A real dog, who is all brown and wears a collar and leash, rests its head on robot dog, who is plugged into a socket. A mouse dangles from the dog's leash.

Pick a Bunch of Black-Eyed Susans This Summer

June 25, 2025jeanboone1 Leave a comment

A lot of black-eyed susans in full bloom, showing bright yellow petals and a dark brown center.

by Jean B.

It’s summertime in Maryland and Black-Eyed Susans, the state flower, dot the landscape with their bright yellow blooms in gardens, along highway medians, and across open fields. Black-Eyed Susans also are blooming inside the library. These award-winning books for kids and young adults make a perfect choice for summertime reading.

The Black-Eyed Susan Book Award is Maryland’s student choice award, voted on by students in grades K-12 every year since 1992. With seven categories of competition, there are contenders for every age and reading preference: Picture Books (for grades K-2); Fiction/Nonfiction for grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and high school; and Graphic Novels for grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and high school.

Why pick a Black-Eyed Susan? The nominees for this award are selected by school librarians for high quality AND kid appeal. The winners have been voted the best by 20,000 students across Maryland – that’s a major stamp of approval!

But here’s the best reason to pick a Black-Eyed Susan: to make YOUR voice count for next year’s award winner! The 2025-26 nominees are out: students in participating schools or homeschool co-ops who read at least eight of the nominated picture books or three of the nominated fiction/nonfiction or graphic novel nominees will be eligible to vote in April 2026. HCLS also provides a pathway to voting through our Black-Eyed Susan book clubs at Central Branch.

Twenty thousand Maryland kids can’t be wrong! Here’s a sampling of what they liked best in 2024-25:

A large sea turtle swims through the blue waters, above the book title.

Picture Book winner:
Yoshi and the Ocean by Lindsay Moore tells the amazing true story of a sea turtle’s return to the wild after 20 years of care in a South African aquarium. With lyrical text and gorgeous artwork, this book follows Yoshi as she navigates a 25,000 mile journey across two oceans, mapped by a tracking device, to reach her original home. Beautiful to read with younger children, it also contains a wealth of information about ocean life, loggerhead turtles and oceanography.

Grades 3-5 Fiction/Nonfiction winner:
In Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, a real dog, a robot dog, and a mouse band together to engineer an escape from the Dogtown Shelter and find their forever homes. In this charming animal adventure, short chapters and fun illustrations make it a perfect choice for a family read aloud or for kids just beginning to tackle full-length chapter books.

Grades 6-8 Fiction/Nonfiction winner:
Two Degrees by Alan Gratz is an action-packed thriller for those who love survival stories. The book follows four middle school kids in different regions of North America, each battling climate-change natural disasters. Though their challenges are different and parallel, the kids’ fierce struggles are linked as part of a bigger picture requiring joint action.

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 child surrounded by steam full of food items eats lunch with chopsticks in one hand and a bun in the other.

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo

April 23, 2025meganbowen1af7018799 Leave a comment

By Megan B.

Intrigued by the front cover, I picked up Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo from the children’s “new books” shelf not expecting to fall in love with this story, to be recommending it to colleagues, and to feel the need to write a book review for Chapter Chats! But, here we are…

Inspired by her own experience of moving from China to the United States as a child, Mo narrates the journey of Jun beginning school in a new country. Through expressive illustrations, bold uses of color, and just a handful of text you are taken on an emotional roller coaster as you witness her first week.

I truly felt Jun’s excitement at the bus stop on her first day, and her disappointment, confusion, and frustration as she tries to navigate the school and the English language. Then, I loved the profound comfort, joy, and love she finds in her delicious homemade lunches, and finally, the acceptance, friendship, and belonging as the story concludes.

With universal themes about belonging, embracing differences, friendship, and the power of food, Home in a Lunchbox is a feel-good, must read for people of all ages.

Home in a Lunchbox, a 2025 Caldecott Honor Winner, is available from HCLS in print and as an e-book on Libby.

Megan B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Miller Branch. She is constantly curious and loves to learn new things.

Two boys walk through a camp with the ground dusky blue and brilliant stars against a graduated sky - either dawn or sunset. The boys are Black, with short hair and wearing T-shirts and shorts.

