Summer Reading
With summer right around the corner, we're all planning what to do with more free time! For many, that means sleeping in, playing at the pool or river, traveling with family and friends, catching up on reading, and the joys of just following our own schedules. Studies show that reading over the summer matters. Setting a summer reading goal helps students maintain learning even when school is out. Students who see their parents reading are likely to follow the example. Taking time away from screens and experiencing the escape great stories provide also helps social and emotional development.
Summer Reading Suggestions
The lists below are a curated collection of titles presented by the Association for Library Service for Children (ALSC) a branch of the American Library Association (ALA).
Celebrating Juneteenth
"On Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to the work of
equity, equality, and justice.
And, we celebrate the centuries of struggle, courage, and hope that have brought us to this time of progress and possibility.
That work has been led throughout our history by abolitionists and educators, civil rights advocates and lawyers, courageous activists and trade unionists, public officials, and everyday Americans who have helped make real the ideals of our founding documents for all."
A Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2021, President Joseph Biden, June 18, 2021
equity, equality, and justice.
And, we celebrate the centuries of struggle, courage, and hope that have brought us to this time of progress and possibility.
That work has been led throughout our history by abolitionists and educators, civil rights advocates and lawyers, courageous activists and trade unionists, public officials, and everyday Americans who have helped make real the ideals of our founding documents for all."
A Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2021, President Joseph Biden, June 18, 2021
Celebrate Juneteenth in New Kent on June 18 12 p.m., at New Elam Baptist Church Sponsored by New Kent NAACP.
Oh Hey!
Hi there! I'm Mrs. Mordica, the friendly NKMS librarian. If you have a question, suggestion, or just want to say "hey," email me :)
Literary Awards and Booklists
If you are interested in reading books selected by experts in the fields of children’s and young adult literature for their high literary quality, you might want to look at the archives for major national literary awards.
If you are interested in reading books selected by experts in the fields of children’s and young adult literature for their high literary quality, you might want to look at the archives for major national literary awards.
- The Newbery Medal has, since 1922, been given annually to “the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” Generally, two to four Honor books are also named.
- The Printz Award is a newer award that is essentially the Newbery for YA literature. It is given annually to “the best book for teens, based entirely on its literary merit.” Honor books are also named.
- The Morris Award honors and celebrates debut authors in YA literature. Up to five finalists are named annually, with one winner announced in January. The award goes to the book that “illuminate[s] the teen experience and enrich[es] the lives of its readers through its excellence.”
- The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award is given to books in three categories for “high quality and creative excellence.” Up to two Honor books in each category can be named as well. The winners go on to headline a day-long symposium for editors, writers, and scholars of children’s and young adult literature.
- The National Book Award for Young People’s Literature is selected by a committee of five, comprising authors, librarians, critics, and booksellers. A ten-book longlist is selected, and a five-book shortlist and single winner are announced later.
- The Alex Award is given yearly by the Young Adult Library Services Association. It selects ten books written and published for adults that are of particular interest or appeal to teens.
Our Mission
The NKMS library engages with the New Kent community training confident researchers, critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, and ethical participants in the contemporary information landscape; we provide quality resources for both academic and personal endeavors while collaborating with faculty members and the New Kent community to enhance instruction.
