Maggie Smith and Henry Lawfull!

Eleven-year-old Nikolas-nicknamed "Christmas"-has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he's happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.

Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things-if only he can reach his father before it's too late. . . .

Happy Friday, and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: New Holiday Books

It's FRIDAY and time for Fast Five Fiction. The library is getting festive as we approach this holiday season. We've got Holiday books for all ages, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction baking and craft books. This week I'm sharing some newer holiday books to our shelves. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen

A celebration of seven different winter holidays observed in the US and the traditions that unite them all.

Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year are visually depicted in turn, accompanying a stunning, read-aloud text that speaks of the traditions that link them all together. The warm yet accurate imagery is explained in simple secondary text on each spread, and further in the backmatter. Beloved author Jane Yolen and daughter, author Heidi Stemple, have crafted a loving and poignant story with true reverence for our shared traditions of celebrating light, love, food, and family. An empowering, informative, and inclusive holiday book for families of all traditions. 

Just Us by Molly Beth Griffin

What happens when a storm prevents all the relatives from coming in for the holidays? No Grandma, no aunts, no uncles, no cousins. No fun!

The family will have to adapt their traditions to versions that can be done on a smaller scale--from a more manageable stew dinner, a hike in the snow, or a game of cards instead of rowdy charades. Navigating disappointment with mindfulness and gratitude, the family pieces together a holiday full of new traditions, while still acknowledging that it's okay to miss the old ones.

A Dragon for Hanukkah by Sarah Mlynowski

On the first night of Hanukkah, my parents gave me a dragon...

So begins Hannah's holiday adventure, as she receives eight magical presents -- one for each night. There's a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, a time travel machine, some rowdy unicorns... and much more. But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat delicious latkes, she'll discover the true magic of the Festival of Lights.

Written with sparkling wit and wisdom by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski (Whatever After; Upside-Down Magic), and illustrated with vivid, enchanting art by Ariel Landy, this inventive story celebrates both Hanukkah and the power of a child's imagination.

Includes fun, accessible backmatter that defines key Hanukkah terms!

Twelve Dinging Doorbells by Tameka Fryer Brown

A cumulative all-holiday carol packed to the brim with family, food, love, and Black joy,especially perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations, and all family celebrations.

Every holiday, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and neighbors come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill with baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, and other sides a-steaming, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact.The task becomes tricker as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there's no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise.

Written to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Twelve Dinging Doorbells is exuberant. Author Tameka Fryer Brown's cumulative rhyme is impossible to resist, and the humorous details in Ebony Glenn's cut-paper collage will welcome readers to this party again and again.

Happy All-idays by Cindy Jin

All Season's Greetings and Happy ALL-idays! Learn how different families celebrate the winter season with this holiday card-inspired board book that captures the meaning of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and more!

The time has come
to send holiday cheer
to family and friends
far and near.

We all celebrate the season
in our own special way.
Let's look at how families
prepare for each holiday!

Whether it's putting up the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, or getting ready for Kwanzaa, this story proves that the holiday season is a special time for everyone and a great way to learn about different winter holidays and send cheer to everyone you know!

Happy Friday and happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Hey there, fellow feline friends! It’s Oliver, back again with my thoughts on Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright submitted by the pawsome Clark. Thanks, Clark!

Let me tell you, this book is a real winter wonderland of joy! From the first page, I was drawn into Sneezy's chilly adventures. This snowman has a heart as big as a cozy cat bed! His desire to stay frosty and fabulous is quite relatable—though I must admit, I prefer a nice sunny spot over a snowbank any day. 

The story is purr-fectly playful, with Sneezy trying to keep himself cool. I purred with laughter at his hilarious antics, especially when he kept needing to cool down. Talk about a frosty dilemma! What I liked best about the book was its message about friendship, being true to yourself, and that it’s okay to be a little different.

If you’re looking for a delightful read, this book is the cat’s whiskers! It’s a paw-sitively charming tale that will have you feeling all the warm fuzzies. You’ll find it and tons of other seasonal-themed picture books in our children’s department.

