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What We're Reading in the Kids' Library August 2025 |
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Newton and Curie: The Science Squirrels
by Daniel Kirk
This is a story about two squirrels that learn how to apply the science topics of force, gravity, and energy to make toys and help their friends. While reading the story, you learn science concepts along with Newton and Curie (named after two famous scientists). There's a glossary and science information at the end of the story.
Best for Grades PreK-3.
Suggested by Cathy.
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Whirligigs: The Wondrous Windmills of Vollis Simpson's Imagination
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Vollis Simpson was a boy who loved to create things and fix things and he grew up and became a man who loved those things too. His creative and inventive mind eventually led him to create extraordinary whirligigs. A whirligig is a simple, often wind powered machine that spins. Vollis Simpson used a variety of found materials to create something unusual, beautiful and truly extraordinary. Read this biography and learn about whirligigs. It might just inspire you to create your own.
Best for Grades K-3.
Suggested by Amy.
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Safe Crossing
by Kari Percival
This is a non-fiction picture book that describes how a family helps amphibians migrate across a road safely. The family develops a plan to create a wildlife tunnel to help the frogs and toads avoid cars to get to their egg-laying spot. The family presents their plan to the city council and it's approved! The community fundraises to bring the animal tunnel to life.
Best for Grades K-6.
Suggested by Cathy.
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Fungi Grow
by Maria Gianferrari
This non-fiction picture book puts the fun in fungi! Did you know that there are fungi that can grow from radioactive matter and even some that can break through concrete? With beautiful illustrations and poetic prose, you will have a new appreciation for the vital role these organisms play in our ecosystem.
Best for Grades 3-6.
Suggested by Gabby.
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Pass Go and Collect $200: The Real Story of How Monopoly Was Invented
by Tanya Lee Stone
This is a fascinating story about how the game Monopoly was invented and the storied tale of its beginnings. This book teaches kids about patents, discrimination, fairness and even economics, all woven into the interesting story of how the game changed over time.
Best for Grades 3-6.
Suggested by Cathy.
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Camp Frenemies
by Liz Montague
Beatrice (Bea) does not want to go to summer camp but reluctantly agrees to go when her dad assures her if she goes this one time, she will never have to go back. Summer camp is a lot like Bea imagined it would be with all of the usual friendship challenges that middle school and sleep away camp bring: jealously, crushes, bullying, and so many insecurities. In this delightful coming of age novel, it turns out friendship helps Bea get through it all!
Best for Grades 5-8.
Suggested by Amy.
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A Field Guide to Broken Promises
by Leah Stecher
Twelve-year-old Evie Steinberg has moved around a lot, and she is looking forward to staying put in their new home in California. Evie is thrilled to learn that Dara, her best friend from summer camp, attends her new school, but is shocked when Dara pretends she does not know Evie. This coming-of-age middle school story deals with friends, family, and bullies. Will Evie's can-do attitude help her navigate it all?
Best for Grades 5-8.
Suggested by Amy.
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The Radium Girls: The Scary but True Story of the Poison that Made People Glow in the Dark
by Kate Moore
During the First World War, radium-dial factories were the places to work, using radium paint to mark clocks and other military instruments. Young girls, some barely in their 20s, would leave the factories covered head-to-toe in the shiny newly discovered element, but what started as a fun job soon turned into a deadly nightmare. Moore beautifully depicts the awe-inspiring strength and perseverance these young women had during their battle for workers’ rights and their lives. Be aware that Moore goes into the gruesome and painful symptoms of radium poisoning.
Best for Grades 6-8.
Suggested by Gabby.
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Hooky
by Mâiriam Bonastre Tur
Two twins, one prophecy, and a whole lot of hijinks. This Webtoon-turned-comic is filled to the witch hat's brim with magic, action, friendship, and love. Tur pairs heavy topics, such as the loss of a parent, with cheerfully colorful illustrations and easy-to-obsess-over characters. This series starter is sure to capture the attention of middle schoolers who enjoy graphic novels, fantasy, and plenty of adventure.
Best for Grades 6-8.
Suggested by Gabby.
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Elmhurst Public Library 125 S Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 (630) 279-8696
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