Meet Battle of the Books 2025 authors: Victoria Jamieson and Matt Phelan

April 2, 2025Kristen B. Leave a comment

The illustration shows the three animals, sheep, rooster and duck, in a hot air balloon basket against a grey sky. The red balloon bleeds off the top of the cover and the title appears in script on the balloon.

Tue, Apr 8 | 7 – 8 pm
online
For ages 5-11. Register at bit.ly/2025-BoB

Battle of the Book featured authors Victoria Jamieson and Matt Phelan answer your questions about their books, When Stars Are Scattered and The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck. When you register, you have the opportunity to submit questions to them. The authors will answer selected questions during the virtual presentation. You receive an automated email confirmation containing the Zoom link when you register.

Victoria Jamieson
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed is a graphic novel based on co-author Omar Mohamed’s life growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya called Dadaab. It is told to New York Times bestselling author and artist Victoria Jamieson by Omar Mohamed, the Somali man who lived the story.

Victoria Jamieson is the creator of Newbery Honor Book Roller Girl. She received her BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and worked as a children’s book designer before becoming a full-time illustrator. She now lives with her family in Pennsylvania.

Matt Phelan
The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is an adventure full of secrets, fun, and re-imagined historical events. Author Matt Phelan is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels for young readers. In 2014, Matt was awarded the Free Library of Philadelphia/Drexel University Children’s Literature Citation. Matt also teaches on the faculty for Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults.

A pale green background with a golden symbol for female, with the center post an upraised fist, surrounded by illustrated heads of famous women.

Read about Women’s History Month

March 4, 2024March 4, 2024emilyhcls Leave a comment

by Emily B.

Women’s History was not always a month-long celebration. It started in 1980 as a week-long celebration. President Jimmy Carter offered these words as he issued his proclamation for the first Women’s History Week celebration:
“Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”

Each year a new theme is chosen by the National Women’s History Alliance, a non-profit organization who lobbied and advocated for Women’s History Month to be recognized across the United States. The 2024 theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” Check out these books celebrating women who did just that!

For adults
Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II by Lena S. Andrews (also available as large print, e-book, audio on CD, and e-audiobook.)
350,000 American women served during WWII, working as codebreakers, chemists, pigeon trainers, translators, and more. Learn about these unsung heroes and their previously untold stories.

The Women of NOW: How Feminists Built an Organization that Transformed America by Katherine Turk (also available as e-book and e-audiobook)
Learn about the women behind the creation of the National Organization for Women, a group that has advocated for gender equality, reproductive rights, racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights since its formation in 1966.

For teens
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom by Lynda Blackmon Lowery
Read the memoir of the incredible teen who marched for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Pénélope Bagieu (also available as e-book)
This graphic novel focuses on some of history’s most impressive boundary-breaking women, like Mae Jemison, Nelly Bly, and Christine Jorgensen.

For children
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Denise (also available on DVD)
Learn about Pura, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. She advocated for the Spanish-speaking community by offering bilingual story times and purchasing Spanish language books. (Also available in Spanish.)

Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight: Patsy Takemoto Mink and the Fight for Title IX written by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
Patsy Takemoto Mink was the first woman of color in Congress and was a huge proponent in passing Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. She enjoys puzzling, reading, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.

A small children bundled up in a coat and hat looks at a homeless person wrapped seated and wrapped in a blanket.

The Old Man by Sarah V. & Claude K. Dubois

January 3, 2024brittanychapterchats Leave a comment

by Brittany M.

I was halfway through The Old Man when the first tear fell. I cried a few more before the end. This sweet children’s picture book by Sarah V. & Claude K. Dubois teaches awareness, kindness, and compassion for the homeless – all things our world needs more of (me included).

The cover art and title caught my eye while I was shelving books in the children’s section of the library. Even though I don’t have kids yet, I’m always on the lookout for books to share with them in the future, so I borrowed it. The story is simple but powerful, as the words, actions, and attitude of the characters who interact with the “The Old Man” act as a mirror for society, reflecting the stereotypes and prejudices a lot of us hold against the homeless. It resonates because I bet you have already come across someone who reminds you of “The Old Man” at least once.