Until next time my friends, stay cozy and curious! 

Oliver

Fast Five Fiction: New Christmas Picture Books

It's FRIDAY and time for Fast Five Fiction. The library is getting festive in anticipation of our Holiday Party and Santa Visit. As we approach this holiday season we've got Holiday books for all ages, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction baking and craft books. This week I've got some Christmas picture books new to our shelves. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface

In a much-anticipated new companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the rollicking alphabet chant gets a holiday twist.

A told B,
and B told C,
"I'll meet you in the branches
of the Christmas tree."

In this holiday alphabet rhyme, the crew of beloved letters gets their chance to shine as decorations on the Christmas tree!

Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling

"Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow."

So begins Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and the heartwarming story of Harry Potter's first Christmas at Hogwarts. From the Great Hall decked with magnificent fir trees to cozy evenings in the Gryffindor Common Room to the joy of presents on Christmas morning, it's a holiday filled with warmth, friendship, good food, and magical surprises that Harry will never forget.

With text drawn directly from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and luminous illustrations by artist Ziyi Gao, this favorite moment from one of the most beloved books of all time is now fully illustrated for the whole family to enjoy. Sure to be treasured by Harry Potter fans of all ages, Christmas at Hogwarts is the perfect gift, destined to become an enchanting new holiday tradition

Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present by Reese Witherspoon

Sweet cinnamon, biscuits, it's Christmas! It's the busiest time of year, just like Busy Betty!

This year, Betty is going to get everyone in her whole family the perfect Christmas present. But when Betty looks in her piggy bank, she doesn't even have two coins to clank together! Then Betty has the most amazing idea: she and Mae will transform their lemonade stand into . . . a Christmas cookie stand!

But getting people to come out in snowy, blowy weather is harder than they thought. Will Betty ever find the perfect Christmas presents for her family? Or will she realize she had the answer all along?

From Academy Award-winning actress, founder of Hello Sunshine, and bestselling author, Reese Witherspoon comes Busy Betty: an exuberant, smart, and larger-than-life character who encourages young readers to tackle each obstacle with enthusiasm, excitement, and big ideas. With fun and vibrant illustrations from Xindi Yan, Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present is the perfectly perfect Christmas time read-aloud!

Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett

We all know that Santa makes everyone's dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect tree, lots of delicious treats, and, of course, presents, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the very first time.

Beloved children's book creators Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith have unveiled Santa unlike ever seen before, and as a result, created a merry new Christmas classic.

The Gingerbread House Jack's Family Ate by Kelly DiPucchio

A hilarious, wacky Christmas tale from the New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Dipucchio, based on the classic children's rhyme, The House That Jack Built!

This is the house Jack's family ate!

This is the mother who's wrapping up gifts

while secretly munching on marshmallow drifts

on the house Jack's family ate.

Join Jack's wacky family as they try to build a gingerbread house for Santa Claus... if only they can stop eating it! Gumdrops, marshmallows, and chocolate bars fly everywhere in this sweetly chaotic tale about a multi-generational family preparing excitedly for Christmas! For a humor-filled alternative to The Night Before Christmas!

Read and laugh out-loud with this perfect holiday title. A bonus recipe for a festive graham cracker house in the back!

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: National Picture Book Month

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. November is National Picture Book Month so today I'm sharing some laugh out loud picture books that recently arrived on our shelves.

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Watch Out for the Lion

Readers beware--there's a ferocious lion in this book! The book warns that it has seen the lion already. First its bristly tail, then clashing claws, twitchy ears, fearsome fangs... and it's lying in wait to turn any unsuspecting passerby into a child cheeseburger or rugrat ravioli. But does a brushy tail always belong to a lion? When you touch the curvy claws, will they be attached to a paw? You never really know what might be lurking around the corner in this surprising story that challenges readers to face their darkest fears, and maybe even laugh about them.

Sheepwrecked by Ashley Belote

Set sail on a hilarious romp on the high seas with a group of pirate sheep and their big emotions! Join them as they bumble their way to a lost island and find the best treasure of all -- friendsheep!

