Queens Public Library’s College Readiness program provides workshops and webinars to help teens and their parents made decisions as they prepare for applying for college. As the school year begins, teens may be thinking about their future beyond high school. In this blog post, Ama Kamikari Yawson, Esq. from Milestales Publishing and Training and Development explains how to decide if a specific college and going to college is for you. For more information, come to the College Readiness program on the pros and cons of college on Wednesday, September 22 at 6pm. Register here.
What factors go into deciding if a specific college is right for you?
Finding the right college is a very personal journey. I advise students to visit campuses whenever possible in order to speak to current students and to get a feel for the atmosphere. Sometimes, a student will experience a feeling of belonging when walking around a particular campus, and other times that feeling is missing. The goal is to blossom where you are planted.
These are some questions to ask when figuring out whether a college is for you.
1. Do you prefer an urban, suburban, or rural campus?
2. How far is the school from your home and/or family members?
3. Would you prefer to board at school or would you rather live at home and commute to classes?
4. Are you interested in having the option of attending classes in person or would you prefer taking online classes built around other obligations, such as work?
5. Do you want to be at a large school where many classes are held in lecture halls with hundreds of students or would you prefer a smaller school where you will be in smaller classes with professors?
6. What is the cost of tuition, and how much can you expect to contribute and/or raise scholarship funds? Are you willing to take out loans?
7. Does the school offer the various majors or courses of study that interest you?
8. Is the school career-focused or liberal arts centered, and how does that serve your goals with respect to a career after college or attending a graduate school?
9. How successful is the school with respect to career placement after graduation?
10. Does the school have a diverse student body and faculty community?
What should students consider when deciding whether to apply for college?
The most important thing for students to consider when deciding whether to apply to college is what career they would like to pursue. If a student is interested in becoming a doctor, lawyer or engineer, a college degree is required. There are set paths for those careers. Future doctors have to go to college, take pre-med requirements, and then apply to medical school. In most cases, future lawyers must earn a bachelor’s degree before applying to law school. However, if a student’s goal is to become a professional YouTuber, a college degree is not necessary.
I would advise high school students to research their career interests and talk to people in their fields of interest to ascertain whether college is necessary. In some cases, a trade school for electrical work, plumbing, cosmetology or other fields may be better alternatives. Moreover, a student does not have to go to college immediately after high school. It is perfectly appropriate for a student to take a year off in order to work and explore various careers. The armed forces may also provide an opportunity to gain skills and have the government pay for a student’s college education.
Whom should a student talk to in order to help them decide if college is right for them?
There are many people whom students can speak to in order to help them decide if college will be a good fit.
First, students can ask family members and family friends for their advice. In some cases, students will have family members and family friends who did not go to college but wish they had. In other cases, family members and family friends who have gone to college can share their thoughts on the benefits and disadvantages of their experience. Both perspectives are useful.
Second, guidance counselors, teachers, and librarians can be helpful because they have observed so many students make the decision of whether or not to go to college, and they may have seen the consequences of those decisions. Those recent anecdotes can help give high school students much-needed perspective. Third, I recommend that students find professionals who are working in their fields of interest. If a student would like to be a plumber, call up a plumber and ask to chat. If a student would like to be a doctor, then he or she should call a doctor on the phone. We are in the information age, and it has never been easier to connect with individuals about their careers. LinkedIn is a great tool for that.
What are some of the best reasons to go to college?
The best reason to go to college is that college helps bolster a person’s chances of obtaining and keeping a good job. The statistics surrounding the value of a college education are still clear. In general, college-educated individuals earn more than their non-college-educated counterparts, and they have higher rates of employment. The job market rewards people who have invested in college educations. Moreover, college generally provides students with the reading skills, writing skills, and general knowledge required in so many different professions. Going to college is a decision that most people do not regret.
Are there any reasons to decide college is not for you?
There are wonderful and rewarding professions that do not require a college education. Those professions include becoming a plumber, electrician or beautician. Students can go to trade school instead of college and engage in apprentice programs. Typically, trade schools require less of an investment in both time and money. Additionally, some students may pursue non-traditional careers in entrepreneurship and the arts that do not require a college education. However, I think that all students should be ready for a lifetime of learning. For example, my barber just told me about learning how to do a new technique of hair extensions on YouTube. As a licensed attorney, I have to take continuing legal education courses consistently. No matter what the profession, a person needs to learn more to earn more.
