Category Reflections

A stack of the books referred to in the blog post, with a blue and white coffee mug on top that says "Read Jewish Books."

Another Year Full of Reviews & News!

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We launched Chapter Chats in 2020 as a way to stay in touch with our community during the Covid pandemic. We’re still here and doing better than ever! 2024 was Chapter Chats’ best year yet – our 147 posts garnered more than 34,400 views from 24,400 visitors. Thank you for making us part of your online reading!

The Marvel franchise is still apparently a force to be reckoned with, as a look at an older TV series was far and away the top post for the year (with more than 1,200 views): Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The next Top Ten entries included:

A woman's face in profile, looking to the left, is blurred across the cover.
The book cover depicts a woman in a red coat from an overhead view, walking down a frozen path with icy trees on either side of the path.
A stack of the books referred to in the blog post, with a blue and white coffee mug on top that says "Read Jewish Books."

The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan: This debut novel is set in Bintang, Kuala Lumpur during the British rule and Japanese occupation of Malaysia.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon: In 1789 Maine, an unexplained death pushes the sleepy town of Hallowell into an intricate legal battle, full of conspiracy, power plays, and intrigue.

The Shadow Children Series: The Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix has an entirely new feeling and meaning now that we have experienced something similar.

Community Building with Mah Jongg: The community is the heart of the library, and in February we marked the second anniversary of one such community building activity: Mah Jongg Meet Up.

Global Neighbors series: Lunar New Year: We learned about Korea in May, about India in October, and we glimpsed the rich cultural heritage of China with Lunar New Year.

Jewish Joy: Windows & Mirrors during Jewish American Heritage Month: A look at ordinary people who happen to be Jewish, living their lives, finding humor and, most importantly, their happily-ever-afters.

Get “Schooled” on the Board of Education: Even if you do not have school-aged children, the well-being and success of students and staff should be the concern of the entire community.

Inspiring Laughter: A review of Leslie Jones’ memoir that takes you along for a wildly candid, gritty, and funny ride.

Donate Your Gently Used Books and Support a Good Cause: A quick overview about donating your books to the Library.

Studying to Succeed: Do you ever wonder where all those navigation tabs at hclibrary.org go? One of the answers is homework help!

Here are a few equally excellent posts that maybe you missed:

A lone figure is seen walking up a backlit staircase, with an elaborate clockwork structure above the title.
A group of odd but friendly creatures perch on a rock in an alien swamp.
Several figures in Star Trek uniforms are groups in a light stream, with space ships and planets in the background.

A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark: It’s an alternative history, magical, buddy cop, police procedural romp of a story, complete with a little romance.

The Perfect Stories of Claire Keegan: “Long short stories,” as Keegan refers to them, are the ideal length for busy times and for reading again and again. Every word is perfect.

Cozy Graphic Novels About Being Friends: If your children love reading about friendship, mystery, and character growth, take a chance with the middle grade graphic novel, Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures and Treasure in the Lake.

Cerritos Strong!: This show is truly a love letter to the Star Trek franchise. It is filled with humor, adventure, heart, and more than a starbase full of legacy references.

And still, the most viewed post since Chapter Chats began: How to Bypass the News Paywall with Your Library Card.

Consider joining the more than 300 folks who subscribe, so you never miss a Chapter Chats post.

Happy New Year!

Two small parcels wrapped in white paper with red butcher's twine holding holly greenery, sitting on a hardwood floor.

Giving Books as Gifts? We’ve Got Ideas

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The picture depicts a boy sitting in a recliner with a fuzzy orange blanket over his lap, reading a book.


by Jean B.

We’re entering the season of gifts! If you are a book lover, you may want to share that love by giving books to everyone on your list. But the books you read and love may not be ones that will excite and capture the imagination of your recipients. What is the key to giving a “just right” book to someone else? The Library and its resources! Preparing for successful book shopping is as easy as 1,2,3.

One: Visit our six branches to get recommendations from our dedicated, expert staff who have a breadth of knowledge across genres, age, and audience. Whether it’s bestsellers or hidden gems, we LOVE to talk books. If you’re looking for children’s books, you’ll have the added bonus of seeing the book and its illustrations at the library before purchasing.

