It’s back! The 2nd Annual Glass City Balloon Race returns to Northwest Ohio July 14-16 adjacent to The Town Center at Levis Commons. This hot air balloon festival is guaranteed fun for the whole family! There will be five balloon flights and two evening GLOWs over the course of the weekend, along with many family friendly activities. This free community event benefits Girls on the Run of NW Ohio. Proceeds from the event will benefit local schools and young women throughout the area, providing scholarships and equipment to those in need.
Kid Saturdays at the Hayes Presidential Library and Museums
Beat the heat and spend a Saturday at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont. Kids are invited to stop by anytime between 9am and 5pm on Saturday, July 8 to tour the museum with an adult. Complete a special scavenger hunt and win a prize! Just $1 per child and $7.50 for an adult. It’s free if you’re an Ohio History Connection member. 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org.
Family Favorites 2016
We asked and you answered. From the best place to buy a birthday cake to the best place to read a book to the best place to eat with kids, you shared with us your Family Favorites. And since our readers know the Toledo area best, the following list can serve as your go-to for people to see, places to go and things to do all year long.
Time to Party
Place for a birthday bash
Skyzone Trampoline Park
1600 Albon Road, Holland
419-491-1194 | skyzone.com/toledo
Runner up: Hero’s
Place to buy birthday decorations
Party City
4926 Monroe Street, Toledo
419-475-8488 | 6460 Centers Drive, Holland
419-867-1700 | partycity.com
Runner up: Dollar Tree
Family photographer
Nicole Slovak
1049 Heritage Cove, Oregon
419-205-0252
facebook.com/capturedbynicole/ nicoleslovak.wixsite.com
Runner up: Finn Photography
Place to buy a birthday cake
Eston’s Gourmet Creations
5433 Monroe Street, Toledo
419-885-9442 | estonsbakery.com
When it’s time to celebrate another year, Eston’s Gourmet Creations is your place to go for the birthday cake. For more than 30 years this Toledo bakery has been whipping up delicious creations with all natural ingredients. Known for their signature mousse cakes, Eston’s is also a favorite for gourmet cupcakes and cheesecakes. They also offer delivery, too, so if you need that special cake but don’t have time to pick it up before the birthday bash, Eston’s can bring it to you!
Runner up: Wixey Bakery
Favorite Places and Spaces
Family activity
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
2 Hippo Way, Toledo | 419-385-6721
toledozoo.org
Runner up: Imagination Station
Place to worship
Cedar Creek Church
Multiple locations | cedarcreek.tv
Runner up: St. Joe’s Catholic Church, Sylvania
Museum
The Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe Street, Toledo
419-255-8000 | toledomuseum.org
Runner up: Imagination Station
Fair or festival
German-American Fest
3524 Seaman Street, Oregon
419-691-4116 | Germanamericanfestival.net
Runner up: Fulton County Fair
Place to Read
Sylvania Branch Library
6749 Monroe Street, Sylvania
419-882-2089 | toledolibrary.org/locations/sylvania
Runner up: Oregon Branch
Place for a picnic
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 Central Avenue, Ottawa Hills
419-407-9700 | metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/wildwood/
Runner up: Sidecut Metropark
Place to volunteer
Toledo Area Humane Society
827 Illinois Avenue, Maumee
419-891-0705 | toledohumane.org
Runner up: Toledo Zoo
Tween activity
Skyzone Trampoline Park
1600 Albon Road, Holland
419-491-1194 | skyzone.com/toledo
Runner up: Ohio Skate
Garden and nature center
Toledo Botanical Garden
5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo
419-536-5566 | toledogarden.org
Runner up: 577 Foundation
Local toy store
Learning Express Toys
5577 Monroe Street, Sylvania
419-885-3959 3100
Main Street, Maumee
419-878-2446 | Learningexpress.com
Runner up: Toys-R-Us
Animal Encounters
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium 2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-6721 | toledozoo.org
Ranked one of the top zoos in the country, it’s no wonder the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is a family favorite for animal encounters. You can get up close to polar bears in the Arctic Tundra, watch African elephants play, explore ocean life in the Aquarium (which is included with your zoo admission!), check out the new koala bear and much, much more. In addition to the animal exhibits, there’s a fun playground for kids along with a splash pad in the summer months. With so much to see and do, families have made the Toledo Zoo a destination for more than 100 years. The zoo is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Runner up: Indian Creek Zoo