Baa-hoy! Captain Hoof and his crew of sheep pirates are headed home with their treasure. Then -- SMASH! CRASH! BAM! -- the flock has been SHEEPWRECKED. They're cursed! They're lost forever! They'll never make it home! Until. . . a long-lost pirate helps the ragtag flock calm their nerves and see that things aren't all that bad.

All's wool that ends wool in this hilariously absurd, adventurous picture book from the creator of Witch & Wombat.

I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall

A spider sets out to make the most perfect, awe-inspiring web only to have her artistic efforts destroyed again and again in this delightful picture book about the creative process and perseverance.

As a spider, Kiara has always made webs to catch food, but one day, she discovers a web so beautiful that she's inspired to spin a masterpiece of her own.

So, Kiara starts creating, but even though she works hard on her webs, they are carelessly destroyed by others. How frustrating!

It's not until Kiara meets Orb, a spider who eats every web he weaves, that she gains a fresh perspective: the artistic process isn't about the destination but the journey and the friends you make along the way.

Chester Barkingham Saves the Country by Julie Falatko

A White House dog teaches lawmakers how to be better humans in this hilarious picture book told in presidential memos!

Good dog Chester Barkingham moves into his forever home--the White House!--when he's adopted by the president's daughter. The president sends memos to let everybody know about Chester joining the staff and, soon enough, the trouble he gets into.

The president has other things to worry about, though. Congress can't seem to get along, and bills are getting stalled as both sides argue and debate. Chester knows just what to do about the deadlock...if anybody would listen to him. When Chester starts sending memos of his own, Capitol Hill turns upside down--which may be just what everybody needs.

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz

The heroic tale of a tiny dragon with a heart of gold and a taste for baked treats! A scrumptious picture book for fans of funny fairytales and fantastic beasts.

Ember has always been different from the other dragons. His fearsome roar sounds more like a polite sneeze, and when he breathes fire, the villagers just pat his head and say awwww.
Ember fears he’ll never collect a respectable hoard of gold until a chance encounter with a baker causes his fortunes to turn (and his stomach to grumble). As the little dragon soon discovers, the gold you make is way better than the gold you steal—and gold that is shared? That’s best of all.
Magic shimmers on every page of author-illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz's feel-good story that celebrates baked goods, dragons, and generosity in equal measure. Filled with adorable illustrations, this is a perfect read aloud for bedtime or brunchtime!

Happy Friday and happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Hello, fellow furballs! Oliver here, ready to share my thoughts on Dog Man Unleashed by Dav Pilkey recommended to me by my friend, Seth. Now, I’ll admit, as a refined feline, I usually prefer the subtle elegance of a good yarn about cats. But I decided to give this book a chance, and wow, was it a pawsitive surprise!

The book stars Dog Man, a four-legged hero who is all bark and a whole lot of bite! His antics had me purring with laughter. Dog Man is a character with heart and a sense of justice that’s very admirable, even if he isn’t quite as refined as us cats. 

Petey the Cat on the other paw is a real hoot! He’s got a bit of a rebellious streak, which I can respect. Who hasn’t dreamed of causing a little mischief? I liked his interactions with Dog Man that put them in some purr-plexing scenarios that kept me on the edge of my cat tree.

Overall, Dog Man Unleashed is a tail-waggin’ good time! Even as a cat, I found myself rooting for our canine hero. So, if you’re looking for a book that’s sure to tickle your whiskers, this one’s a must-read. So make sure to check it out in the graphic novel section of our children’s department!

I look fur-ward to seeing you all again in my next review!  

Oliver

What Should Oliver Read Next?

 

Meowdy, fellow feline aficionados! I just finished reading my good friend Cindy’s recommended book, Don't Trust Cats by Dev Petty and Mike Boldt, and let me tell you, it was the cat's pajamas!