Two: Subscribe to HCLS newsletters to get specialized recommendations delivered to your email inbox regularly. No searching required, the ideas come directly to you! Our staff-curated newsletters, focused by age or interest, deliver monthly book recommendations as well as upcoming library events. We also offer NextReads newsletters which deliver book recommendations by genre. With 15 choices, from picture books to horror to romance, you’re sure to find helpful suggestions for any reader in your life Sign up for one or for many! To subscribe, go to our website, click on “Contact Us” and choose “Subscribe to Newsletters.”

Three: Get great ideas from NoveList, a free search tool provided through our website: choose NoveList under the “Book Recommendations” topic. Enter your library barcode and PIN. Start by selecting an age/ audience for your books, then your personalized browsing adventure begins!

Does your nephew love Captain Underpants? Search “Captain Underpants” and choose “Series read-alikes” to see a list of books that are similar in style. Is your aunt obsessed with Sweden? Choose the “location” filter and type in Sweden to get books that are set in that country or involve Swedish characters. Does your brother-in-law only read thrillers? Choose the genre filter for “suspense thrillers” and get access to multiple lists of specific ideas. For each book, you can read a brief description of the plot, plus the tags for genre, pace, story, and mood. For children’s books, you’ll find information about reading level, too. Each search produces a wealth of information and ideas.

Happy book-giving this holiday season!

Jean is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Central Branch. She loves talking about books with people of all ages, but especially enjoys leading the Heavy Medals book club for fourth and fifth graders, exploring award-winning books of all genres.  

A fat red pillar candle burns, framed by a pinecone and holly berries.

Winter Holidays + Classes

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A fat red pillar candle burns, framed by a pinecone and holly berries.

by Sahana C.

As the dark days at the end of the year approach, we look to holidays and gatherings to bring us together with loved ones. Across the world, there are traditions for people to come together in warm places, with good food, to celebrate being sheltered from the cold. We often see a lot about Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa in the media, but winter holidays extend beyond those, from the Festival of Lights to Solstice celebrations. The dark months are a great time to come together, reflect, and curl up with a good book.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrated predominantly in India, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. And around the time of the winter solstice, many cultures have festivals that celebrate the return of the sun and the gradual lengthening of days. Yule, or Midwinter, is an ancient pagan festival observed by Germanic peoples. It involves decorating with evergreens, burning a Yule log, and feasting. The winter solstice also marks the beginning of Bodhi Day for Buddhists, commemorating the enlightenment of Buddha under the Bodhi tree.

Not everything during the dark days is warm however; if you’re looking for a scary story to keep you tucked warm underneath your sheets, explore the stories of Krampusnacht, celebrated on December 5 in the Alpine regions of Europe. Krampus is a horned, demonic figure who accompanies St. Nicholas, punishing misbehaving children in contrast to St. Nick’s rewarding of the good. Explore our collection of folklore and mythology books to learn more about this captivating figure.

Whether you’re indulging in festive treats, or simply enjoying the cozy company of loved ones, the winter holidays offer a chance to embrace the darkness and find the light within. Visit your local branch to explore books, films, and resources that delve deeper into these rich cultural traditions and tell your local librarians about your own favorite winter holidays, as we keep each other in the light this year.

How to Wrap (Almost) Anything
For ages 10+ and adults. Learn more at bit.ly/wrap_anything
Learn how to wrap gifts of varying shapes and sizes this holiday season. All materials (including wrapping paper and boxes to practice on) are provided, and you are also welcome to bring your own.
Tue, Dec 3 from 7 – 8 pm at HCLS Glenwood Branch
Sat, Dec 21 from 11 am – 12 pm at HCLS Glenwood Branch

Jan Brett’s The Mitten: Story and Dramatic Play
Ages 5 – 8. Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Cozy up and celebrate the winter season with Jan Brett’s classic adaptation of the Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten! Act out the story and make an adorable craft.
Tue, Dec 3 from 6:30 – 7:15 pm at HCLS Central Branch

