I’m excited about January because it is the time of our winter reading challenge. Danville Public Library is participating in Beanstack’s 4th annual winter reading challenge sponsored by Simon and Schuster. The theme for this year is Books Like Us. This is a celebration of books that reflect the reader’s personal narrative. According to Erica Rose, library science faculty at the University of Nebraska, this is that cherished book you remember that invoked a sense of companionship and empathy: A book that inspired growth, helped you develop your own potential and was an inspiration to you. Whether the book was about a mystery solving detective, a funny awkward kid who is always in trouble, or a hero who magically saves their world through some special ability there is one common element. A truly cherished book allows you to see yourself as that character pursuing that goal or overcoming challenges.
My challenge for you is during this winter reading challenge to you is to step outside of your book reading comfort zone and read a book that is reflective of someone else that you might not relate to.
Since I work in the children’s room, here is a list of picture book titles we haves added this year that might become a future cherished book of a child you know. These books offer unique personal narratives for diverse characters. For other recommended titles please contact the library.
The paper kingdom / by Helena Ku Rhee ; illustrated by Pascal Campion.
Accompanying his parents to their night-shift jobs as office cleaners, young Daniel reluctantly joins in as they use their imaginations to transform the deserted building into a magnificent paper kingdom where he might one day rule.
We are water protectors / written by Carole Lindstrom ; illustrated by Michaela Goade.
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. Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.
A picture book biography sharing the inspiring and incredible true story of the nation’s oldest student, Mary Walker, who learned to read at the age of 116.
‘Ohana means family / Ilima Loomis ; illustrated by Kenard Pak.
In this cumulative rhyme in the style of “The House That Jack Built,” a family celebrates Hawaii and its culture while serving poi at a luau.
Lift / words by Minh Lê, art by Dan Santat.
Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but when it’s time to share the fun with a new member of the family, she’s pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own.
Danbi leads the school parade / by Anna Kim.
Danbi is thrilled to start her new school in America. She wants to join in the dances and the games, but she doesn’t know the rules and just can’t get anything right. Luckily, she isn’t one to give up. With a spark of imagination, she makes up a new game and leads her classmates on a parade to remember!
“What happens when a new friend arrives who doesn’t speak your language? A young girl searches for the words to help her friend feel welcome and happy in her new home, and along the way learns about differences and similarities in countries and words. The two forge a strong bond while they each learn the other’s language, exploring the world around them.”–Publisher marketing.