Picture Books
Early Readers
Juvenile Fiction
Juvenile Graphic Novels
Books for Little Ones
| A big bed for little snow by Grace Lin |
| A day so gray by Marie Lamba |
| I wish it would snow by Sarah Dillard |
| Little Penguins by Cynthia Rylant |
| When the snow is deeper than my boots are tall by Jean Reidy |
| Winter is for Snow by Robert Neubecker |
| Winter is here by Kevin Henkes |
| The winter visitors by Karel Hayes |
| Snowy surprise by Kallie George |
| Snow Trucking by Jon Scieszka |
| Biscuit’s snow day race by Alyssa Satin Capucilli |
| Penny and her sled by Kevin Henkes |
| Mouse loves snow by Lauren Thompson |
| Mr. Putter and Tabby hit the slope by Cynthia Rylant |
| Snow day by Candace F. Ransom |
| Woof and Quack in winter by Jamie Swenson |
Check out some of our recommended picture books, fiction, non-fiction titles for children for National Native American Heritage Month.
Fry bread : a Native American family story by Kevin Noble Maillard. Request this title.
Told in powerful verse, Fry Bread is an evocative story about family, history, culture, and traditions, new and old.
Birdsong by Julie Flett. Request this title.
When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of nature and art.
Zoe and the fawn by Catherine Jameson. Request this title.
Zoe and her father find a lone fawn in the forest in this picture book for young readers.
Kamik’s first sled by Matilda Suluaryok. Request this title.
Jake’s puppy is growing quickly, but as Jake soon realizes, he isn’t becoming any easier to handle. All Jake wants is to raise his puppy to be a strong, fast sled dog, but Kamik is far from ready to pull a sled with a dog team.
Rabbit’s snow dance : a traditional Iroquois story as told by James and Joseph Bruchac. Request this title.
Rabbit loves the winter. He knows a dance, using an Iroquois drum and song, to make it snow–even in summertime When rabbit decides that it should snow early, he starts his dance and the snow begins to fall.
Bowwow powwow : bagosenjige-niimi’idim by Brenda J. Child. Request this title.
The best days of summer end at the powwow, but Windy Girl takes the revelry of the gathering one step farther, into a dreamworld where the dancers and singers are dogs.
We are water protectors by Carole Lindstrom. Request this title.
Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all… When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.
We are grateful : otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell. Request this title.
Otsaliheliga is a Cherokee word that is used to express gratitude. Journey through the year with a Cherokee family and their tribal nation as they express thanks for celebrations big and small. A look at modern Native American life as told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
Mary and the Trail of Tears : a Cherokee removal survival story by Andrea L. Rogers. Request this title.
Twelve-year-old Mary and her Cherokee family are forced out of their home in Georgia by U.S. soldiers in May 1838. From the beginning of the forced move, Mary and her family are separated from her father.
I can make this promise by Christine Day. Request this title.
When twelve-year-old Edie finds letters and photographs in her attic that change everything she thought she knew about her Native American mother’s adoption, she realizes she has a lot to learn about her family’s history and her own identity.
In the footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall. Request this title.
Teased for his fair coloring, eleven-year-old Jimmy McClean travels with his maternal grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, to learn about his Lakota heritage while visiting places significant in the life of Crazy Horse, the nineteenth-century Lakota leader and warrior, in a tale that weaves the past with the present.
It’s been 5 years! Check out the responses from our 2015 time capsule!
Check out the video below to see what was inside!
Thank you to everyone who participated.
Books for Little Ones
Screen Free Fall Activities
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month. Check out these titles featuring Latinx characters!
¡Vamos! Let’s go to the market by Raúl the Third
Little Lobo, a Mexican American, and Bernabe, his dog, deliver supplies to vendors at the Mercado, a busy border town market.
Book fiesta! : celebrate Children’s Day by Pat Mora
Children read aloud in various settings to celebrate El día de los niños, or Children’s Day, in this bilingual story.
Mango, Abuela, and me by Meg Medina
When a little girl’s far-away grandmother comes to stay, love and patience transcend language in a tender story written by acclaimed author Meg Medina.
Across the bay by Carlos Aponte
Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father.