Family Movie Time: Encanto
Día de las Velitas/Little Candle Day
All ages/Families.
Let’s celebrate “Little Candles’ Day” by watching Encanto and making a craft related with this traditional Colombian holiday which takes place every year on December 7. The tradition consists of lighting candles and lanterns.
Encanto (2021) Rated PG
Deep in the Colombian mountains, the Madrigal family possesses an extraordinary secret. Each member of the family is able to perform magic, except for 15-year-old Mirabel, who does not seem to possess any unusual abilities.Mirabel struggles to reconcile her place within her family while searching for who she truly is.
Sat, Dec 7 from 2 – 4 pm at HCLS Elkridge Branch

Winter Celebration
All ages. Tickets available 15 minutes before start of class.
Winter time is here! Listen to stories, learn about what animals do in the winter, and make awesome crafts to celebrate the season.
Sat, Dec 28 from 2 – 2:45 pm at HCLS Elkridge Branch

Noon Year’s Eve
Families. Ticket required. Free tickets available 15 minutes before class.
It’s Noon Year’s Eve! Not staying awake until midnight? Ring in the new year early with stories, dancing, and a special countdown.
Tue, Dec 31 from 11:30 am – 12:15 pm at HCLS Savage Branch

The photograph shows a table with an arrangement of autumn leaves and berries in shades of yellow, orange, green, and brown, with a votive candle in a glass and metal lantern-shaped holder and the words 'give thanks' written beneath them on the table in green cursive script.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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The photograph shows a table with an arrangement of autumn leaves and berries in shades of yellow, orange, green, and brown, with a votive candle in a glass and metal lantern-shaped holder and the words 'give thanks' written beneath them on the table in green cursive script.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash.

Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving! If you wish to do some reading about gratitude, please stop by a branch and ask for recommendations – our staff loves sharing their favorites.

If you’re still in need of recipe ideas for the coming weekend or the holiday season, the library has a considerable collection of cookbooks at every branch – and some great magazines available on Libby.

You can never go wrong with King Arthur Baking. Take a look at Baking School: Lessons & Recipes for Every Baker for straightforward, step-by-step instructions to become a baking expert.

If you like to be prepared: The Complete Make-Ahead Cookbook: From Appetizers to Desserts 500 Recipes You Can Make in Advance by the Editors at America’s Test Kitchen.

For many generations in the kitchen together, everyone can learn something with: The Science of Baking by Andrea Beatty.

You can celebrate all our many states during our national holiday with: 50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the United States Through Pie by Stacy Mei Yan Fong.

On behalf of all the HCLS staff who write and edit for Chapter Chats, enjoy your celebrations this holiday season with family, friends, and loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

The photograph shows colorful works of art from student artists that reflect of themes on nature and outdoors, including fish, owls, leaves, spider webs, rainbows, and night skies.

Welcome to the Miller Branch Display Space

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By Nancy T.

The photograph shows colorful works of art from student artists that reflect of themes on nature and outdoors, including fish, owls, leaves, spider webs, rainbows, and night skies.
In October, HCLS Miller Branch showcases the work of art students from Ms Sun’s Artroom.


At HCLS Miller Branch, our display spaces not only showcase materials from our extensive collection and promote library services and activities, but they also celebrate the work of local artists, students, organizations, and groups. These spaces are dedicated to reflecting the rich diversity of our community, serving to both educate and inspire.

We invite you to explore the works currently on display, including a beautiful collection by Alice Webb. A beloved artist who lived in Howard County for nearly fifty years, Alice was known for her watercolor paintings and detailed etchings, as well as her ability to foster creativity in others. She inspired many through her teaching at her Sunburst Studio. Her work captures the beauty she found in the world, from the landscapes of Howard County to the many places she visited. Alice often created both paintings and etchings of the same subject, demonstrating her deep exploration of each medium.

The display case shows the paintings of Howard County artist Alice Webb as well as a photograph of her and descriptions of her pieces, which include landscapes and paintings of buildings.
A selection of the work of local artist Alice Webb on display at HCLS Miller Branch.

Alice Webb’s artwork is part of collections in other countries, the United States government, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and many local businesses. You can even find her work in an environmental textbook at MIT. Although Alice passed away in 2022, her artistic legacy continues through the works on display at HCLS Miller Branch through the end of October.

