read 2021

September Challenge: The Big Screen

Read a book that has been adapted to the screen. Since the early days of cinema, Hollywood has used literature as inspiration. Sometimes the adaptation does the book justice, while other times it's disappointing to fans of the original work. This month, we challenge you to read a book that has been adapted to the screen so you can see for yourself that the book was better. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.

read 2021

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.

Fiction, music, Nonfiction, staff spotlight

Staff Spotlight: Ashley Lee

Ashley has worked for Ascension Parish Library for over five years, first at the information desk at our Dutchtown location and now for the Youth Services department planning teen and tween programs. She also curates lists for the Shelf Analysis blog. Ashley loves pretty much all genres of books, but the two she reads from most often are historical fiction and mystery. She is a firm believer in rereading favorites, so all books on this list have been read, or listened to, more than once.

fantasy, Fiction, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction

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.