Farmingdale Youth Services Department

The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus . By Jen Bryant. Illus. by Melissa Sweet. Eerdmans.   With lovely storytelling and intricate illustrations, this picture book biography introduces readers to Peter Mark Roget, whose boyhood passion for list making and finding the right word for every situation, led him to create his “treasure house” of a book, the thesaurus. (2015 Sibert Medal Book & Caldecott Honor Book)   The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life . By Lois Ehlert. Illus. by the author. Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane.   This is a fascinating look into the creative process.  Author/illustrator Lois Ehlert shares her story using numerous examples from her picture books as she encourages others to engage in a colorful life.    Take Away the A: An Alphabeast of a Book! By Michaël Escoffier. Illus. by Kris DiGiacomo. Enchanted Lion.    Ingenious and fun images introduce the letters of the alphabet by removing one letter at a time to make new words. This c

Older Readers Because They Marched: The People's Campaign for Voting Rights That Changed America . By Russell Freedman. Illus. Holiday.    The fiftieth anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights March in Alabama is brought back to life in a detailed and moving account of this pivotal event in Civil Rights history.   Caminar . By Skila Brown. Candlewick.    During the Guatemalan Civil War, Carlos embarks on a solitary journey. A difficult coming-of-age story told through lyric, emotionally-charged poems.   The Crossover . By Kwame Alexander. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.   Twelve-year-old narrator Josh uses the rhythms of a poetry jam to emulate the "moving & grooving/popping and rocking" of life on the basketball court. This novel in verse paints an authentic portrait of a closely-knit family on the brink of crisis. (2015 Newbery Medal Book)   The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia . By Candace Fleming. Illus.  Schwa

Middle Readers Absolutely Almost . By Lisa Graff. Penguin/Philomel.    In this relatable tale, fifth grader Albie is not very good at a lot of things, but with a little help from a new babysitter, he finds out that being himself is the most important thing.     Arcady's Goal . By Eugene Yelchin. Illus. by the author. Holt.    Arcady longs to play for the Red Army Soccer Club. Many obstacles interfere with attaining his goal because his family is considered enemies of the state.   Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain . By Russell Freedman. Illus. Chinese poems Tr. by Evans Chan. Clarion.    More than half a million people from 80 countries arrived at Angel Island California between 1910 and 1940.  Freedman tells their stories in this well documented and handsomely illustrated book that illuminates a little known piece of history.   Before After . By Anne-Margot Ramstein & Matthias Arégui. Illus. by the authors. Candlewick.    A clever wordless pi

Younger Readers The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend .  By Dan Santat. Illus. by the author. Little Brown.   In four delightful chapters, Beekle, an imaginary friend, undergoes an emotional journey looking for his human. Vibrant illustrations add to the fun. (2015 Caldecott Medal Book)   The Baby Tree . By Sophie Blackall. Illus. by the author. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen.    Where do babies come from? This question is delicately handled in Blackall's gentle and charming book. After asking around with amusing results, a boy finally learns the true facts from his parents. With a page of tips for "the conversation.”    Beautiful Moon: A Child's Prayer . By Tonya Bolden. Illus. by Eric Velasquez. Abrams.    A gorgeous full moon shines on a young boy praying for the homeless, the hungry, those at war and his family. The stunning illustrations set a reverent tone that reflects the thoughtful and universal text.    Blizzard . By John Rocco. Illus

While story time repetition can test a parent or caregiver's patience, it's clear that kids benefit from multiple readings of the same story. New readers improve their literacy skills with each rereading, specifically in the following areas: Vocabulary Pattern and rhythm recognition Fluency Reading comprehension Confidence So the next time an eager young reader asks for an encore (or two…), remember that he or she is building fundamental literacy skills!

Date: May 07, 2016 Location: Hudson, NY Time: 10 AM - 3 PM The 8th annual Hudson Children’s Book Festival will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the Hudson Junior/Senior High School in New York. The festival will feature 75 children’s and young adult authors and illustrators, including Newbery Medal winner Kwame Alexander. Musical performances and kid-friendly activities will be held throughout the day. This event is free and open to the public. Each child who attends will receive a free book! Click the link below for more information ! http://www.hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com/

I just finished reading Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley and it was a delight! If you like magic and mystery you'll love this book about a mysterious circus and some very interesting characters! I was told this a great book to listen to on CD so I definitely check it out! "When he realizes that his grandfather's stories of an enchanted circus are true, Micah Tuttle sets out to find the mysterious Circus Mirandus --and to use its magic to save his grandfather's life". Enjoy!