Don’t forget: the library offers a variety of free art classes throughout the year, as well as a wide range of books and DIY supplies available for lending. Explore your creativity and learn new skills with the many resources the library has to offer. Our art collection includes pieces from well-known and local artists, available to borrow from the Central and Glenwood branches. Be sure to check our catalog and calendar for upcoming opportunities and resources to foster your creativity!

Nancy T. is an instructor and research specialist and the display coordinator at Miller Branch. When she’s not in the branch, you’ll find her in the swimming pool, sitting with her cat, or out walking in the fresh air.

The cover is half pink, where the title sits, and half white, with a cut open lemon showing one side open and the other with the rind up.

Five Minutes of Discomfort

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The cover is half pink, where the title sits, and half white, with a cut open lemon showing one side open and the

by Carmen J.

Every woman, especially over 40, who reads these words every year exhales a sigh of relief. I’m one of them.

Mammogram results that read, "No suspicious masses, calcifications, or other suspi

Every year since I turned 40, I’ve received the reminder for my annual mammogram and diligently scheduled the appointment. After recently hearing on the news and by the appointment receptionist about advanced screenings for those with dense breasts, I decided the extra $40 out-of-pocket expense would mean greater peace of mind. I feel a bit shameful admitting that before I turned 40 and until I gave birth to my daughter just before turning 41, my breasts were not my priority. I rarely gave them much thought, if I’m being completely honest.

I was never ample or busty by any means, and only during pregnancy did I fill out my bras and shirts. “Will you breastfeed?” my doctor asked. What started as an “I guess so,” led to 14 months of nourishing my daughter with my own body. How could I have taken my breasts and my body for granted? I’m sure it wasn’t the first time nor would it be the last, but my perspective heightened. 

Now with my own daughter, I know annual screenings are important for my own health and wellness, and I want to set a positive example for my daughter. I want to live a long and happy life free of cancer. And with my own mother being a breast cancer survivor, after a diagnosis in her 70s, I know my risks are riskier than others. 

The process of this year’s appointment didn’t change from previous years, only the depth of imaging. I was reminded not to wear deodorant and to remove my shirt and bra, and put on the gown I was given with the opening in the front. Over the 10 years I have had these screenings done, I’m always pleased that despite my initial anxiety and minor discomfort, the screening itself takes about five minutes. And according to my technician, the imaging would detect cancer two years in advance of what would be seen by the naked eye.  

When the time comes to slip out of my gown and stand topless facing the screening machine, the technician positions my arms and gives clear instructions about where to insert my breast. We start with images of the right breast followed by images of the left. Each is placed on a clear shelf-like surface and then compressed by another mechanism that flattens it out. Once placed in position, the technician walks away and instructs you to hold your breath, while the images are taken. Hundreds of images are taken of each breast from similar angles. Once completed, you get dressed and leave. Months of anxiety melt away after five minutes. 

Does it hurt? No. Is it uncomfortable? Sure. But if getting my boobs squished each year is an effort to keep myself healthy, then five minutes of discomfort are worth the remaining peace of mind. Squish away.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Consider this my gentle reminder to those with breasts: Schedule your mammograms. Five minutes of discomfort may save your life and your peace of mind.

For more information:
Breasts: The Owner’s Manual: Every Woman’s Guide to Reducing Cancer Risk, Making Treatment Choices, and Optimizing Outcomes by Dr. Kristi Funk

The New Generation Breast Cancer Book: How to Navigate Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options–and Remain Optimistic–in an Age of Information Overload by Elisa Port, MD, FACS, Chief of Breast Surgery at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Co-director of the Dubin Breast Center

Girl from Tehuacan, Lucha Maria by Frida Kahlo, shows a woman sitting on a rock wrapped in a patterned shawl with the moon and the sun above her.

Exploring Hispanic Artists and Their Work

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Girl from Tehuacan, Lucha Maria by Frida Kahlo, shows a woman sitting on a rock wrapped in a patterned shawl with the moon and the sun above her.

by Rohini G.

Let’s explore the riveting stories and enduring legacy of some Hispanic artists, many of which are available to borrow from the Art Education Collection.