My papi has a motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she’s always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her.
One is a pinata : a book of numbers by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
A beautiful and lively picture book for teaching numbers and exploring both Spanish words and Hispanic culture.
Planting stories : the life of librarian and storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
This portrait of the influential librarian, author, and puppeteer reminds us of the power of storytelling and the extraordinary woman who opened doors and championed bilingual literature.
Dancing hands : how Teresa Carreno played the piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle
The story of Teresa Carreño, a child prodigy who played piano for Abraham Lincoln
Separate is never equal : Sylvia Mendez & her family’s fight for desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
A touching account of one family’s quest for equality in America
Tito Puente, Mambo King = Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo by Monica Brown
From musical prodigy on the streets of Harlem to five-time Grammy Award winner, Tito’s life was full of rhythm. Drums and claves, saxophones and tambourines were all part of the fun.
Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar
In 1960s New York, fifth-grader Ruthie, a Cuban-Jewish immigrant, must rely on books, art, her family, and friends in her multicultural neighborhood when an accident puts her in a body cast.
Lowriders in Space by Cathy Camper
Lupe, Flapjack, Elirio customize their car into a low rider for the Universal Car Competition to win the cash prize that will enable them to buy their own garage.
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya
When his family’s restaurant and Cuban American neighborhood in Miami are threatened by a greedy land developer, thirteen-year-old Arturo, joined by Carmen, a cute poetry enthusiast, fight back.
Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Alberto Pablo Hernandez
In order to heal after his mother’s death, thirteen-year-old Sal learns to reach into time and space to retrieve things–and people–from other universes.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez
Twelve-year-old María Luisa O’Neill-Morales reluctantly moves with her Mexican-American mother to Chicago and starts seventh grade with a bang–violating the dress code with her punk rock aesthetic.
Find even more titles celebrating Hispanic Heritage here.
We all know that this year going back to school is very different from usual. However, we hope the books on this list will inspire students to get excited for school and ready to learn!
B. Bear and Lolly: Off to School by A.A. Livingston
B. Bear realizes the importance of friendship when he and his best friend Lolly attend the first day of school.
Lola Goes to School by Anna McQuinn
Spunky Lola meets new friends and tries many new things on her fun but exhausting first day of school.
Dog Days of School by Kelly DiPucchio
Tired of school, Charlie envies his dog and wishes he could be a dog, too, but when his wish comes true he discovers that his life was not all bad.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself.
Find more Picture Books about school here!
Bitsy Bee Goes to School by David A. Carter
Bitsy Bee is very excited about her first day of school, and it proves to be just as much fun as she expected.
Lucky School Bus by Melinda Melton Crow
It is the first day of school, and School Bus is excited. Tractor, Train, and Fire Truck wish him luck on his big day!
Mouse Loves School by Lauren Thompson
Hiding inside a backpack, Mouse spends the day at school, discovering colors, letters, numbers, and his favorite thing–friends.
Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School by James Dean
Pete the Cat can’t decide what outfit he should wear to make him look cool at school. He has so many colorful choices in his closet to choose from, how will he decide on one?
Find more Early Reader books about school here!
Back to School, Mallory by Laurie Friedman
After moving, eight-year-old Mallory struggles with being new at school, especially because her mother is now the music teacher and director of the third grade play.
Bad Kitty: School Daze by Nick Bruel
When Kitty’s owners have finally had enough of her bad behavior, it’s time to ship her off to obedience school.
Pennybrook School is Headed for Disaster by Jennifer Brown
Thomas Fallgrout is a new student at Pennybaker Academy for the Uniquely Gifted where he his blamed for a missing statue so he teams up with his oddball friend Chip Mason to find it.
School Days According to Humphrey by Betty Birney
Humphrey the hamster is puzzled when unfamiliar students fill Mrs. Brisbane’s classroom at summer’s end, but he soon learns that his friends from last year are fine and that the new class needs his special help.
Find more Juvenile Fiction school books here!
Have a huge collection of unwanted t-shirts that you’re not ready to part with? Check out this upcycle activity that you can do with your t-shirts using only a pair of scissors (and a marker) – 10 easy steps!