A lot of feelings stirred within me while reading this book. Shame regarding the indifference I sometimes display towards homelessness due to feeling awkward and guilty. I feel awkward making eye contact when I see someone holding a sign asking for money, and I feel guilty for having more and not remembering to keep spare change or bills. I want my kids to be better than me by always being ready to give to someone in need and to feel comfortable when doing it. While doing some self-reflection, I researched ways to help the homeless beyond money exchanging hands.

One good idea I learned from a friend is to have a bag of essentials ready to give. You can make them for a low cost by shopping for items at the Dollar Tree or Five Below, including gloves, socks, non-perishable food items, toothpaste, toothbrush, wipes, deodorant, and even a blanket. If you want to add something extra, consider grocery store or coffee shop gift cards. You never know when was the last time someone had a hot meal to eat or a warm beverage to drink.

Before the year is over, I invite you to do something good-hearted for those less fortunate. Maybe it’s someone you see regularly on your commute or maybe it’s a random act of kindness. No matter who you choose to give to or how you choose to give, make sure it’s without prejudice or judgment.

Borrow a copy of The Old Man from any HCLS branch.

Brittany is a Customer Service Specialist at the Miller Branch who loves writing, reading, and all things stationery. Her other hobbies include playing video games, listening to music and spending quality time with her family.

The picture is a collage of the three book covers in the series, with cartoon illustration of Max and his cohort with swords and bows and arrows.

Two Fun Series for Young Readers

September 29, 2023monaerivers Leave a comment

By Monae R.

Max and the Midknights is a children’s series that mixes between graphic novel and a chapter book styles. These are great for readers who enjoy the ‘Big Nate’ graphic novels because they were written by BIG NATE himself. Parents know the true author, but let the kids be amazed. Follow this story as Max and his friends travel through medieval times, with foes and kings and magic.

In Max and the Midknights we are introduced to Max, Kevyn, Simon, Millicent, and Uncle Budrick: a group of young children and a single adult who travel through medieval times to overthrow an unjust king and restore the land of Byjovia to its original glory. Filled with humor, readers will love this story and the sequels. Finished book one and want more? Don’t worry. Follow the midknights in Battle of the Bodkins as they discover a new type of villain called Bodkins, who are trying to take over Byjovia. Continue with The Tower of Time, where you can travel through time and be reintroduced to a few villains and even friends in the conclusion to the epic series.

The picture shows some foliage in dark green silhouette on a hill, with the book covers for the first two books in the series to the right.

No matter if you have read the Serafina series, the Willa duology by Robert Beatty will have you wrapped and engulfed in its story. You can listen to the audio, read the physical book, have it on your Kindle and tablet. Follow Willow as she looks for the truth her clan has hidden from her and her generation. Determined to uncover her clan’s history, Willa makes her way through the forest making unlikely friends and learning not to judge a book by its cover or believe what everyone tells you. Sometimes, you need to discover the truth yourself. If that does not convince you, read this small snippet of Willa escaping a treacherous place and protecting those close to her.

“She could feel herself getting farther away from them with every step she took. Her heart swelled with hope that she was going to make it. But as she ran away, Lorcan pulled back his arm and hurled his killing spear like a javelin. It shot through the air and struck her in the neck with a shocking blow and knocked her to the floor. She looked down toward the end of the corridor, and the last thing she saw was Nathaniel’s children disappearing into the escape hole”.

The adventure does not end there. Guaranteed to bring you tears of both joy and sadness, Willa’s story comes to a loving, surprising, and happy conclusion in Willa of Dark Hollow.

Monae is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS East Columbia Branch.

The photograph shows children and a dog outdoors, silhouetted against a purple and red evening sunset.

Reading + Adventure = Summer

July 24, 2023jeanboone1 Leave a comment

by Jean B.

It’s an equation for fun! Add an extra dimension to your summer days by connecting books from the library to a fun adventure in our region. Here are some ideas to get you started — each plan includes a picture book for everyone, a chapter book for family read alouds, and an outing within an hour’s drive.