Pablo Picasso, one of the most iconic artists and innovators of the 20th century, is responsible for co-founding the entire Cubist movement. The 1936 Spanish Civil War profoundly affected Picasso, the expression of which culminated in his painting Guernica after German bombers carried out a devastating aerial attack on the Basque town of Guernica.

Next, we look at the powerful and captivating Frida Kahlo. She is celebrated in Mexico for her attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and by feminists for her depiction of the female experience and form. Born in 1907, Kahlo experienced several tragic events: polio at age 6, and an accident at age 18.
Her famous painting, Girl From Tehuacán, Lucha Maria, depicts an innocent pretty girl who seems to get lost in the desert. The background of this portrait is divided into night and day. This is a common background Frida liked to use in some of her other paintings.

In 1929, she married artist and activist Diego Rivera, a relationship that would prove tumultuous.
Diego Rivera is most famous for his murals, which pay tribute to Mayan and Aztec imagery. The calla lily was celebrated by Rivera many times (one example is the 1943 oil on canvas Calla Lily Vendor). He often included calla lilies in frescoes that depicted peasants with indigenous features carrying bundles or offerings of them.

Joan Miró Ferra, painter, sculptor and ceramist, was born in 1893 in Barcelona. The son of a goldsmith, Miró grew up in a commerce-oriented family. When he was fourteen, his parents sent him to business school. Miró simultaneously enrolled himself at the local art academy. It was only after Miró became seriously ill that his father allowed him to resume his art studies. Between 1907 and 1918 he experimented with various styles and used the landscapes of the Catalan villages as inspiration for his work. His Passage of the Divine Bird is the final painting in a larger Constellations series and seems to communicate a sense of harmony and balance.

Hispanic artists have left an indelible mark on the art world. Today, their contributions stand as a testament to the richness and complexity of Hispanic culture, ensuring that their artistic voices continue to echo across generations.

Rohini is the Adult Curriculum Specialist with HCLS. She loves literature and rainy days.

Multicolored big chrysanthemum fireworks against a black sky.

Your Freedom to Read

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Multicolored big chrysanthemum fireworks against a black sky.

by Brandon B.

The Fourth of July holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed our intent to form a new nation. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness has always been the fabric of the American dream. Celebrate Independence Day with a parade, spend time with friends and family, enjoy a delicious hot dog or burger from the grill, and sip on an ice-cold snowball. Conclude the night with spectacular fireworks, with all the sparkling colors on display, all in celebration of the many freedoms of our country.

When we fought for and won our independence, our Founding Fathers enshrined important guarantees in the Constitution’s Bill of Rights. First among them, the freedom of press, speech, and assembly. On April 25, 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed the Maryland Freedom to Read Act into law. This new law requires all libraries to adopt a collection development policy that complies with State standards to qualify for funding. What does that mean? Libraries cannot exclude materials from their collection or remove them based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval, or because of the origin, background, or views of the person who created the material. The Act also protects library staff by prohibiting governing bodies from retaliating against employees who act in a manner consistent with the State standards, which will be developed by the State Library.

The Freedom to Read Act reaffirms the constitutional principle that library materials, services, and resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all persons the library serves. Why was this needed? According to the American Library Association, a record 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023, a 65 percent increase over the 2,571 unique titles targeted in 2022 and a staggering 128 percent increase over 2021 numbers. In Maryland, 148 titles were challenged — making it one of 17 states to exceed 100. Forty-seven percent of the nationally-targeted books were titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals.

No individual’s interests and beliefs should dictate what the community has access to. Libraries have always been and continue to be committed to the First Amendment and to providing collections and events that represent differing views. We welcome everyone as they explore their interests without judgment or fear of reprisal.

A sepia toned photograph of the Supreme Court building, with a Black woman and child sitting on the steps holding a newspaper, "High

As you celebrate Independence Day and reflect on our freedoms, explore these or other books and resources that continue the conversation about our country, its history, and future.

Happy 4th of July and happy reading!

Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.

A stack of the books referred to in the blog post, with a blue and white coffee mug on top that says "Read Jewish Books."