Materials Needed:
TIP – If using a t-shirt with a logo on it, you’ll want it to be towards the middle of the t-shirt.
Directions:
Contact-Free pick up is here! How it works: Click on “request this item” and place the item on hold with your library card. You will be notified when your item is available for pickup. For Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents only at this time. Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Misunderstood Shark : starring Shark! by Ame Dyckman
This super silly story is about a shark who just wants to show everyone who he is.
Dude! by Aaron Reynolds
This hilarious book shows the complex and silly ways to tell a story only using one word!
Chomp : a shark romp by Michael Paul
Learn all about different species of sharks – great for children in grades 2 and under!
Slickety quick : poems about sharks by Skila Brown
Creative poems about sharks from rare sharks like camouflaged wobbegong and the elusive frilled shark – and more common ones.
Super shark encyclopedia and other creatures of the deep by Derek Harvey
Everything you need to know about sharks and other creatures! Great for any shark lover.
I survived the shark attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis
Based on True Events and the Jersey Shore!
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
Read about how these bad guys are doing good deeds – humorous mixed media book for those that love fast paced books.
Looking for more Shark books? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
Levels E-F | Levels G-H | Levels I-J | Levels K-L | Levels M-N | Levels O-P | Levels Q-R | Levels S-T
Levels E-F
Fly High, Fly Guy! By Tedd Arnold
When Buzz, his parents, and his pet fly go on a road trip and get lost, Fly Guy comes to the rescue to help them find their way home
Biscuit Goes Camping by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Biscuit the puppy camps out in the backyard.
Signs in the Park by Mary Hill
Sally explains the signs that she and her mother see while walking their dog in a park, such as those that direct them to a trail and show who can use that trail.
You are (not) Small by Anna Kang
Two fuzzy creatures can’t agree on who is small and who is big.
Looking for more E-F Level Readers? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
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Levels G-H
Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth by James Dean
A tooth goes missing while Pete the Cat is helping the Tooth Fairy, and he must find it before it’s too late.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? By Bill Martin
Zoo animals from polar bear to walrus make their distinctive sounds for each other, while children imitate the sounds for the zookeeper
There is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems
Gerald the elephant discovers that there is something worse than a bird on your head– two birds on your head! Piggie will try to help her best friend.
Looking for more G-H Level Readers? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
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Levels I-J
Young Cam Jansen and the Zoo Note Mystery by David Adler
Cam helps her friend Eric when he misplaces his permission slip to go on the school field trip.
Pete the Cat and the Surprise Teacher by James Dean
When Pete discovers that his teacher is sick and his mom is the substitute, he must teach her the ins and outs of his school.
On Earth by G. Brain Karas
With poetic text and gorgeous illustrations, Karas illuminates the Earth and its cycles, making the concepts of rotation and revolution understandable even to the youngest readers
If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff
Chaos might ensue if you were to give a dog a donut.
Jack and the Box by Art Spiegelman
Jack just got a new toy. Is it a silly toy, a scary toy… or something else entirely?
Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo by Rosetta Stone
The mere sneeze of a bug triggers a chain reaction involving, among others, cows, turtles, policemen, and an entire circus parade.
Looking for more I-J Level Readers? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
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Levels K-L
The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend
Jack the cat gets much more than he bargained for when he decides to build the perfect nest to attract the perfect chicken.
Electric Fish by Elaine Landau
An introduction to various species of electric fish, particularly the electric eel, explaining how they generate and discharge electricity.
If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
Follows a boy and his mouse through a busy day at school.
Amelia Bedelia Sleeps Over by Herman Parish
Amelia Bedelia has a wonderful time at her first slumber party.
Alice the Fairy by David Shannon
Alice, who claims to be a Temporary Fairy, still has a lot to learn, such as how to make her clothes put themselves away in the closet.
Looking for more K-L Level Readers? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
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Levels M-N
Big Chickens Fly The Coop by Leslie Helakoski
When four farmyard chickens begin to feel like they need to spread their wings a bit, they decide to go to the big farmhouse to check things out.
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, but when he asks her to wait a while before showing her new purse, she does something for which she is very sorry later.
Horrible Harry Goes to the Moon by Suzi Kline
Inspired by his third-grade class’s study of the moon, Harry announces that he is going there.
Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-wrestling Smackdown by Megan McDonald
After second-grader Stink gets an unsatisfactory grade in physical education, his parents tell him he must play a sport and so he masters thumb wrestling, as seen on a sports channel.
Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly by Jane O’Connor
Nancy is furious when she cannot go to her friend Bree’s butterfly-themed birthday party, but her family’s outing might just be extraordinary enough to make her feel better.
Junie B., First Grader Aloha-ha-ha! By Barbara Park
Excitable Junie B. Jones manages to find trouble both before and during a trip to Hawaii and records each incident in a photo journal given to her by her teacher.
The Curse of the Bologna Sandwich by Greg Trine
After graduating from the superhero academy, Melvin Beederman heads for Los Angeles, where he unexpectedly teams up with Candace Brinkwater, school play actress, to nab the evil McNasty Brothers.
Looking for more M-N Level Readers? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
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Levels O-P
Lola Levine, Drama Queen by Monica Brown
Lola Levine is given a non-speaking part after getting stage fright during her class play audition. She saves the play after a couple of obstacles with the help of her grandmother
Bad Kitty: School Daze by Nick Bruel
When Kitty’s owners have finally had enough of her bad behavior, it’s time to ship her off to obedience school.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
A reckless young mouse named Ralph makes friends with a boy in room 215 of the Mountain View Inn and discovers the joys of motorcycling.
Jelly Bean by Cynthia Lord
No pets are allowed in the apartment where Suzannah and her family live, so she volunteers at a local pet shelter and plays with the dogs and cats there–but when a child whose family is moving brings in her pet guinea pig, Jelly Bean, Suzannah promises that she will find him the perfect home.
Sideways stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Humorous episodes from the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with one classroom on each story.
EllRay Jakes is a Rock Star! by Sally Warner
Eight-year-old EllRay Jakes decides to “borrow” his father’s crystals to impress his classmates, but his plan to return the crystals before his father notices goes awry.
Looking for more Level O-P Readers? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
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Levels Q-R
Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen
Nine-year-old Mya is excited about participating in School Spirit Week, even making a pinky promise with her best friend Naomi to be her partner, but when she accidentally gets paired with the biggest bully in school, Mean Connie.
Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown
When Roan’s application to pilot school is rejected, he finds he has been invited to study under Master Yoda at the Jedi Academy.
Beast Keeper by Lucy Coats
Eleven-year-old Demon had never met his father, the god Pan, until the day he was whisked away to the stables of Olympus and charged with looking after all of the mythical creatures there.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida, and all the good things that happen to her because of her big ugly dog Winn-Dixie.
Swing It, Sunny by Jennifer L. Holm
In the mid-1970s Sunny Lewin is back, star of her personal show, facing the prospect of Middle School, and dealing with the problems of her somewhat dysfunctional family–in particular her older brother, Dale, who has been sent off to a military academy because of his delinquent behavior.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Frustrated at life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence but her world is further complicated by a friendship with an young paraplegic.
Looking for more Level Q-R Readers? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
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Levels S -T
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
When Ivan, a gorilla who has lived for years in a down-and-out circus-themed mall, meets Ruby, a baby elephant that has been added to the mall, he decides that he must find her a better life.
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
When seemingly unrelated and strange events start to happen and a precious Vermeer painting disappears, eleven-year-olds Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.
Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie T. Lamana
At the end of August 2005, ten-year-old Armani is looking forward to her birthday party in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, where she and her extended family live, but Hurricane Katrina is on the way, bringing destruction and tragedy in its wake.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Minli, an adventurous girl from a poor village, buys a magical goldfish, and then joins a dragon, who cannot fly, on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of bringing life to Fruitless Mountain and freshness to Jade River.
The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson
Eight-year-old Steve Satlow is thrilled when Jackie Robinson moves into his Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn in 1948, although many of his neighbors are not, and when Steve actually meets his hero he is even more excited–and worried that a misunderstanding over a Christmas tree could damage his new friendship.
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks
Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has learning problems–but when their lives intersect in the first week of fifth grade they are brought together by a common enemy and the need to take control of their lives.
Looking for more Level S-T Readers? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).
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