Bowling alley
Forest View Lanes
2345 Dean Road, Temperance
734-847-4915 | forestviewlanes.com
When you want to hit the lanes and knock down a few pins, Forest View Lanes is the bowling alley of choice for local families. With reasonable prices, bowling leagues for kids and teens, party packages and indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s a fun destination for all ages. Runner up: Timbers
Delicious Eats
Family-friendly restaurant
Red Robin
4850 Monroe Street, Toledo
419-475-9318 | 3100 Main Street, Maumee
419-878-2944 | redrobin.com
Runner up: Bob Evans
Ice cream shop
Cold Stone Creamery
4038 Talmadge Road #108, Toledo
419-292-1925 | 479 West Dussel Drive, Maumee
419-482-6610 | coldstonecreamery.com
Runner up: Mr. Freeze
Local pizza place
Marco’s
Multiple locations | Marcos.com
Runner up: Vito’s
Cupcakes/Bakery/ Sweet Shop
Cake in a Cup
6801 Central Ave, Toledo
419- 491-1104 | cakeinacup.com
The winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars is also a Family Favorite winner! Cake in a Cup is Toledo’s first all cupcake bakery and is the perfect place to satisfy your craving for something sweet. Each day the bakery offers red velvet, chocolate and vanilla cupcakes but you can also find an extensive list of exclusive flavors like peanut butter and jelly, tropical getaway, zucchini spice and the devil wears prada on specific weekdays. Cake in a Cup also offers gluten free options as well as mini cupcakes. With so many flavors and options (you can find the complete listing of flavors and their descriptions on Cake in a Cup’s Facebook page), this bakery is a one-stop-shop for the whole family.
Runner up: 7 Little Cupcakes
Boutique Beauty
Kids clothing store
Kids Klothesline
111 Louisiana Avenue, Perrysburg
419-874-5437 | facebook.com/thekidsklothesline/
Runner up: Once Upon a Child/Bowinkle’s
Maternity clothing store
Destination Maternity
5001 Monroe Street, Toledo
419-475-2730 | destinationmaternity.com
Runner up: Old Navy
Place for furnishing the nursery
Lullaby Lane
4064 Technology Drive, Maumee
419-878-0127 | Lullabylane.com
Runner-up: Babies R Us
Baby boutique shop
Bowinkles
5627 Main Street, Sylvania
567-455- 5939 | bowinklesboutique.com
Runner up: Kids Klothesline
Place to buy sports equipment
Dick’s Sporting Goods 5001 Monroe Street, Toledo
419-474-0170 | dickssportinggoods.com
Runner up: Play It Again Sports
Mom-owned Business
Laurel’s Princess Parties
6800 Central Ave, Toledo
567-455-1134 | laurelsprincessparties.com
Toledo native Laurel Lovitt started Laurel’s Princess Parties in 2013 with a dress and a dream. “I started the business from scratch with a prom dress between my freshman and sophomore year at the University of Toledo,” said Lovitt. Laurel’s Princess Parties has 22 performers that can do more than 30 characters. She said all performers are vocalists and all costumes are custom-made, offering one-of-a-kind experiences for kids.Laurel’s Princess Parties make about 20 appearances a weekend, mompreneur Lovitt is excited to see how her business has grown in just a few short years. “I wanted to make memories to last forever and to know we’re helping create those memories for kids – it means the world,” said Lovitt. “We’re glad to be able to impact kids in a positive way and be that positive light.”
Runner up: Crowned Cakes by Jess
The Digital Age
Local parent blogger
Mom on the Go in Holy Toledo
momonthegoinholytoledo.com
Runner up: Carolynn Savage
Local parent Facebook group
Toledo Thrifty Moms
facebook.com/groups/ toledothriftymoms/
Runner up: Naturally Sweet Parents
Local Instagram account
Finn Styling
@FinnPhotography
Runner up: Handmade Toledo
Watch Me Soar
Charter School
Toledo School for the Arts
333 14th Street, Toledo
419-246-8732 | ts4arts.org/
For students in grades six through 12, Toledo School for the Arts offers a college prep curriculum with an intense visual and performing arts environment. Admission at this Family Favorite charter school is open to students who seek a community of students who are serious about their artistic endeavors. Founded in 1999, Toledo School for the Arts provides students with opportunities to work with professional artists to expand their arts experience and knowledge base. Through ARTnerships with The Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Symphony, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre, and the Arts Commision of Greater Toledo (just to name a few), students celebrate and explore the arts with real-world experience.