Jewish Joy: Windows & Mirrors during Jewish American Heritage Month

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A stack of the books referred to in the blog post, with a blue and white coffee mug on top that says "Read Jewish Books."

by Stacey F.

“They enjoy finding books that are not about Jews in the Holocaust or other hard times, but focus instead on characters who are like themselves and about families that sound like their own.”
– Judy Blume

While trying to frame how I was going to write this post, I found a 2015 article in Hadassah Magazine, where Judy Blume was interviewed. When I was younger and even more so now as an adult, this quote really resonates with me. As pointed out in the article, “…the unassuming way Blume presents the Jewish identities of many of her characters is a welcome surprise for Jewish readers, many of whom articulate their appreciation to Blume.” 

Randallstown in the 70s and 80s, when and where I grew up, was a very Jewish area. An avid reader, I made frequent visits to the Randallstown library, grabbing handfuls of books. These books provided windows to other cultures where I could see what life was like for other people. What I didn’t find so much were books that were mirrors, about people like me. 

Older now and as a librarian, I realized that when most people think about Jewish literature, they think about Holocaust books. Book lists and displays about Jewish literature always seem to highlight Holocaust books as being representative of Jewish literature. We are directed to remember (זכור). To never forget. These books are important, moving, and usually show triumph over oppressors. Powerful literature. However, it is essential to realize, not only for those reading Jewish books as windows but also for those reading them as mirrors, that there is so much more to Jewish literature.   

I now purposefully search for Jewish Joy in books. Again, ordinary people who happen to be Jewish, living their lives, finding humor, and most importantly their happily ever after. We need mirrors! 

The incomparable Judy Blume had a more modern, secular take on Jewish life. In Are You There G-D, It’s Me Margaret, I saw someone Jewish living their regular life. Being Jewish was important, but so were the other things that went on in middle school. When I read Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, I certainly didn’t know that I would one day share her last name. 

A blue and green poster for the Sydney Taylor Book Award reads, "It was heavenly to be able to borrow books from the library." An illustration from Taylor's book, All-of-a-Kind Family, is in the background, depicting the children in two rows holding hands as they walk.

Sydney Taylor’s All-of-a-Kind Family was actually one of the first books that I read where the main characters were Jewish. Even though the story took place starting in 1912, the books about an observant family living in New York City still resonated with me: the holidays they celebrated, the food that they ate, the Yiddish words used. One of their favorite activities was their weekly trip to the library! For the first time, parts of my life were reflected in the pages, and I wanted to be a part of their story. This series was so important to me that I read the books aloud to my daughter; I was able to experience Jewish Joy once again as she could see her life mirrored in the pages. Sydney Taylor’s body of work, including All-of-a-Kind Family, inspired the Sydney Taylor Book Award presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

A number of recent romance authors embody Jewish Joy. Some examples are Stacey Agdern, Sara Goodman Confino, Felicia Grossman, Jean Meltzer, Meredith Schorr, and Rachel Lynn Solomon, to name a few.  Characters in these books are living their lives. Some are observant Jews, while others are more culturally Jewish. With her Once Upon the East End series, Felicia Grossman even offers a peek at what being Jewish was like in Victorian England.

These days, you can also find many more children’s books that not only serve as a mirror for young Jewish readers, but as windows for others unfamiliar with Jewish culture. When the American Girl books featured Rebecca Rubin, it was a very big deal for my daughter. They were published in 2009, when my daughter was nine – the same age as Rebecca! Who was an American Girl! And a Doll!  And she’s Jewish! Interestingly, she is from the same era as All-of-a-Kind Family.

A graphic novel series from 2010 remains a favorite, which begins with Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword. While I love the story, I think my favorite part of the book is the tagline on the cover, “Yet Another Troll-Fighting 11-Year-Old Orthodox Jewish Girl”.  Because there are so many of them out there. 

A modern picture book classic is Patricia Polacco’s The Keeping Quilt, a fictionalized memoir of how a very special quilt is passed down through her family from generation to generation, serving as tablecloths, chuppahs, and blankets for babies. She has updated several editions to include how her children have used and cherished the family’s keeping quilt. 