Word Play

Meet Stegothesaurus (E HEO), the dinosaur with an incredible (inspiring, impressive) vocabulary and encounter an amazing array of words as well as a frightening, formidable, fearsome allosaurus…uh-oh, what’s another word for “trouble”?

Enter a magical library where the books aren’t just full of words, they’re actually alive! In The Lost Books: The Scroll of Kings (CHILDRENS PRI, print and digital audiobook), Alex must learn how to battle the ancient magic in these books and save himself, the library and the kingdom. It’s anything but a quiet day at the library!

Journey to Planet Word, an interactive museum in Washington, DC. You’ll find walls alive with words; a library with a secret door and hidden surprises; and rooms to sing, tell jokes and give a speech.

925 13th Street, NW Washington, DC 20005; Admission free, suggested $15 donation.

History Mysteries

Time travel with Calvert the Raven in The Battle of Baltimore (CHILDRENS FUQ) for a bird’s-eye view of the battle that inspired our national anthem in 1814, right here in Baltimore. Fast forward into the present with the thrilling Capture the Flag (CHILDRENS MES) in which the original Star Spangled Banner has been stolen from the museum! It’s up to Anna, Henry, and Jose to muster all their courage and detective skills to get this historic national treasure back.

Visit the Fort McHenry National Monument, site of the famous battle, where you can explore the historic battlements, cannon, and walls, interact with living history guides, or just have a picnic and enjoy the spectacular view of the Baltimore Harbor.

2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230; open 7 days a week, kids 15 and under are free.

Explorers of the Wild

For an uncharted outdoor adventure, get inspired by Baltimorean Matthew Henson, whose determination led him to be one of the first to find the North Pole. I, Matthew Henson, Polar Explorer (CHILDRENS B HENSON W) offers a breath of cold, Arctic air this summer! Or share the adventure of friends Augie and Wyatt, as they build a fort then face the challenges of living in it with ingenuity, perseverance, and humor, in Fort (CHILDRENS DEF, print and e-audio).

Head to Cunningham Falls State Park, to hike to a waterfall, swim and canoe in a lake, camp, picnic, and fish.

14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, MD 21788; 8 am to sunset, April-October. See website for daily admission fees and campground/ cabin reservations.

Jean B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch who loves reading books for all ages when she isn’t enjoying the outdoors.

Be part of HCLS’ Summer Reading Adventures.

Children’s Discovery Fair: Back to the Basics

April 19, 2023Kristen B. Leave a comment

Library staff reads a book to a couple of children. — Children’s Discovery Fair 2022

by Kathleen W.

Welcome! Welcome!
All Howard County families with children aged 3-5 are welcome to join us as we celebrate the Month of the Young Child
with Back to the Basics at the annual Children’s Discovery Fair.

Our goal is to prepare your child for school readiness and success in education. This year’s offering has a stellar line up of literacy,
movement, music and steam activities – story times, crafts, free dental screenings, give a-ways, and much more! For starters,
the library’s On the Road to Kindergarten van will be at the Discovery Fair the entire time. Everyone is welcome to climb on board and see what this mobile library has to offer. You can get a library card on the spot and check out any of the amazing finds aboard.

Then, how about the variety of classes and demonstrations offered specifically for you and your children? Ever wonder about STEAM activities for your preschooler? Join the fun of the Shape Hunt while your child participates in counting, grouping and comparing shapes. Explore movement and have fun while dancing with scarves and clapping to the beat of the music. Let your child engage in the sporting challenge of Solo Cup Bowling.

Take the challenge with Free* Interactive* Easy-To-Do competitions and demonstrations specifically designed for your preschooler. The menu includes some of these exciting activities:
*Loud and silly story times
*Creating art tools
*Cars and ramps
*Blowing bubbles
*Puzzles
*Building with Lego and blocks
*Marching band and many others!
And when you need a break…calm yourself and relax with yoga movement and play.

See you on Saturday, April 22 from 10 am – 1 pm at the North Laurel Community Center (9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel).

Kathleen is a full-time Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch.

