The United States of America is a country made of up indigenous people and immigrants from many different countries around the world. Novels featuring modern teen immigrants offer inside views of unique experiences. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
Author: smathernemyapl
December Challenge: Have a Happy Holiday
Read a holiday themed book (fiction or nonfiction). The holidays can be a great time to cozy up to a good book, especially when the temperatures drop. Grab a blanket and snuggle up to a book of any genre that features a holiday — Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, etc.... it's your choice! Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.
Expand Your Lexicon
In modern times, we refer to dictionaries and thesaruses when we need an exact definition or to find the perfect word for an intended purpose. These resources were not available until men of earlier centuries collected definitions and synonyms en masse for the public. Here you'll find a selection of titles about those books and the men who made them happen. Curated by Willie Nettles.
Frontier and Pioneer Life
Explore the Wild West with these tales of adventure and romance. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
September Challenge: Chart Your Journey
Read a book with a map in it (fiction or nonfiction). Whether set in our world or in an imaginary realm, books that include maps place a story within its physical geography. Maps can show schools, cities, countries, fantastical worlds, or outer space, but they always offer a visual representation of the story's setting. This month we challenge you to read a nonfiction or fiction book that features a map somewhere in the pages or end cover of the book. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.
Christian Mysteries
From murders and missing people to spies and secrets, these faith-based mysteries will keep you on the edge of your seat. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
For Fans of Harry Potter
The story of Harry Potter, "the boy who lived," is a favorite among many lovers of fantasy novels. But what's a reader to do after reading all seven books set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Bring back that magical feeling with these series and standalone novels featuring magic-wielding characters, magical lands, and even magic schools. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
Locked-room Mysteries
Locked-room mysteries are ones in which the victim, suspects, and criminal are all physically trapped together. How can someone commit a crime when they couldn't have been at the scene? How can someone get away with a crime when they can't leave the scene? How can the innocent escape when they are trapped with the killer? Read these stories to see who survives! Curated by Alyssa Devall
In the Land of Unicorns
Humans have been fascinated by the fantastical creature known as the unicorn for centuries. According to some lore, unicorns are magical creatures whose horns are said to have healing powers. From finding unicorns in our world to visiting other lands they occupy, you can read a story featuring unicorns in celebration of our Tails and Tales 2021 Summer Reading Program. Check out the Fun with Unicorns collection on hoopla for ebooks, audiobooks, and streaming movies. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
June Challenge: Explore Collections
Reading anthologies and collections of stories by one or more authors is a great way to sample an author's writing and read shorter works of fiction or essays. Most collections have a common element or unifying theme for readers to consider and explore. In June we challenge you to read an anthology or collection of short stories. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.
Shelf Analysis 