Summer at WTBBL means the start of our Summer Reading Program. This year we’ll send out booklists and activities for our young readers that are registered for the program. This summer we’ll also post selections from our summer reading booklists here on Recommended Reads.
We are a world full of diversity, from our physical world, our myths and legends to our cultures. The following titles focus on these diverse areas within our world and in our communities.
Physics Projects for Young Scientists by Richard C. Adams and Peter Goodwin.
Explains how to conduct simple experiments exploring the science of physics. Projects address the study of mechanics; temperature and pressure; properties of matter; vibrations, electricity, and magnetism; and building an ammeter. For grades 6-9. 2000. Digital Book DB053232 is available for download from BARD:http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.53232.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
On the Spokane Indian Reservation, fourteen-year-old Junior--beset with physical problems caused by brain damage--transfers to an all-white town school. Called a traitor by his best friend and Tonto by his new classmates, Junior uses humor and wit to bridge the cultural divide. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 2007. Large Print Book LP023368, Braille Book BRW01271, Digital Book DB065403 is available for download from BARD:http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.65403.
MySpace/OurPlanet: Change Is Possible by Tom Anderson and Jeca Taudte.
A guide to the small steps people can take every day to protect our environment, from buying clothes and food to exercise options. Provides ecological tips on entertainment, travel, and schooling from MySpace users around the globe. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 2008. Digital Book DB067574 is also available for download from BARD:http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.67574.
Maya Running by Anjali Banerjee.
Maya, a Canadian of East Indian descent, struggles with her ethnic identity, infatuation with a classmate, and the presence of her beautiful Bengali cousin, Pinky, who comes for a visit bearing a powerful statue of the god Ganesh, the Hindu elephant boy. Grades 5-8. 2005. Digital Book DBW07767 is available for download from WTBBL: http://www.wtbbl.org/login.aspx.
Black Rainbow: Legends of the Incas and Myths of Ancient Peru by John Bierhorst.
Retellings of twenty myths and legends from the ancient Incas. Collected from the works of sixteenth-century missionaries and conquistadores as well as contemporary folklorists. For high school and adult readers. Braille Book BR003800.
Reading the Rocks: The Autobiography of the Earth by Marcia Bjornerud.
Geologist explores Earth's four-billion-year history from the planet's creation to the evolution of life. Discusses mineral development, geologic cycles, plate tectonics, and weathering and the relationship of these activities to the global ecosystem--all part of a record that she contends has been "written...in stone." 2005. Braille Book BR016777.
National Monuments, National Parks, Natural Wonders by Cynthia L. Brown.
Discusses the science and history of national monuments created by natural forces of wind, fire, water, and time--the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, Muir Woods, and Carlsbad Caverns, among others. Associated activities include making a volcano, fossil, petroglyph, stalactite, glacier, and more. For grades 3-6. 2008. Digital Book DB069027 is also available for download from BARD:http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.69027.
American Eyes: New Asian-American Short Stories for Young Adults by Lori M. Carlson.
Ten coming-of-age stories about the conflict many Asian American youths experience when they examine their native Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino heritage with American eyes. Sometimes it is a search for identity, sometimes it is cultural embarrassment, and sometimes it is a generation gap, but in each story something ignites an Asian fire. For junior and senior high readers. Braille Book BR010180.
I Am Who I Am: Speaking Out about Multiracial Identity by Kathlyn Gay.
An overview of the cultural, historical, and political aspects of the American mixed-race experience. Examines the role of prejudice and racism in the difficulties faced by children of multiracial heritage, as well as negative media images and stereotypes. Includes a directory of interracial support groups. For junior and senior high and older readers. Braille Book BR010681, Cassette Book RC042890.
Face Relations: Eleven Stories about Seeing beyond Color by Marilyn Singer.
Anthology explores issues of racial identity and communication among teenagers. In "Snow" by Sherri Winston, African Americans belittle Haitians at school. In "Hum" by Naomi Shihab Nye, a blind neighbor in Texas befriends a shunned Palestinian boy. Some strong language. For senior high readers. 2004. Digital Book DB059119 is available for download from BARD:http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.59119.
The Alhambra: Palace of Mystery and Splendor by Washington Irving.
Legends, traditions, and tales which the centuries have woven around the ruins of the intriguing Moorish palace in the heart of Granada, Spain. For high school and adult readers. Digital Book DB011153 is available for download from BARD:http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.11153
The Crystal Pool: Myths and Legends of the World by Geraldine McCaughrean.
Retellings of twenty-eight tales from all parts of the globe. Contains "Lamia" from India, "The Pied Piper" from Germany, "Isis and Osiris" from ancient Egypt, "Gull-Girl" from Siberia, "The Crystal Pool" from Melanesia, and "The Sky-Blue Storybox" from Ghana, among others. For grades 4-7. 1998. Digital Book DB049699 is available for download from BARD:http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.49699
Igual Que Yo (Just Like Me) by Barbara J. Neasi.
Jasmin and Julia are twins. They look alike, they go to the same school, they take dancing lessons, and they like to skate and chew gum. But even though they are the same in many ways, they also have many differences. For preschool to grade 2. PRINT/BRAILLE. Spanish language. Braille Book BR011016.
How the States Got Their Shapes by Mark Stein.
Traces the history of each state's unique outline--from the era of large territorial blocks owned by Spain, France, and England to our modern-day jigsaw-puzzle borders. Discusses military skirmishes, land grabs, religious issues, and local geographic disputes that explain boundary oddities such as unattached parts of Michigan, Delaware, and Minnesota. 2008. Digital Book DB067306 is also available for download from BARD:http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.67306.
The Khan's Daughter: A Mongolian Folktale by Laurence Yep.
A poor, young shepherd wants to marry the khan's pretty daughter but must succeed at three tasks to prove his worth. Fortunately he receives help from an unexpected source. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. Braille Book BR012002.
Why The Sky Is Far Away: A Nigerian Folk Tale by Mary-Joan Gerson.
Long, long ago, people did not have to grow crops in the fields or hunt in the forests for food. The sky was so close and bountiful that one simply reached up and took a piece of the sky to eat. And the sky tasted like delicious fruits, meats, and vegetables. But the people grew wasteful and greedy, and the sky grew angry and sternly warned the Oba that the waste must cease at once. PRINT/ BRAILLE. For grades K-3. Braille Book BR008992.