Runner up: Discovery Academy
Preschool
Westside Montessori
7115 Bancroft Street, Toledo
419-866-1931 | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Children’s Discover Center
Elementary school
Westside Montessori
7115 Bancroft Street, Toledo
419-866-1931 | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Lake Local School District
Middle school
Westside Montessori
7115 Bancroft Street, Toledo
419-866-1931 | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Perrysburg Middle School
Private/parochial school
Maumee Valley Country Day
1715 S Reynolds Road, Toledo
419-381-1313 | mvcds.org
Runner up: St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy
Teacher and their school
Amy Lawrence @ Westside Montessori
7115 Bancroft Street, Toledo
419-866-1931 | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Mrs. McGuire @ Lake Local School District
Tutoring center
Sylvan Learning Center
7131 Spring Meadows Drive W, Holland
419- 867-1331 | Sylvanlearning.com
Runner up: Kumon
After-school program
YMCA
Multiple locations | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: After School All Stars
Special needs services
Lucas County Help Me Grow
2275 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
419-725-7194
Runner up: The Ability Center of Greater Toledo
Daycare
Children’s Discovery Center
Multiple locations | 419-867-8570
Childrensdiscoverycenters.com
Runner up: Nourish Early Learning
Babysitting/ Nannying service
KidzWatch
6819 Central Avenue, Toledo
419-843-2997
Runner up: Care.com
Enrichment Activities
Kids Art Class
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe Street, Toledo
419-255-8000 | toledomuseum.org
If you’ve got a budding Picasso, you know the children’s art classes at The Toledo Museum of Art are the perfect way to foster creativity and hone their art skills. TMA offers various art classes and workshops for children and adults alike. The classes are related to works of art in TMA’s collection so children explore the galleries, learn about different works of art and use that inspiration to get creative in the art studio. A great resource for the community, it’s easy to see why you chose TMA’s art classes as a Family Favorite.
Runner up: 577 Foundation
Acting and Theatre classes
Children’s Theater Workshop
2417 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
419-244-5061 | ctwtoledo.org
Runner up: Toledo Rep
Dance class
Mini-Motions Dance Center
2249 Tremainsville Road, Toledo
419-473-0999 | minimotionsdance.com
Runner up: Daryl Jervis
Gymnastics class
Exceleration Gymnastics Center
2255 S Reynolds Road, Toledo
419-381-1000 | excelerationgymnastics.com
Runner up: YMCA
Music class
Kindermusik
Various locations| kindermusik.com
Runner up: Forte
Martial arts program
Sylvania Family Karate
1100 N McCord Road, Toledo
419-951-0147 | sylvaniafamilykarate.com
Runner up: American Kenpo
Family-friendly entertainer
Andrew Martin Magician
419-472-4333 | Andrewmartinmagic.com
Runner up: Laurel’s Princess Parties
Swim lessons
YMCA
Various locations | Ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: St. James
Horseback riding lessons
Fox Meadow Farm
9141 Secor Road, Temperance, MI
419-356-4273 | Foxmeadowfarminc.com
Runner up: Hunter’s Run
Youth sports league
YMCA
Various locations| Ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Sylvania Rec
Traveling sports club league
Pacesetter Soccer Club
5400 West Central Avenue, Toledo
419-885-3140 | pacesettersoccer.com
Runner up: Greater Toledo Aquatic Club (GTAC)
Doctor’s Orders
Pediatric practice
Franklin Park Pediatrics
2000 Regency Ct., Suite 103, Toledo
419-475-5433 | franklinparkpediatrics.com
RUNNER UP: ProMedica Physicians Toledo Peds
Emergency care
ProMedica Toledo Hospital
2142 N. Cove Blvd., Toledo
419-291-4000 | Promedica.org
Runner Up: Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center
Place to give birth
ProMedica Toledo Children’s Hospital
2142 N. Cove Blvd., Toledo
419-291-5437 | Promedica.org
Runner up: Flower Hospital
Birthing classes
ProMedica Toledo Hospital
2142 N. Cove Blvd., Toledo
419-291-4000 | promedica.org/toledo-hospital
Runner Up: Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center
OB/GYN
Dr. Alexis C Waggoner-Noss MD,
of ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sunforest 5700 Monroe St., Suite 303, Sylvania
419-473-6622 | promedica.org
Runner Up: Dr. Danielle Barrow, ProMedica
Midwife
Erica M. Krause, CNM,
of Premier Women’s Health
6125 Trust Dr., Suite 114, Holland, OH
419-491-0041 | premierwomensrobotic.com
Runner Up: Irma Cobian, CNM, Mercy Associates in Women’s Health
Doula
Amanda Baerwaldt
419-308-7593 | maumeevalleydoulas.com
Runner up: Janell Morse
Family doctor
Dr. Upamaka S. Rao,
The Toledo Clinic | 7640 W. Sylvania Ave.
