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APPR Picture Book Selection Looking at the mountains from his Colorado home, a boy takes an imaginary journey to the past, revealing the layers of history beneath his feet: When his house was built two years before; how the neighborhood was planned mere decades earlier; the bunkhouses where ranchers lived a century ago; the first homesteaders who built on "stolen" land in the 1800s; the first people — the Utes— who camped there hundreds of years before; and even when dinosaurs roamed the area. Colorful illustrations and simple text make history accessible while encouraging readers to consider how places and their inhabitants change over time. Ages 5 - 9 Colorado History; Home; Changes over Time Meet the author: |
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APPR Juvenile Selection In 1889, 12-year-old Will and his father, a formerly enslaved man, journey from their sharecropper home in Texas to join the Oklahoma land rush, racing thousands of others to seek the chance to own land and build a better future. Facing danger, hardship, prejudice, and tough choices along the way, they are driven by the promise of freedom and a place to call home. Winner of the 2026 Coretta Scott King Award, this Western is packed with historical facts, suspenseful action, powerful characterizations, and plenty of heart. Ages 9 -14 American History; African Americans; Historical Fiction; Fathers and Sons; Adventure; Moral Dilemmas |
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After 10 long years of war, Odysseus embarks on a perilous journey home, facing harrowing monsters, powerful enchantresses, and tough-to-navigate dilemmas, all while being helped — or hindered — by the gods. Homer's classic tale is retold with clear but evocative language, touches of humor, and a complex main character who does courageous...and sometimes unwise... things. The richly colored artwork provides details and keeps the action moving swiftly. Beginning with an introduction to Homer and his world, the supporting materials provide historical and cultural context, background about the Olympian gods and other characters, insights about the story, and much more.This accessible and engaging version of an unforgettable journey provides much to think about and discuss. Ages 9 - 14 Greek Mythology; What Is a Hero; Adventure; Ancient World; Classics; Moral Dilemmas |
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Could you live in the middle of the ocean on a tiny volcanic island? Or in a village three miles above sea level? Or inside the crater of an active volcano? This beautifully illustrated book introduces 13 secluded locations across the globe where families "band together and rely on each other, and this spirit of teamwork helps sustain extreme living." Each entry includes an introduction to the region, as well as information about where it is located, who lives there, a fascinating fact, and how inhabitants adapt to extremes. A map at the end puts the places into context. This is a wonderful book for launching studies into geography, community, and the concept of what makes a home. Ages 4 - 10 Geography; Exploration; Community Life; Survival; Traditions; Way of Life; Resiliency |
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Poetic text and richly detailed watercolor paintings presented in the format of a nature journal introduce the wonders of these unusual insects. Information about two types of butterflies — monarchs and mourning cloaks — is presented side by side, so that readers can notice the similarities (such as the five states of caterpillar development) and differences between the species (monarchs travel to warmer climes while mourning cloaks stay in place to hibernate). A lengthy section conveys the joy of creating both journals and sketchbooks, and provides more detail about each species. After perusing these beautiful pages, kids will want to head outdoors with nature in hand! Ages 5 - 10 Butterflies; Insects; Nature; Observation |
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Readers tag along with two smiling youngsters as they explore the mysteries beneath their feet. Lyrical text and colorful artwork delve into the hidden layers of our planet, briefly introducing Earth’s crust, mantle, outer core, inner core, and magnetic field. Geologic terms are introduced throughout, as is the idea that scientists don't know everything, and posing and answering questions is part of the scientific process. Blending a sense of wonder with facts, this book is a delight for budding geologists and those who love to dig for answers. Ages 6 – 10 Earth Science; Geology; Exploration |
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The Wizard's Guide to Magical Experiments: 40 Science Experiments to Try at Home by A. J. Wood; illustrated by Jo Rioux The only magic at work in this appealing book is science! Lively and clearly written text (addressed to young wizards-in- training) provide directions for an array of easy-to-replicate science experiments, along with simple explanations introducing the scientific vocabulary and concepts at work. Required materials are easy to find at home, and warnings are provided when adult help is necessary. Topics include states of matter, energy, solutions, and more. Colorful illustrations fill the pages, and directions and facts are often tucked into lift-the-flap sections, providing readers with a satisfying sense of discovery. Ages 7 - 10 Science Experiments; Wizards; Home Activities
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This fun-to-browse book is all about numbers! Packed with astonishing facts, easy-to-understand comparisons (how many bottles of water would it take to fill a bathtub, an Olympic pool, Lake Superior, or the Pacific Ocean?), and helpful diagrams and illustrations, this volume helps readers comprehend a wide array of information. Sections cover the natural world (rivers, lakes, mountains, plants, etc.), life on Earth (the human body, animals, trees, etc.), and human structures (roads, rails, cities, etc.). Great for fans of world records and other fact hounds, this colorful volume is informative, enlightening, and thought-provoking. Ages 7 - 14 Measurement; Comparisons; Statistics |
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This is a history mystery, written in the form of a tense, true graphic novel. The story is told from the point of view of the lake (a 1,000-acre body of water in Louisiana) and the people and wildlife that inhabit it or live nearby. Two big commercial projects were added near the lake: salt mining and oil drilling. When something went wrong with the drilling operation in November of 1980, a major disaster ensued, causing a massive whirlpool in the lake that sucked in billions of gallons of water (along with an oil derrick, barges, trees, and structures on the shore) and caused flooding in the mineshafts. Readers are drawn into the action as the people impacted did their best to face danger. Despite the incredible potential for tragedy, everyone survived. The author’s notes at the end of the book provide additional information. A riveting and informative offering for readers who love true tales. History; Geological Disasters; Graphic Novels |
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Grab this graphic novel survival story for its lovely art, page-turning suspense, and fascinating informational content. Two siblings and their uncle head into the Great Bear Rainforest in the Pacific Northwest, Canada, a remote and dense forest accessible only by boat. When their canoe is washed away, they must think fast and rely on their wilderness expertise and knowledge of the terrain to survive. Basic wilderness skills are conveyed throughout the adventure, along with information about the area's flora and fauna, ecosystem, and history. Kids learn how to build a shelter, what to do without a compass, how to avoid bears, and more! Graphic Novels; Adventure; Pacific Northwest Plants and Animals; Family Stories; Wilderness Survival; First Nations Peoples |
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In this funny picture book, both Bear and Hare are trying to get their paws on a fuzzy blue wig (hair) since neither wants to go bare. Comical capers (and delightful wordplay) ensue as the two characters engage in a variety of scenarios described by homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings). The word meanings are made clear through the hilarious cartoon artwork. Ultimately, a solution, ("share?"), provides a satisfying ending and an additional rhyming word. Read this book aloud for plenty of giggles and use it to introduce wordplay and homophones. Ages 4 - 8 Humor; Grammer; Word Play |
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"Knock, knock." A young red-headed girl opens the door with a shriek, then invites readers inside the cozy cottage to hide from something scary...a bear that she knows is in the woods. Readers will be entertained as she tries to impress everyone with her somewhat doubtful bear knowledge and bravado, until a rattle at the door reveals the cottage's real inhabitant...a bear! Energetically illustrated and fun to share aloud, this hilarious story invites comparisons to "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" and makes a lively introduction to the genre of fractured fairy tales. Ages 4 - 8 Humor; Fractured Fairy Tales; Unreliable Narrators |
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Pikes Peak Library District
P.O. Box 1579, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
(719) 531-6333https://ppld.org/ |
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