Dear Friends,
As many of you are aware, today marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. In the span of a few hours, the horrific plane crashes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, PA changed our lives forever, none more so than the people who were directly affected. They will always be in my thoughts.
Many of the victims of 9/11 and their loved ones as well as the first responders and other heroes lived or still live in the borough of Queens. Some continue to suffer, either physically, emotionally, or both. Please know that Queens Public Library shares their grief and is here for them.
To observe and honor the anniversary, today on our social media channels and the homepage of our website, we will have a day of silence.
I hope you will join the Library in reflecting on all that we lost on September 11, 2001, and on what we have learned and how we have changed since then. Now, as our society confronts the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, I know we can draw from the determination and spirit we summoned 20 years ago to recover and rebuild once again.
Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
With my best,
Dennis M. Walcott
President and CEO, Queens Public Library
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When we think of communication, we might think just of words. It turns out that communication is far more complex than just language, and also involves connection and listening. Understanding all three of these elements can help you communicate in more effective ways, and better communication can help you build stronger, healthier family relationships.
Connecting
The foundation of communication is connection. While there are many ways for families to connect, one of the most important things adults can do is simply to give a child their full attention. On a regular basis, even for just 10 minutes, try to schedule “special time” with your child. Put aside any distractions (like a phone or TV), tell them they have your undivided attention, and let them choose the activity or topic of conversation. This is a great opportunity for them to share their interests and hobbies. During this time, avoid telling them what to do and how to do it, or criticizing what they’re doing. Be sure to let them know how much you enjoy spending time together!
Language
What we say to children matters, and something young people love to hear is genuine, specific praise. Instead of “Good job!”, try something that really shows you’re focusing on what they’ve done: “The way you built that Lego ship is incredible! Those wings look like they could really fly!” It’s important to praise more than just a successful outcome – celebrating the efforts they make, especially with challenging tasks, tells kids you believe in them, and helps them feel capable and empowered.
Listening
One of the most powerful communication tools we have is our ability to listen, and it turns out the key is in how we listen. Active listening is the process by which we let a child know the value and importance of what they have to say. Active listening is not simply opening our ears, but involves three distinct components: reflection, validation, and resolution.
Reflection is listening without interruption and then repeating back the core message of what the person has said. An accurate reflected statement shows you were really listening, and helps the other person feel understood. It's important to maintain a neutral tone, and make sure the reflection is phrased as a statement, not a question.
Validation is how we tell someone, “Your feelings are understandable.” If a child expresses a feeling that makes sense, you can let them know that you hear what they’re saying and you understand why they feel that way. Validation is important because it helps build emotional safety, increases trust, and can reduce power struggles. Some folks hesitate to offer validating comments because they worry the other person will think they’re agreeing. It’s important to focus on how they feel, not whether or not they’re right.
Resolution is finding a way for everyone to feel good about the outcome – a successful resolution turns a win-lose situation into a win-win. You can begin by identifying shared goals or desired outcomes, and then work together to find a solution that meets both people’s needs. Ask them to brainstorm ideas that can work, and then offer options that are acceptable to you and feel like a fair compromise.
A common area of conflict for families is technology, and arguments over the use of phones at night can be challenging. An active listening approach utilizing reflection, validation and resolution might look like this:
Young person: “I’m not giving my phone up at night. I need my phone, you can’t take it away, I have to have it at night.”
Adult: “You feel having your phone at night is important.” (Reflection)
Young person: “Yes! It’s really important, it’s when everyone’s on and I can’t talk to my friends without it.”
Adult: “It’s understandable that you want to connect with your friends.” (Validation)
Young person: “Yeah.”
Adult: “You need to be able to stay in touch with your friends, and I need to make sure you’re getting enough rest. What do you think might work?” (Resolution)
Young person: “Well, what if I have my phone but promise to put it away at a certain time?”
Adult: “That’s a good idea! Tonight, let’s try free time on your phone to talk to friends after homework, and then put it on my dresser by 9:30 pm.”
