If You Like That, Try This!
by APL Staff
Looking for something new to read? A new show to binge? We've got you covered! Check out our staff recommendations for your favorite series and discover something new!
Each image links to the item in our catalog so you can play a hold and start enjoying as soon as possible!
Family Book Club
"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!
Chapters 1 - 5 Discussion Questions
- Olivia feels sad about her parent's divorce but doesn't want to bring the rest of her family down. Have you ever felt something that you wanted to hide?
- Have you ever been on a vacation to the beach? What is your favorite activity to do at the beach?
- What is your favorite sea animal?
- I love aquariums! Do you? Kayaking, not so much. Have you been kayaking?
- Talking with Aiden's grandpa did not work. What do you think Olivia will do next to help the sea turtle?
Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!
Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a
live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via
Zoom! Register here.
Family Book Club
"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!
"Out of My Shell" Suggested Reading Schedule:
- Monday, Nov. 2 - Sunday, Nov. 8: Chapters 1 - 5
- Monday, Nov. 9 - Sunday, Nov. 15: Chapters 6 - 11
- Monday, Nov. 16 - Sunday, Nov. 22: Chapters 12 - 17
- Monday, Nov. 23 - Monday, Nov. 30: Chapters 18 - 23
Check our blog every Monday for discussion questions as you read!
Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!
Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via Zoom! Register here.
Family Book Club
"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October!
Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons, find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD and as an eAudiobook and eBook via Axis360.)
Chapters 26-38 Questions
· Do you think Iris and her grandma should lie to Iris's mother in order to go to Alaska?
· Have you ever been on a cruise? Where did you go?
· Would you have told Andi that you were coming or surprise her?
· Have you ever seen a whale swimming in the ocean, jumping into the air?
· Do you think the waterproof speak Iris made will work?
Register here to meet the author of "Song for a Whale", Lynne Kelly, on Monday, Oct. 26 @ 5pm!
Family Book Club
"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October!
Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons, find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD and as an eAudiobook and eBook via Axis360.)
Chapters 13 - 25 Questions:
- How do you think Blue 55 feels?
- What did you think of Iris working with the band to create a song for Blue 55? I was really impressed that she added even more to it using the app!
- Do you think Iris wants to help the whale because she relates with him or because she wants to fix him?
- How did you feel when Iris's parents and Andi said she couldn't go to Alaska?
- Would you be brave enough to fly somewhere alone? I'm so glad Iris's grandmother agreed to go along!
Leave your thoughts on the book so far in the comments.
Family Book Club
"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October! Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons, find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD, and as an e-audiobook and eBook via Axis360.)
Song For a Whale Suggested Reading Schedule
Monday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Oct. 4: Chapters 1-12
Monday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 11: Chapters 13-25
Monday, Oct. 12 - Sunday, Oct. 18: Chapters 26-38
Monday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 25: Chapters 39-48
Monday, Oct. 26 - Book Talk With Award-Winning Author Lynne Kelly!
Chapters 1-12 (Leave your thoughts in the comments below)
- Have you ever had a teacher that was prejudiced toward you or someone in your class for being different?
- Why do you think Iris reacted so strongly when she learned about Blue 55?
- Has anything ever meant so much to you that you thought about it all the time?
- Do you like to build or fix things? What do you like to build or fix?
- Iris is passionate about fixing radios. She worked hard to become good at it. What is something you are passionate about?
Banned Books Week: All Your Faves Are Banned
by Elizabeth
In libraries, there’s a saying: there should always be at least one book in your library you dislike, or else you’re not doing it right. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees. Welcome to Banned Books Week! Here, we’ll celebrate all of the wonderful books that have been banned from libraries throughout the decades.
“Well, of course,” you may be thinking. “Some books are just SCANDALOUS.” But what about “Green Eggs and Ham”? This picture book about a picky eater was challenged in California for being too seductive. That’s right: Dr. Seuss, too sexy. “Where’s Waldo?” and “Alice in Wonderland” were banned for the same reason. “Where the Wild Things Are”, the story of a little boy going on imaginary wild romps with monsters after being sent to his room, has been challenged for witchcraft. Shel Silverstein’s poem “Help! I’m Being Eaten by a Boa Constrictor” was apparently a little too tempting: his books were banned for promoting cannibalism. And some books offend every side: George Orwell’s “1984” was banned for being BOTH pro-communist and anti-communist. Even the dictionary’s been banned!
The American Library Association updates their list of the most challenged and banned books every year. Want to really live life on the edge? Check out a banned book or two to see what all the fuss is about! Here’s five of my favorite books from the banned books list to get you started, plus one more delightful read you’d never think was banned.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
Did you know that this book has been on the NY Times Bestseller List for 186 weeks and counting? That’s 3 and a half YEARS. This book is still sadly topical: a high school girl sees a police officer kill her friend and then watches as his death turns into a national news story. Teenage Starr has to learn to balance between worlds and find her own voice while friends, family, and the media all start to take sides. Banned for profanity, drug use, and being “anti-cop.”