567-455-5906 | Toledoclinic.com
Runner Up: Dr. Todd P. Francis ProMedica
ENT doctor
Dr. Stephanie Cole,
of ProMedica Physicians Ear, Nose and Throat at ProMedica St. Luke’s Hopsital
6005 Monclova Rd., Maumee
419-578-7555 | Promedica.org
Runner Up: Dr. Allan M. Rubin
ProMedica Physicians Ear, Nose & Throat
Optometrist / Ophthalmologist
Dr. Robert Rhee, MD,
of Pediatric Ophthalmologist Consultants
2927 N. McCord Rd., Suite 100, Toledo
419-517-5500 | pocllc.com
Runner Up: Dr. Preston G. Linley ProMedica
Chiropractor
Dr. Mark Dumas, Dumas Chiropractic and Acupuncture
723 Phillips Ave., Building C, Toledo
419-478-0303 | dumaschiropractic.com
Runner Up: Turning Point Chiropractic
Allergist
Dr. Ghassan S. Safadi, MD, of Allergy Clinic Ohio
7640 Sylvania Ave, Ste J, Sylvania
419-843-7780 | toledoallergy.com
Runner Up: Dr. M Rafeeq ProMedica Bay Park Hospital and Mercy St. Charles
Dentist
Dr. Jon Frankel, DDS, of Jon Frankel Dentistry
5012 Talmadge Rd. , Toledo
419-474-9611 | 4359 Keystone Dr., Maumee
419-893-0221 | jonfrankeldentistry.com
Runner Up: Dr. Matthew Lark
Orthodontist
Drs. Haerian, Ludwig & Simon Orthodontics (Sylvania Orthodontics)
6407 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-318-1756 | 7928 Secor Rd., Lambertville
734-206-2094 | 4359 Keystone Dr., Suite 200, Maumee
419-887-1247 | perfectbraces.com
Runner Up: Dr. Carl Wheeler, Wheeler Orthodontics
Veterinarian
Dr. Bob Esplin, SylvaniaVET
4801 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Sylvania
419-885-4421 | sylvaniavet.com
Runner up: West Suburban Animal Hospital
Get Active
Indoor Playspace
Sylvania Playland
3620 Centennial Road, Sylvania
419-517-9094 | sylvaniaplayland.com
When you can’t get outside to run around, Sylvania Playland is your go-to spot for indoor fun. With five different inflatable bounce houses, four swingsets, a designated toddler area with activities for kids three and under, an arcade and 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark mini golf, there’s enough to do to keep the whole family moving and active when it’s cold or rainy or just too hot to be outside. Birthday party packages are available, along with fundraising events, mom’s groups and more. With so much to do under one roof, Sylvania Playland is a favorite for kids and parents alike.