Putting It All Together
Communication in families can be tricky, and it’s impossible to always say the right thing. When mistakes happen, it’s important to repair the damage: think about what went wrong, how you might handle it differently next time, and talk it through with your family member. Taking the time and effort to practice these key communication skills will help all of your family members build closer, happier, and healthier relationships, now and into the future.
- Anne Van der Veer and Laura Sophocleous, LCSW, LMFT, CASAC; School-Based Health Center Program, Adolescent Medicine, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health
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This weekend marks the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We have compiled resources on how to talk to your children about terrorism and this anniversary, as well as recommended reading for all ages about 9/11.
How to Talk About 9/11 With Your Kids: Parents Magazine
How To Talk With Your Kids about Terrorism: USA Today
How To Talk To Kids About 9/11: Today Show
Reading Recommendations
Grades K-3
14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy
14 vacas para America por Carmen Agra Deedy
Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree by Ann Magee Book eBook
Come with Me by Holly M. McGhee
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman
This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth by Sean Rubin Book eBook
Grades 3-6
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz Book eBook
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes Book eBook
Grades 5-8
The Red Bandanna by Tom Rinaldi
Children's Nonfiction:
Seven and a Half Tons of Steel by Janet Nolan
America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001-The Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown
Saved by the Boats: The Heroic Sea Evacuation of September 11 by Julie Gassman
Big Apple Diaries by Alyssa Bermudez
Young Adult:
The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner
In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers by Don Brown
Adult:
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Your children’s sleep schedules often get off track during the summer with vacations, camp, and sunlight lasting late into the evening. All of this can lead to trouble sleeping when it’s time to return to a structured schedule at the start of the school year.
The benefits of a good night’s sleep are well known—sleep reduces stress and the frequency of sickness and regulates weight, among other advantages—but this is especially true for growing children. Getting adequate rest not only helps them perform better in school; it’s also important for their overall health and development.
Here are some simple steps from NewYork-Presbyterian to help reestablish a back-to-school sleep schedule for your kids.
Prepare your kids for early morning wake-ups by gradually shifting their bedtime and wake-up time earlier by increments of 15 minutes.
This means that if a child has been going to sleep at 9:30 pm, the next night’s bedtime should move to 9:15 pm, and then the following night’s bedtime should become 9 pm, and so on. Begin this process about two weeks prior to school starting, depending on your child’s bedtime, which will allow them to adjust to the new routine so the first day of school is manageable.
Consistent, calming activities will help your child fall asleep more easily.
Following the same bedtime rituals each evening, such as taking a bath, putting on pajamas, and reading a book, will let your child’s body know that it is time to wind down.
Teaching children to fall asleep on their own is also key to decreasing nighttime awakenings. Staying or lying with a child until they fall asleep creates a sleep association, which is a condition that must be present in order for them to fall asleep. The same sleep associations learned at bedtime are then needed to fall back asleep during the night. Children who can fall asleep on their own will be able to soothe themselves back to sleep without assistance if they wake up briefly during the night.
Stop screen use—including watching television and using laptops, tablets, and cellphones—at least one hour prior to bedtime, and turn off all electronic devices at night for optimal sleep.
The blue light from screens can inhibit the release of melatonin, the hormone that causes a child to feel drowsy, making it harder for them to fall asleep. Light and noises from cellphones can also trigger nighttime wake-ups and tempt children to look at their phone if they do wake up overnight. All electronics are best left outside of your child’s bedroom come bedtime!
Source: NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters website: healthmatters.nyp.org
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Because of back-to-school, children may have to wear masks for much longer periods of time than they have experienced. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends getting your child used to a mask before they need to wear it in public or in school. Here are some tips from them:
- Face masks significantly reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Teaching children this can help them understand the importance of wearing a mask to be safe. Explain in simple terms that we are protecting ourselves against germs.
- Practice wearing a mask at home and even practice having a toy or stuffed animal wear it. This can help children to get comfortable with masks.
- Let kids decorate their own masks so they feel they are personalized and special to them.
- Show them photos of other kids wearing masks so they see it as the normal thing to do.
- Make sure their mask fits properly around the ears and is snug enough.
- Remember to teach them to wash their hands before and after wearing a mask, and not to touch it while wearing it. Practice wearing it for longer stretches of time can really help kids adjust to this new habit.
- Model wearing masks for your children, so they will see this as part of a normal routine.
For more information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.
