Jeopardy champion James Holzhauer credits children’s books with giving him the breadth of knowledge needed to win game after game. While I’m no trivia expert, I do appreciate a quality nonfiction children’s book. And if the illustrations are also incredible? That’s even better. As a hat tip to James Holzhauer, Jeopardy, and our dear colleague […]
Before moving to Wensleydale, Tig and Peter spent months alone, without electricity, regular meals, and, most significantly, their mom. Tig’s mom, who struggles with addiction, would often leave for days or a week, but never months. Until now. Naturally, Tig and Peter have had to learn to survive on their own. Eventually, adults realize what […]
All seventh grader Andrew Yeager, the protagonist of Rob Harrell’s Popcorn, wants is to have a nice picture for Picture Day this year. The new seventh grader struggles with anxiety and OCD anyway, but he has a lot on his plate lately. His mom is starting a new job and is under a lot of stress. His […]
Summer reading is well under way at Joplin Public Library. In the world of Youth Services, we have been reading lots of books, having a lot of fun, and making a lot of art. As you may recall, the theme of JPL’s 2025 summer reading program is “Color Our World.” In my last review, I […]
Next Tuesday kicks off the most exciting time of year: Summer reading at the Joplin Public Library! If you are unfamiliar, the summer reading program is an eight-week, all-ages reading challenge accompanied by fun and educational events. Notable events this summer include a sourdough making program for adults, a Tiny Library Desk concert in the […]
After I read a good book with my son, he’ll often say, “you should write about that one in your review.” Inevitably, something comes up or I’ll have a more timely book I want to review, and he’ll ask why I didn’t write about his suggestions. I am happy to say that his time has […]
February marks the beginning of Black History Month. I have likely mentioned this in previous columns, but I like to challenge myself to be intentional about reading books by Black authors every February. I snagged a few of the books on my list from the Black History Month display in the Children’s Department. If Young […]
Another year has come and gone, which means it’s time for my favorite tradition: the end-of-year round up. Every December, I reflect on the best books I read that year. I am not sure that my favorite books have any connecting thread aside from me loving them. In 2024, I loved picture books that had […]
Every so often, an adult will sheepishly tell me that they “still read picture books.” To that I say: a good book is a good book! Read with abandon! You can find some of the most beautiful art and the most touching stories in picture books. I am hoping my review this month will aid […]
I try to make it a point to read a handful of the National Book Award winners and finalists each year. When Katherine Marsh’s newest novel The Lost Year came across my desk emblazoned with a silver finalist medal, I knew I had to add it to my to-read list. The Lost Year begins, and […]
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