Runner up: Sky Zone
Place to go ice skating
Tam-o-Shanter
7060 W Sylvania Avenue, Sylvania
419-885-1167 | sylvaniatamoshanter.com
Runner up: Slater Family Ice Arena Bowling Green
Place to go roller skating
Ohio Skate
5735 Opportunity Drive, Toledo
419-476-2808 | 1370 Conant Street, Maumee
419-893-4031 | ohioskate.com
Runner up: Swanton Coliseum Roller Skating Center *(this venue closed its doors on June 3, right after voting closed)
Park or playground
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 Central Avenue, Ottawa Hills
419-407-9700 | metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/wildwood/
Runner up: Sidecut Metropark
Waterpark
Kalahari Resorts
7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky
419-433-7200 | Kalahariresorts.com
Runner up: Great Wolf Lodge
Family-friendly gym
YMCA
Various locations | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Wildwood Athletic Club
Biking trail
University/Parks Trail
419-407-9700 | metroparkstoledo.com/trails/universityparks-trail/
Runner up: Wabash Cannonball
Swim lessons
YMCA
Various locations | Ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: St. James Club
Baby swim lessons
YMCA
Various locations | Ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: University of Toledo
Sports camp
St. John’s
5901 Airport Highway, Toledo
419-865-5743 | sjjtitans.org
Runner up: YMCA
Summer day camp
Westside Montessori
7115 Bancroft Street, Toledo
419-866-1931 | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: YMCA Storer Camp
Favorite Place to Read
Sylvania Branch Library
6749 Monroe Street, Sylvania
419-882-2089 | toledolibrary.org/locations/sylvania
When you want to take a break from the hustle of your busy schedule, the Sylvania Branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library is your favorite place to slow down and read a book. With an extensive list of ongoing activities for children and adults alike, this branch is a popular destination. It’s the busiest branch in terms of circulation and reference requests and will undergo renovations later this year to include updated technology, spaces for children and teens and a makerspace for 3-D printing and arts and crafts.
Runner up: Oregon Branch Library
Fireworks Round Up
From cannonball contests to fireworks, there’s something about summer that makes us all feel like a kid. Watch the sky light up with dynamic, colorful displays during these Independence Day firework celebrations.
Saturday, July 1
Oregon
As part of BoomFest, which includes live music, a car show, activities for kids, food and drinks. German American Festival Complex (Oak Shade Grove),
3624 Seaman Rd., 419-260-2678. Oregonohio.org
Fostoria
Enjoy food vendors, a vintage baseball game, live music and the Fostoria’s Got Talent contest at 7:30pm. Begins at 5pm. Foundation Park, 1225 S. Union St.,
419-435-6608. fostoriaohio.gov
Woodville
Trail Marker Park, Cherry St. in
Woodville. homes.amplex.net/fourth
Swanton
Enjoy food trucks, face painting and music from 6-9pm. Swanton High School Football Field, 601 N. Main St.,
419-826-9515. Villageofswantonohio.us
Holland
Springfield Township Freedom Celebration will offer a beer garden, live entertainment, small amusements and games from 5-10pm. Homecoming Park, 7807 Angola Rd., 419-867-1532. Springfieldtownship.net
Monday, July 3
Wauseon
Biddle Park, 900 N. Glenwood.
Cityofwauseon.com
Sylvania
The Sylvania Star Spangled Celebration offers live music, dancing, clowns, kids’ activities, food and drink from 7pm-midnight. $5/general. $3/children under 12. $5 parking, per car. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd.,
419-882-1500. centennialterrace.org
Perrysburg
Perrysburg Star Spangled Banner Fireworks will be displayed over the river. Fort Meigs, 29100 W. River Rd.,
419-874-9147. Visitperrysburg.com
Maumee
Enjoy a community picnic with live entertainment from 5pm until the fireworks. Downtown Maumee. maumeeuptown.com/fourth-of-july-fireworks
Defiance
Diehl Park, 901 Wemor Dr.,
419-748-2745. Cityofdefiance.com
Findlay
The Lighting Up The Sky firework display will be held as part of the Findlay Independence Day Celebration, which features live music, food and more.
Gates open at 4pm. Old Millstream
Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St.,
419-429-7344. hancockfairgrounds.org/lighting-up-the-sky
Bowling Green
BGSU Intramural Fields, 326 N.