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When the CDC announced new guidelines that fully vaccinated people could stop wearing masks outdoors, many people felt hope that we may soon return to normalcy. But the news also brought a measure of anxiety: Is it safe to go back to the office and pack into subways? Will we remember how to interact face to face? How do we say no to invitations we’re not comfortable with?
There’s even a name for this hesitation to re-enter into society: “cave syndrome.” Nearly half of Americans report feeling uneasy about adjusting to in-person interaction once the pandemic ends, according to the American Psychological Association.
NewYork Presbyterian's Health Matters spoke to Dr. Avital Falk, program director of the Intensive Treatment Program for OCD and Anxiety at the NewYork-Presbyterian Youth Anxiety Center, to help guide us through this return to normal and explain why we might be feeling some trepidation.
“It makes sense to be feeling anxious,” says Dr. Falk, who is also director of the Pediatric OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders Program at Weill Cornell Medicine. “For over a year now, many of these activities were dangerous. And so our bodies and brains have been trained to react in a certain way when we face social situations, whether it’s riding the subway, being invited to a larger gathering, or even just seeing others indoors.”
Dr. Falk shares seven tips for how we can set our boundaries and ease back into life.
Determine your personal guidelines.
Everyone’s circumstances are unique, so Dr. Falk recommends taking the time to think about what your personal boundaries are. Write them down if it helps with the thought process. “Some people might have very high-risk family members in their homes or may be high-risk themselves,” says Dr. Falk. “You might have unvaccinated children or other people who have been ineligible for the vaccine for various reasons. So you have to figure out what is safe for your immediate cluster and family, and then, based on that, you can set some logical guidelines and boundaries about what is and isn’t safe for you.”
Next, put these guidelines into action. If you’ve determined you’re comfortable at a small outdoor gathering, but begin to have an emotional reaction or feel fear, remind yourself that on a logical level, this is safe. “If there is no actual danger, then we encourage facing that fear,” says Dr. Falk. “And the more you practice something, the easier it becomes.”
Find your pace.
Some people might be able to jump right in once they determine their guidelines. For others, that may be more difficult. “If you need to take baby steps, make a plan for yourself,” says Dr. Falk. “Say, ‘This week I will go to a gathering, but I’m not ready to take the subway. Next week, I’m going to try taking the subway during off-hours, the next week I’m going to try going for my commute.’ You can absolutely build up your strength and confidence to make sure that your practices match the guidelines that you’ve decided are appropriate.”
Practice asserting yourself.
Even if you know your personal boundaries, “It’s very difficult to say no to something or to disagree with somebody,” acknowledges Dr. Falk. “That’s a skill in and of itself, learning how to assert for yourself what you’re comfortable with and where your boundaries are.”
Dr. Falk recommends practicing those tough conversations by role-playing with a family member. “You can politely decline and just say, ‘You know what? This is something that we can’t do just yet given our personal circumstances, but I can’t wait to join in the future.’ You can also also suggest some alternate activity.”
Remember that everyone is feeling rusty with socializing.
Worried about awkward social interactions? You’re not alone. Remind yourself that everyone is in the same boat of relearning how to socialize in person. It can even be something to laugh about. “Just like it takes practice to overcome fear, it takes practice to just get back in the groove on a social level,” says Dr. Falk. Don’t let the rustiness keep you from reaching out to people. The more you see and converse with others, the better it will feel and the more comfortable you will become.
Embrace the positive lessons.
It’s been a tragic year with an unimaginable amount of loss, but there have been some silver linings. The slowed-down pace of life has allowed some people the chance to better define their values, practice self-care, and spend more time with loved ones. “If there are things that you’ve learned about yourself, your values and what your needs are — and it’s something you can continue to fulfill once this is all over — that’s incredible,” says Dr Falk. “I think it shows growth if you can carry that forward.”
Some social obligations remain — if you’re not looking forward to play dates with certain parents, you may still want to do them because it fits in with your larger set of values to be inclusive and get to know people in your community. But instead of an automatic yes to every invitation, “We can be more thoughtful about our own needs, what we’re sacrificing every time we do something, and what we’re sacrificing every time we don’t,” says Dr. Falk.
Be flexible.