Right from the start, I was hooked—this book had me feline good with its charming illustrations and witty purr-spective on our not-so-innocent kitty kind. The story is all about the antics of cats, and as a seasoned cat myself, I can confirm: we are a curious bunch, often up to no good!

The humor had me laughing out loud (or should I say, “meow-ing” out loud?). Each page had a delightful twist that kept my whiskers twitching. The clever puns sprinkled throughout are paw-sitively delightful, making this a great read for humans and cats alike.

What I found most paw-some was how it captures the essence of our feline nature. From our sneaky little schemes to our regal attitude, it’s like looking in a mirror—albeit a funhouse mirror that exaggerates our majestic tails!

In summary, if you’re looking for a book that’s both entertaining and full of fur-tastic illustrations, Don't Trust Cats is the one for you. Trust me.

Until next time, Oliver out!

 

Fast Five Fiction: DiNovember

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Each November, we celebrate Dinovember in the children's department so today I'm sharing some popular reads for the Dino lover in your life. 

We're hosting Paint by Sticker: Dino Edition, for kids in grades K-5, on Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 if you'd like to join us!

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Dinomighty! by Doug Paleo

The first in a new graphic novel series, perfect for fans of Dog Man, Hilo and The Bad Guys.  

On their own, they are four mild-mannered dinos, but together they are . .  DINOMIGHTY!

Everything is pleasant and good in Dinotown . . . until Teri-Dactyl discovers a cryptic email that says the precious Golden Egglettes are in danger! Dinomighties unite! But can they spring into action fast enough to save these valuable jewels from evil baddies?

What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night by Refe & Susan Tuma

Since Toy Story (and maybe since the very first toys!) children and their parents have wondered what it would be like if toys came to life. Refe and Susan Tuma take this wonder several steps further in What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night.

Every November, writer and social media master Refe Tuma and his wife, Susan, work into the night to bring their four children scenes from the secret lives of their toys—specifically the nighttime antics of their plastic dinosaurs. The dinosaurs wreck bathrooms, destroy vases, rock out, encounter terrifying hot irons, even do the dishes with hilarious, magical results. Each scene is photographed in meticulous detail, letting viewers joyfully suspend disbelief and think to themselves—just LOOK what the dinosaurs did last night?

Lost Time by Tas Mukanik

Jurassic World meets How to Train Your Dragon in this gorgeously drawn, adventure-packed middle grade graphic novel about a girl who gets trapped 65 million years in the past and must learn to survive with only her wits...and the pterosaur she befriends.

Twelve-year-old Evie didn't mean to get lost--especially in the Cretaceous period! Now she's alone, without her parents or anyone else to turn to for help. That is until she rescues a baby pterosaur and raises it on her own. As the baby grows into a giraffe-sized flying reptile, which Evie names Ada, the two manage to to find a way to survive in the prehistoric wilderness.

But Evie will have to risk everything when she makes a discovery that may just be her only chance of returning home. Putting Ada's flying skills to the ultimate test, the duo must embark on a journey halfway across the world--battling all nature throws at them, from fearsome dinosaurs to raging storms. Will Evie manage to overcome all the odds and find a way back to her family... or is she truly lost in time?

Dinosaur Club series by Rex Stone

Jamie is one of the biggest dinosaur fans ever. He's a member of the Dinosaur Club -- a network of kids around the world who share dinosaur knowledge. While exploring Ammonite Bay, Jamie meets Tess, a fellow Dinosaur Club member. Tess shows Jamie her favorite place -- a secret cave with fossils all over the walls. They see a strange tunnel at the back and go through it together. You won't believe what they discover next -- actual dinosaurs!

Learn all about dinosaurs and the prehistoric world in DK's new children's book series. A beautiful marriage of fiction and fact, Dinosaur Club is a modern revision of the popular Dinosaur Cove series fully updated for a new audience, featuring a brand new premise, new characters, totally new artwork throughout, and all the latest dinosaur information and discoveries.

At the end of each fictional book, you'll find "The Dino Files" which is a summary of all the scientific facts and discoveries made throughout the story. With fun illustrations, quizzes and a vocabulary list, the value of this educational book is outstanding and great for a classroom read!

Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel Jose Older

It's 1863 and dinosaurs roam the streets of New York as the Civil War rages between raptor-mounted armies down South. Magdalys Roca and her friends from the Colored Orphan Asylum are on a field trip when the Draft Riots break out, and a number of their fellow orphans are kidnapped by an evil magistrate, Richard Riker.

Magdalys and her friends flee to Brooklyn and settle in the Dactyl Hill neighborhood, where black and brown New Yorkers have set up an independent community--a safe haven from the threats of Manhattan. Together with the Vigilance Committee, they train to fly on dactylback, discover new friends and amazing dinosaurs, and plot to take down Riker. Can Magdalys and the squad rescue the rest of their friends before it's too late?

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Native American Heritage Month

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. November is National Native American Heritage Month so today's roundup features books by Indigenous authors in honor of this nation’s first people and their rich history.  

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Remember by Joy Harjo

US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's iconic poem "Remember,"illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it.

Remember the sky you were born under,
Know each of the star's stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.
Remember the sun's birth at dawn,
That is the strongest point of time.

So begins the picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages young readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. Michaela Goade, drawing from her Tlingit culture, has created vivid illustrations that make the words come alive in an engaging and accessible way.

This timeless poem paired with magnificent paintings makes for a picture book that is a true celebration of life and our human role within it.

The Misewa Saga by David Robertson

Readers looking for a Narnia-like adventure based on Indigenous legends will love this action-packed series from a member of the Norway House Cree Nation in Canada. It’s about two Native American children in foster care who bond over their shared heritage. They find a portal to another dimension and get swept up in an unforgettable journey of courage and survival.

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids by Cynthia Leitich Smith

A collection of intersecting stories set at a powwow that bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

In a high school gym full of color and song, Native families from Nations within the borders of the U.S. and Canada dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. They are the heroes of their own stories.

The Second Chance of Benjamin Waterfalls by James Bird

A middle-grade novel by James Bird about a boy sent to his Ojibwe family to straighten out his life.

Benjamin Waterfalls comes from a broken home, and the quickest fix he’s found for his life is to fill that emptiness with stuff he steals and then sells. But he’s been caught one too many times, and when he appears before a tough judge, his mother proposes sending him to “boot camp” at the Ojibwe reservation where they used to live.

Soon he is on his way to Grand Portage, Minnesota, to live with his father – the man Benny hasn’t seen in years. Not only is “boot camp” not what he expects, but his rehabilitation seems to be in the hands of the tribal leader’s daughter, who wears a mask. Why? Finding the answer to this and so many other questions prove tougher than any military-style boot camp. Will answers be enough for Benny to turn his life around and embrace his second chance?

Powwow Day by Traci Sorrell

In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again?

River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. In this uplifting and contemporary picture book perfect for beginning readers, follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.

Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors. Author Traci Sorell is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrator Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Hi, everyone! Oliver here, back from my summer break, to bring you my next highly an-hiss-tipated book review! Today’s story comes from the book The Princess of Shoes, where a very lucky princess gets to have thousands of shoes to pick from every day to match all her pretty gowns. Sometimes she will have multiple shoes for just one outfit! Can you imagine? I only have one pair of shoes to wear each day, and I even have a hard time keeping those clean. But soon, the princess grows tired of her oodles of shoes and spots a new pair she just has to own. As the princess makes her way into town, she soon discovers a new fur-end who offers to help the princess in her quest to find her new shoes. The princess begins to have so much fun with her new friend that she kind of fur-gets all about shoes. But when she sees that her fur-end, as well as others, doesn’t have nearly as nice shoes as the princess does, she starts feline not so good about all the shoes she has back in her castle. But then the princess has a meow-ment of genius! She can share her thousands of shoes with everyone! Now everyone can have a beautiful pair of shoes and feel special in their own way.

Thanks to my fur-end Cordelia for recommending today’s book. Be sure to check it out in our children’s department or fur other paws-itively good books. Until next time, fur-ends!