Getting Ready for Summer!
We all love to get a good book and take a break from our screens in the summer. We really want to encourage EVERYONE to take this chance to rest your eyes and read a great book. We recently added a ton of new books to the Main Library Collection, eBooks, and Audiobooks to Sora. We’ve checked all the award lists, the best of, and New York Times to get what we think are some really great titles!
In addition to the added library books, we also did some curating of resources for what is called the ReCharge. This page is full of exciting activities and fun stuff to do over the summer. Maybe do some creative painting, learn to cook something new, maybe try some yoga, or many more ideas for keeping yourself busy. Hopefully, you will take a chance, be courageous, and then let us know if you really enjoyed something.
We went further this year to offer some Academic Extensions for summer. These are ways for you or your children to extend their learning over the summer. There are some recommended sites for taking online courses in just about every academic area. This includes different language studies or something that might provide some remedial learning. Lastly, we also included a special Technology Section where there are some super cool opportunities for students in the summer. While travel is still obviously very difficult, doing some type of camp or internship might be possible.
Finally, this year we have tried to up our social media game and we would love to see where you are taking that suggested break to rest and read a book. We would love for you to follow us on our new Instagram page. We are going to try and post something regularly there! If you send us a good photo we would love to post to our page account.
Hope you enjoy!
Ms. Kehe and Mr. Bell
Bell’s Recommendation:
The Henna Artist – by Alka Joshi
A fantastic and beautifully written story about an Indian woman who is trying to overcome the hand life dealt her. She was married at a young age to an abusive man. She was unable to have children which further deteriorated her relationship with her husband. She decides to leave this man and try to make it on her own in Jaipur as a henna artist. You will read about the cultural differences within the caste system, the difficulties of women in India at this time, and the power of family expectations on a young woman. This is an amazing story of strength, character, and courage. I am nearly done listening to this book and I would highly recommend it as the reader’s voice helps to really make it feel like you are having a story told to you.
Melinda’s Recommendation:
Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (Middle Grade – Realistic Fiction)
‘Fighting Words’ is an honest and raw book about child abuse and neglect told by 10-year-old Della. She and her 16-year-old sister, Suki have been shuttled from foster home to foster home. But at least they have always had each other. Suki has always taken care of Della, ever since Della was a baby and their mother was high on Meth. Suki is Della’s rock and protector and always has been. So Della’s world is turned upside down with Suki tries to commit suicide. The sister’s love for each other helps them survive as they eventually get help. Della is a character you won’t soon forget – a moving and thought-provoking book.