Remember that things are always changing, so while it’s important to define your personal boundaries, it is just as critical to be open to adjusting them. “Everything is changing week by week, day by day,” says Dr. Falk. “I think it’s important to be flexible and respond to the changing circumstances. And just like how we had to roll with the changing guidance at the beginning of the pandemic, we have to roll with the changing guidance on the other end too.”
Give yourself a break.
This has been a challenging year, and it’s important to recognize that just because things are technically safer doesn’t mean you have healed from everything that’s happened. It may take some time to process, heal, and recover. “And that’s not on anybody else’s timeline but your own,” says Dr. Falk. “Figure out what is good for you beyond CDC guidelines or safety. Don’t exert yourself too much if you’re still feeling overwhelmed.”
For anybody who does find their fears debilitating, reach out for professional help. “You can get some help to figure out how to manage those fears and anxieties, because you shouldn’t have to live like that,” says Dr. Falk. “We want you to live the life that you feel is safe and appropriate — and not one that’s just dictated by your fears or anxieties.”
Avital Falk, Ph.D. is the program director for the Intensive Treatment Program for OCD and Anxiety at the NewYork-Presbyterian Youth Anxiety Center and the director of the Pediatric OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders Program at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is also an assistant professor of psychology in clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. This article first appeared on healthmatters.nyp.org
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Returning to school after the summer break can be a challenging transition for students. Here are some tips for helping the children in your life transition back to in-person learning and have their best school year ever!
Review and Rehearse Routines: A clear, consistent routine can make school days go much more smoothly. Going over daily household routines and practicing them ahead of time will give everyone a chance to get more comfortable and avoid last-minute mix-ups and stress. In the week before school begins, consider doing a run through of a morning routine (wake up, dressing and hygiene, breakfast, and packing the school bag), the commute to school and reviewing after-school plans so everyone feels prepared and comfortable for the first day back. While building these habits, it’s important to offer kids specific praise for their efforts, not just for a successful outcome. If a child forgets their backpack, still let them know they did a great job organizing and packing it.
Check In with the Child: Your student likely has many feelings about returning to school: they may be happy to see friends, nervous about those friendships, excited for a more “regular” school experience, worried about schoolwork, sad that the summer is over – all at the same time! Encourage them to share with you by asking open-ended questions (questions that can’t be answered with “yes” or “no”): “How are you feeling about going back?” or “What do you think school will be like?” If a child indicates they’re nervous, follow up by asking them what exactly is making them concerned, and offer to brainstorm solutions or ways to increase their comfort.. The key to checking in is to really listen, and let them know their feelings are understandable and okay. Reassure young people that what they’re feeling is common and normal; sharing how you’re feeling about these changes may help them be more open, too.
Practice Social-Emotional Skills: While learning at home, kids may not have had to do things like wait for a turn, hold a thought/not interrupt, ask to use the bathroom, share toys or be aware of others’ personal space. Social skills like these are an important part of school success, and you can help children build these good habits. Encourage younger kids to “play school” and practice classroom behavior (you can switch things up and let them be the teacher gently correcting your behavior, too). For older students, ask them to think about the ways that school behavior and expectations differ from home. You can also help prepare young people for potentially stressful experiences by practicing coping skills. Coping skills help students respond to challenges in a safe, healthy way. Some easy coping skills to practice at home are deep breathing, or taking slow, deep breaths; visualization, during which they close their eyes and think of place that calms them down; and the “5-4-3-2-1 Method”, a way they can center themselves by thinking of 5 things they can see, 4 things they can hear, 3 things they can feel, 2 things they can smell and 1 thing they can taste.
Reconnect with Friends: Encourage young people to reconnect with friends in person prior to the start of school. Even if they may have stayed in touch via social media or texting, face-to-face interactions can be helpful for kids to feel comfortable in groups again. Reassure them that it’s normal for relationships to have changed and to feel a little awkward. If a student is transitioning to a new school, reach out to the parent coordinator and see if there are any social activities planned before school starts or offer to plan one yourself.
- Anne Van der Veer and Laura Sophocleous, LCSW, LMFT, CASAC; School-Based Health Center Program, Adolescent Medicine, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health
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Here are some of the new books coming to the Library for adults, teens, and children—from novels and history to an uplifting anthem and picture book for children as well as novels for Hispanic Heritage Month.