Mercer Rd. visitbgohio.org
Tuesday, July 4
Toledo
The Blade’s Red, White, KABOOM offers fireworks at 10pm, synchronized to music on radio station WRVF 101.5 The River. Throughout downtown Toledo. Toledokaboom.com
Waterville
10pm. Waterville Primary School,
457 Sycamore Ln., 419-878-8100.
Waterville.org
McComb
McComb Park, 201 E. Main St.,
419-293-3521. villageofmccomboh.gov
Tiffin
10pm. Hedges-Boyer Park, 491 Coe St., 419-448-5408. Tiffinparks.com
Wednesday, July 5
The Village of Whitehouse –
As part of their annual Founders’ Day Event, which includes food, music, a bounce house, historical re-enactments and family-fun. 6-10pm. Village Hall, 6925 Providence St., 419-877-5833. Whitehouseoh.gov
Saturday, July 8
Forest – As part of the Tree Town Festival (July 7-9). In case of rain, fireworks will occur on Sunday, July 9. Gormley Park, 499 S. Mary St., 419-273-2500.
Villageofforest.com
Saturday, July 29
North Baltimore – As part of the Good Ole Summertime Fest. 205 N. Main St., North Baltimore, OH. nbacc.org
20 Great Book Series to Keep Kids Reading All Summer Long
Summer reading conjures up images of kids relaxing while leisurely turning the pages of a book. There’s good reason for parents to encourage them to read, as research has shown that children who read four or more books over the summer do better on reading comprehension tests when they go back to school in the fall.
But what can you do if your child is reluctant to pick up a book?
The answer may be to put the first book in a series into their hands. A beloved series is likely to encourage kids to keep reading because they want to know what happens next to the characters in the story.
Sarah Mlynowski, author of the popular series Whatever After, remembers that feeling from her own childhood, when she would rush to buy the latest installment of her favorites, The Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High. She thought of the characters in those stories as friends she wanted to spend time with.
Teachers are on board with promoting series reading too, as those types of books encourage kids to gain a deeper understanding of characters and themes by tracing them across multiple titles, a skill that comes in handy in the classroom.
Plus, when you find a good fit with a series for your child, it may just lead to another. Even better, many great series for kids are widely available at libraries and bookstores, making it easy to encourage binge reading. Check out this list for ideas on where to start. Each series listed has a least four titles, except books for teens, which feature three or more titles.
Picture Books and Beginners– Ages 3 to 7
- Arthur Adventures by Marc Brown– An aardvark boy goes on adventures.
- Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant– A boy and his dog are best friends and do everything together.
- The Berenstain Bears by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain– Mama and Papa and two children face all kinds of family challenges.
- If You Give a Mouse by Laura Numeroff– One thing leads to another for animals highlighted in these books.
- Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin and James Dean– The grooviest cat around satisfies his curiosity.
Early Readers– Ages 6 to 8
- Who Am I by various authors– Illustrated biographies of important people from recent history and today.
- Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce– A brother and sister travel through time when they find magical books.
- Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows– Girls learn what it means to be good friends.
- Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey– Fourth graders turn their principal into a superhero.
- The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi– Siblings discover a magical world of fairies hidden in their house.
Middle Grade Readers– Ages 9 to 13
- Whatever After by Sarah Mlynowski– A brother and sister visit classic fairy tales and change them slightly.
- Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales by Nathan Hale– Graphic novels about strange stories from U.S. history.
- Redwall by Brian Jacques– Peace-loving forest critters defend their way of life.
- Middle School by James Patterson– A funny look at the trials and tribulations of growing up.
- Bone by Jeff Smith– Cousins go on funny and action-packed adventures.
Young Adult Readers– Ages 14 +
- Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld– A fast-paced alternative-history story of World War I.
- Divergent by Veronica Roth– In a world of conformity, being different can be dangerous.
- Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor– Dark magic, war between angels and demons, and a love story.
- The Unknown Assassin by Allen Zadoff– A teen works undercover for the CIA.
- Stoker and Holmes novels by Colleen Gleeson– Bram Stoker’s sister and Sherlock Holmes’s niece solve mysteries in an alternative steampunk London.
Ages 3 to 7
- Sam by Barbro Lindgren
- Dr. Seuss books
- Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
- Eloise by Kay Thompson
- Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Ages 6 to 9
- Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
- Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
- Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
- Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
- Amelia Bedelia by Herman Parish
Ages 9 to 13
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
- Warriors by Erin Hunter
- Goosebumps by R. L. Stine
- Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
- Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Ages 14 +
- Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Legend by Marie Lu
- Cinder: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
- Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
- Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
June Giveaway: Maternity & Baby Guide
Expecting moms and new moms – we’ve got lots of goodies to giveaway this month! Two lucky winners will each get a great prize pack full of products for mom and baby.