A story written in free verse, Looking for Me by Betsy Rosenthal drew me in because it talks about Jewish life in depression-era Baltimore, which was where my parents grew up, even though they would have been a little younger. 

The graphic novel illustration shows a girl in long dress and work boots dancing atop a big ball of yarn. The title, Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, appear on a banner wrapped around the ball.

I love the diversity found in books with Jewish characters. There is a trend with books where the characters are of mixed heritage: Jewish plus something else, a window and a mirror. Some good examples include My Basmati Bat Mitzvah by Paula J. Freedman about a young woman who is East Indian and Jewish, as well as Not Your All-American Girl by Madelyn Rosenberg & Wendy Wan-Long Shang, featuring a Chinese and Jewish main character.

The book cover has cartoon-style illustrations of Ruth Bader Ginsburg at four different stages of life; the largest image depicts her with her favorite collar, a South African beaded collar, as a Supreme Court justice.

Finally, I need to include books about one of my favorite American Jewish women, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. RBG overcame obstacles to fight for what she believed in. You can start with: 

Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice by Debbie Levy

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg  by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik

For more titles for Jewish American Heritage Month, here are some great selections:
for children and teens

fiction for adults

nonfiction for adults

References: 

Musleah, Rahel. “Judy Blume.” Hadassah Magazine, 21 Oct. 2015, http://www.hadassahmagazine.org/2015/10/21/judy-blume/. Accessed 1 May 2024. 

“Sydney Taylor Book Award.” Association of Jewish Libraries, jewishlibraries.org/sydney_taylor_book_award/. Accessed 1 May 2024. 

Stacey F. is the Children’s Instruction & Research Supervisor at the Miller Branch.  She has been at HCLS since 2004 (this time). Her hobbies include reading romances, playing/teaching mah jongg, and starting sentences with, “It’s funny because….”

PSA ad: a young Black woman wearing glasses looks down at her cell phone while her other arm is full of books. A blue square to the left says: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Talking about Teen Mental Health

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PSA ad: a young Black woman wearing glasses looks down at her cell phone while her other arm is full of books. A blue square to the left says: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

by Brandon B.

During National Mental Health Awareness Month each May, and throughout the year, you can find a wealth of resources at the library. Many teenagers may suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Some teens might feel isolated, bullied, or ostracized from society. If you are looking for a place to belong, we have created a safe and friendly environment just for you.

Are you looking for a fun and free spot to hang out after school? Your local branch is always looking forward to seeing you. At HCLS East Columbia Branch, you can interact with other teens for fun and excitement most afternoons. Do you have anxiety about math or need assistance with your homework? You can get assistance with your math studies and face your fear of arithmetic at Central Branch from 4-5 pm on Tuesdays. For high school students, final exams are soon! Miller and Elkridge Branches offer a chance to de-stress with some friendly, furry faces.

According to a New York Times article, you can cope with your mental health issues in some simple ways. Just 20 minutes of exercise can relieve stress, or you can use meditation techniques like deep breathing exercises. If you are truly feeling overwhelmed with life challenges, you need to find a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) to talk with. If you are thinking about doing harm to yourself or others, call the national suicide hotline at 988 to talk to a mental health professional. For a local connection, call the Grassroots 24-hour Crisis Line at 410.531.6677.

Tutoring Tuesdays: Math Made Easy!
Ages 11–18. Register here.
Do you struggle with math homework or tests? Do you want to improve your math skills and confidence? If you answered yes, then this is the perfect class for you! Middle school and high school students can get extra help or practice with math topics in middle school math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2.
Tuesdays; May 7 – Jun 4
4 – 5 pm  
Central Branch

Teen Chill Room: Dog Cafe
For high school students, but 11 & up are welcome. Walk-in only.
Finals stressing you out? Take a peaceful brain break in the Teen Chill Room, and return to studying feeling refreshed.
Spend time unwinding with loving, furry friends. Pets on Wheels certified therapy dogs, along with their trainers, bring calm and smiles to busy a midterm week.
Mon, Jun 10
3 – 4 pm
Miller Branch
De-stress with Pets
Sat, Jun 8
2 – 3 pm
Elkridge Branch – Registration opens June 1 at 2 pm.

Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.