September 7, 2021
Beautiful World, Where Are You? (adult)
by Sally Rooney
Starred by Booklist, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly, this is the newest book from a critically acclaimed novelist. It explores romance and breakups between two couples looking for their place in the world.
September 14, 2021
Harlem Shuffle (adult)
by Colson Whitehead
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Whitehead returns with a shimmering novel of Harlem in the 1960s, following the travails of a furniture salesman who gets involved with a hotel heist gone awry.
September 14, 2021
Travels With George: In Search of George and His Legacy (adult)
by Nathaniel Philbrick
Starred by Booklist, this history and personal reflection follows the bestselling author as he retraces our first president’s journeys throughout the original thirteen colonies.
September 14, 2021
When We Say Black Lives Matter (children’s)
by Maxine Beneba Clark
Starred by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal, this is a celebration of what it means to say that Black Lives Matter, created lovingly by an award-winning author-illustrator.
September 21, 2021
Change Sings (children’s)
by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loren Long
Starred by Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, this picture book by the youngest inaugural poet embraces the power of possibility, encouraging all of us to see our potential to make change.
September 21, 2021
Kaleidoscope (YA/children’s)
by Brian Selznick
The award-winning creator’s new set of connected stories explore loss, discovery, love, and grief. Divided into three sections – morning, afternoon, and evening – the stories revolve around a relationship that persists across time.
September 21, 2021
Room to Dream (children’s)
by Kelly Yang
Starred by Booklist and Kirkus, this new adventure from the New York Times bestselling author features protagonist Mia of the Front Desk series going on a trip to China to visit her extended family.
October 5, 2021
Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (children’s)
by Brandy Colbert
Starred by Booklist and Kirkus, this history from an award-winning author seeks to help us understand the Tulsa Race Massacre, a century after it devastated the Black Wall Street neighborhood in Oklahoma.
October 5, 2021
Bluebird (young adult)
by Sharon Cameron
Starred by School Library Journal, this historical novel follows the journey of a woman from Berlin to New York City, where she tries to prevent the U.S. and the Soviet Union from getting a Nazi secret project.
October 5, 2021
The Book of Magic (adult)
by Alice Hoffman
The critically acclaimed novelist concludes her Practical Magic series with a final tale about the Owens family and the lengths they will go for those they love and want to save.
Books for Hispanic Heritage Month
September 7, 2021
The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina (adult)
by Zoraida Cordova
This lush novel, the adult debut of the acclaimed author, follows a family as they attempt to understand the meaning of their inheritance by taking a trip to Ecuador, where their matriarch hid her secrets.
October 12, 2021
Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World (YA)
by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This is the follow-up to the beloved novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe; in this sequel, two teens who fell in love must learn to navigate their relationship in a difficult world. Sáenz was the first Hispanic winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award.
Read our Back-to-School Guide featuring:
- booklists for early learners, school-age children, and high school students
- tips on adjusting to in-person learning
- ideas for getting your child back on a school sleep schedule
- advice for family communication
- a list of the library's free research databases for students
- information on QPL resources for students and families
- details on our back-to-school giveaway
STACKS:
Our afternoon enrichment program for kids in grades K-5 continues virtually this fall. Learn more and register here.
Back-to-School Booklists from Our Guide:
Early Learning:
The King of Kindergaden by Derrick Barnes: Book eBook
Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim: Book eBook
School's First Day of School by Adam Rex: Book eBook
School Days by Shelley Rotner & Shelia M. Kelly: Book eBook
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow: Book eBook
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson: Book eBook
School-Age Children:
New Kid by Jerry Craft: Book eBook
All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson: Book eBook
Cookie & Broccoli: Ready for School by Bob McMahon: Book eBook
The First Day of School by Margaret McNamara: Book eBook
Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina: Book eBook
Surviving Middle School: Navigating the Halls, Riding the Social Rollercoaster, and Uumasking the Real You by Luke Reynolds: Book eBook
Twins vs. Triplets: Back-to-School Blitz by Jennifer Torres: Book eBook
Teen:
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson: Book eBook
The Field Guide to the North American Teen by Ben Philippe: Book eBook
Don't Ask Me Where I'm From by Jennifer De Leon: Book eBook
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed: Book eBook
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness: Book eBook