“Drama” by Raina Telgemeier
“Drama” has been on the most challenged book list for 4 years in a row. This heartwarming graphic novel tells the story of Callie, a theater-loving middle school student who wants to create the perfect set for her school’s play. Meanwhile, she has to deal with ticket sales, difficult crew members, and an inconvenient crush. Raina Telgemeier is also the author of the graphic novel reboot of “The Babysitter’s Club”. Banned for LGBT content and going against family values.
“Saga” by Brian K. Vaughan
This one’s more explicit, but adult readers might love it. In a distant future, two groups of aliens have been fighting for decades. When two soldiers from opposite sides fall in love, their baby becomes part of an interplanetary cover-up: no one can know that peace is possible. Definitely only read this if you’re over 18, but it’s a fantastic series, and its main focus is on one family determined to survive whatever the odds. Banned for nudity, swearing, sexual content, and being “anti-family.”
“Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson
Find your tissue box. Do you have it? Okay, then you’re ready to read the kids’ classic “Bridge to Terabithia”, a heartwarming book about imagination, friendship, and overwhelming grief. Jess and Leslie may have to endure the trials of middle school, but they have an escape: Terabithia, their imaginary magical land where they rule as king and queen. This is one of those “why did they ban this” books: “Terabithia” was challenged for Satanism, an odd sentiment for a book that talks about God and angels as much as fairies and magic.
“Prince & Knight” by Daniel Haack
“Prince & Knight” tells the story of a prince who falls for a handsome knight instead of a beautiful princess. Its sequel, “Maiden & Princess”, shows a Cinderella-like girl falling for an unexpected person at the royal ball. These are adorable stories with gorgeous illustrations. Banned for LGBT content.
And one more, a book you’d never think was banned:
“Winnie-the-Pooh" by A. A. Milne
Christopher Robin’s stuffed animals and their adventures have been banned multiple times over the years for some surprising reasons: being religiously offensive (three times, two different religions), dubious political affiliations, dubious sexuality, and – perhaps the only fair accusation for our bumbling bear – not wearing pants.
And remember, as always: if you don’t like any of my recommendations, you don’t have to read them!
Here’s a link to the ALA list so you can find a banned book that’s a little more your style.
Happy reading!
Family Book Club
"Winterhouse" by Ben Guterson will be reviewed TONIGHT via Zoom LIVE with the author at 5 p.m.! Join us for a special one-hour Book Talk. If you haven't finished reading the book, that's okay! Mr. Guterson will be accepting questions and also will talk about puzzles, codes and more! It is not too late to register! Register here.
October Family Book Club
"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October and we will have another LIVE Book Talk with the author! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook). Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
Song For a Whale Suggested Reading Schedule
Monday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Oct. 4: Chapters 1-12
Monday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 11: Chapters 13-25
Monday, Oct. 12 - Sunday, Oct. 18: Chapters 26-38
Monday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 25: Chapters 39-48
Monday, Oct. 26 - Book Talk With Award-Winning Author Lynne Kelly!
It's time for our September Family Book Club!
We are very excited to host award-winning children's author Ben Guterson at 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 to discuss his book "Winterhouse" via Zoom. Register for our Zoom meeting with Ben Guterson here!
Need a copy of "Winterhouse"? Pick up a copy at Tallyn's Reach Library or call 303.627.3050. You can also listen to the audiobook for free from hoopla digital with your library card!
"Winterhouse" - Part 3 (Chapters 24-30)
1. Do you suspect that Norbridge is not telling Elizabeth the full truth about his sister, Gracella?
2. Elizabeth recognizes that she was bossy to Freddy. Norbridge suggests that she can work to change it. Have you ever recognized an unpleasant characteristic in yourself and worked to change it?
3. What do you think the Hiems's are hiding in their room?
4. Elizabeth goes into the cabin but Freddy does not. Would you be brave enough to go in there alone?
5. What happened at the cabin? What do you think the red light means?
6. Who do you think stole Elizabeth's magical library book?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
It's time for our September Family Book Club!
We are very excited to host award-winning children's author Ben Guterson at 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 to discuss his book "Winterhouse". Register for our Zoom meeting with Ben Guterson here!
Need a copy of "Winterhouse"? Pick up a copy at Tallyn's Reach Library or call 303.627.3050. You can also listen to the audiobook for free from hoopla digital with your library card!
"Winterhouse" - Part 2 (Chapters 16 - 23)
- Do you like codes and secret messages? When I was a kid, I would make up symbols for each letter of the alphabet and write secret messages to my brother!
- Have you ever done a scavenger hunt? That chapter was pretty fun! What was your favorite clue that Freddy made for Elizabeth?
- Hiems and his wife have "found the girl" and Norbridge is also curious about her. What do you think that means?
- Do you think Elizabeth has The Book?
- Do you think Elizabeth will accept the Hiems' invitation to tea?
- What happened in the library on Christmas Eve?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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