Books & Beyond
Celebrating Native American Heritage with Picture Books
November is Native American Heritage Month. The Library is highlighting recent picture books by Native authors to celebrate.
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Indigenous Voices: Fiction and Nonfiction for Kids
Within the pages of these books, you will find diverse perspectives on the contemporary Indigenous experience as well as history from a Native American perspective.
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Read and Celebrate El Día de los Muertos
Day of the Dead is a holiday full of symbolism and traditions that are meticulously practiced in Mexico, Latin America and some European countries. Beautiful memorial altars are made to honor the dead, decorated with calaveras (sugar skulls), marigolds, photos, and delicious foods.
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Latino/e/x Voices in Chapter Books
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting some recent notables by Latinx authors. The Library endeavors to represent the diverse perspectives that make up our community and world all year long, but during this time we spotlight some phenomenal Latinx authors.
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Latino/e/x Voices in Picture Books
Here's a sampling of stellar, recent picture books by Hispanic American creators. The umbrella term "Hispanic Americans" encompasses Americans with roots in Mexico, Central America, South America, the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean, and Spain, a group far too numerous and diverse to do justice to in a short book list. That said, we've endeavored to highlight a wide variety of new titles in the hope that you find some books here to share with the children in your life.
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LGBTQ+ Chapter Books
Here's a selection of recent chapter books that feature LGBTQ+ kids, parents, and community. We welcome rainbow families in our library and represent them in our collections!
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Juneteenth: Honoring Black History and Culture with Picture Books
The Juneteenth holiday is a time to celebrate as well as a time to examine our history, to reflect on the legacy of slavery, and to look toward the future. Here are some picture books by Black authors and artists that celebrate African American culture, resistance and achievement.
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Asian and Pacific Islander Voices
Looking for some great books by and about people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage? Here are some of our favorites to get you started.
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Disability Visibility
We've gathered together books for different ages that feature young people with disabilities. Many are memoirs or fiction that draw upon the authors' own experiences. We hope you find books here to share with your family that can serve as mirrors for children with disabilities and doorways to deepen understanding and empathy for all.
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Women’s History Month – Picture Book Biographies
Discover picture book biographies of women who made their mark on history.
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Black Stories: Picture Books
Discover recent picture books that explore and celebrate the richness and diversity of the Black American experience.
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Black Voices: Chapter Books
Discover great new kids books by Black authors, from early readers to chapter books.
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Celebrating the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is an important celebration in many cultures. Find out more about this history and traditions of this holiday through short videos, books, and a craft.
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What Is a Refugee?
Hundreds of refugees come to Oregon each year in hopes of finding a safe place to live. In fact, since 1975 Oregon has welcomed more than 60,000 refugees. Refugees came from all over the world, but most arriving in Oregon in recent years come from Ukraine, Somalia, Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Here are some incredible resources created for kids to introduce the stories, history, and experiences of refugees.
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What About the Classics?
What happens when the books from our youth contain language, stereotypes, and situations that are problematic? As librarians, we don’t have all the answers for you, but here are our tips for approaching those classics that have ideas and ideals that may not match your current views.
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Start a Family Book Club
Most parents are in the know about reading to their young child. But as kids grow up and start reading independently, did you know that it is still important to read together? And yes, it might feel strange to read Brown Bear, Brown Bear with your 4th grader. Good news, there are some amazing books you and your child can share! Here are our recommendations for starting your own family book club with your 3rd-8th grade family members.
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Rainbow Reads: Chapter Books
Looking for elementary and middle school books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few new titles we love. Chapter Books with Lesbian Characters The Mighty Heart of Sunny Saint James by Ashley Herring Blake Hurricane Child by Kacen Calendar One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock Redwood and Ponytail by K. A. ...
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Rainbow Reads: Picture Books & Parenting
LGBTQIA+ Picture Books & Parenting Resources
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Social Justice for Kids
Parenting is hard. Having big discussions, even with other grownups much less kids, can feel daunting. Navigating what to share, how much detail and all of the other decisions can make you feel like it’s easier just not to talk about it. But kids know stuff happens. They hear it from friends, hear their grownups ...
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