The contents of the On the Go Literacy Activity Kit displayed against black background, including toy vehicles, books, and tip sheets.

National Education Week: Let’s Play

November 16, 2022jeanboone1 Leave a comment

by Jean Boone, Central Branch

“When we treat children’s play as seriously as it deserves, we are helping them feel the joy that’s to be found in the creative spirit. It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.” said Fred Rogers.

By definition, PLAY is FUN but that doesn’t make it unimportant. For a child’s development, it’s serious business. Play feeds a child’s imagination and creativity, and it helps them explore and discover their capabilities and their world. As it spurs brain development, play becomes a pathway for learning and creates the foundation for literacy and school readiness.

To support children and their families in growing and learning through play, we offer some incredible resources.

The toy collection includes more than 300 wide-ranging, developmentally appropriate and safe items:

Does your child love pretend play? Borrow a wooden sandwich-building set or the bilingual (English-Spanish) EnSALADa play set for some imaginative cooking!
Is your child always on the move? Take home a parachute, trucks and other vehicles, and push and pull toys for building motor skills.
Help your child learn their letters, numbers, shapes and colors with toys like the Counting Carrots Stacker, Rocket Shape Sorter, or Oscar the Grouch stacking cans.
Encourage storytelling with a set of puppets like the Three Billy Goats Gruff or Peppa and George Pig, or music-making with My First Piano or the Hedgehog Accordion.
Promote problem-solving with all kinds of puzzles, for toddlers to kindergartners.

Literacy Activity Kits combine themed books, toys, games, and hands-on activities that are both educational and entertaining. Created for three distinct age groups, the kits also include a bilingual parent guide with ideas for how to engage your child with these materials.

For 0-4 year olds, kits focus on essential concepts with books, music, and toys:
Numbers and Shapes
Colors and Letters
Bilingual English and Spanish
Things that Go
Barnyard Animals

For 5-7 year olds, kits contain books and problem-solving projects and games:
The Three Little Pigs
The Gingerbread Man
Goldilocks and the 3 Bears
Fun with Words
Dive into Dolphins and Sharks

For 8-10 year olds, kits offer books, worksheets, and games that strengthen literacy skills:
Super Spelling and Wonderful Writing
Stretch Your Storytelling
Pass the Poetry
Focus on Fluency

All of these materials can be borrowed for three weeks, just like a book. Come into your nearest branch and bring home some serious fun!

Jean B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch and loves reading books for all ages when she isn’t enjoying the outdoors.

With a yellow screen over graphic novel cels, you see a young girl holding a suitcase with a cat around her ankles. Text reads: Turtle in Paradise, the beloved, bestselling, and Newbery-award winning story is now a graphic novel.

A Quick, Feel Good Read

September 23, 2022monaerivers Leave a comment

Bright yellow illustration shows an upraised hand holding a small green turtle. Cover features the Newberry award sticker.

by Monae R.

Turtle in Paradise, originally a children’s book, was published as a lovely graphic novel last year. This story by Jennifer L. Holm works wonderfully for children and teens who may be having trouble reading fiction but find graphic novels and pictures easier to comprehend and follow.

The story follows an 11-year-old girl named Turtle who suddenly has to move to Key West, Florida to live with her aunt. All is going smoothly until she reaches the residence and realizes she is not welcomed with open arms. Although she adjusts to the next few weeks there with her cousins, their weird friends, and jobs, and becomes accustomed to the strange nicknames for everything in the area, Turtle still cannot wait to go home.

If you like a quick read that grabs your heart strings and keeps you immersed, this delightful story has the words and visuals to do just that. Find out how Turtle learns to grow and get along with her aunt and cousins. Take a look at her mother’s love interest and how that affects Turtle and the family. Discover the story behind a pirate and his lost treasure… and what does that have to do with Turtle?

Answer all these questions and more with this riveting tale. For those who would prefer the fiction copy, it might be fun to contrast the differences between the formats. Graphic novels are a good way to incorporate reading and learning with your children, families, or even on your own.

Turtle in Paradise is available as a graphic novel, a children’s book, as an e-book on Libby and on CloudLibrary, and an e-audiobook and an audiobook on CD.