THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM -1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis’ Newbery Honor book is great read for young readers ages 9 and older, especially with the 50^th anniversary of the Birmingham Church Bombing having occurred this September.  The bombing and violence is not, however, the focus of this book; instead readers will enjoy the silly situations and messes that 10-year-old Kenny finds himself facing.  Young boys (and girls alike) will commiserate and laugh right along with Kenny and his family, even though this story takes place in 1963.  Curtis’ writing style is easy to read, and his portrayal of racial tensions and the violence of the time is well done and age appropriate.  This book can be found in the Juvenile Section under J CUR, and the audio version, read by actor LeVar Burton, can be found there as well under C J CUR.

Week of November 5

Story Time Days, Times and Themes
and Special Library Programs

Days and Times:
Tuesday, November 4
RT Jones Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Rose Creek Public Library - Family Story Time - 10:30 am
Wednesday, November 5
Gilmer County Public Library  - Family Story Time - 10:00 am
Pickens County Public Library - Lapsit Story Time - 10:30 am 
RT Jones - Lapsit Story time* - 10:30 am
Woodstock Public Library - Lapsit Story Times* - 10:30 am & 11:30 am
Pickens County Public Library - Family Story Time - 3:00 pm
Thursday, November 6
Ball Ground Public Library - Family Story Time - 10:30 am
Hickory Flat Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Woodstock Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Saturday, November 9
RT Jones Public Library -  Family Story Time - 10:30 am

Themes
Cherokee County - Pick-a-Pet
Gilmer County -Turtle Tales
Pickens County - Duck into a Good Book

All story times begin promptly at scheduled time; please arrive early to avoid any disruption. 

*Woodstock and RT Jones Lapsit story times will be limited to the first 15 children (plus their caregiver) to arrive and the doors to the program will be closed when the program begins. Lapsit story times are designed for children, ages 1 to 3 only with participating adults. These programs feature books, songs, rhymes, and activities that encourage early literacy. 

Family story times are designed for families with children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. These programs feature stories, music, rhymes and a free craft activity. Saturday story times are a repeat of that week's story times.

Special Library Programs:

Homeschool Project Fair
November 4 @ 9:30 to 11:00 Pickens County Public Library

Pickens County Public Library is hosting a project fair for homeschool students of all ages. Youth can bring in a project of their choice that they have been working on this school year. Projects may be displayed during this time and participants have the opportunity to share what they've learned. Registration is required for this event and opens on October 14. Please call the Pickens County Library with questions or to register.

Dork Diaries of a Wimpy Kid
November 5 @ 4:30 Rose Creek

Come get your nerd on like Nikki Maxwell and Greg Hefley! Fans, ages 9-12 years old, of the Dork Diaries and Wimpy Kid series will enjoy trivia, activities, and crafts related to these books. Space is limited, and registration is required.

LEGO Club
November 5 @ 3:30 Pickens County Public Library

The Pickens County Public Library is starting its very own LEGO Club. Youth of all ages are invited to build their very own LEGO masterpiece. All LEGOs are provided by the library. DUPLO blocks will be available for our youngest patrons. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
November 9 @ 2:00 Gilmer County Public Library
Our LEGO Club meets once every month with a different theme each month. Children work individually or with a team to construct their LEGO masterpieces. Their creations will be on display until the next meeting. Children of all ages are invited to participate.

Reading Dogs
Call your local Cherokee and Pickens County Public Libraries to reserve your spot for one of our Reading Dog programs.

Ball Ground Public Public Library (770-735-2025)               November 4,18
Hickory Flat Public Library (770-345-7565)                          November 5, 12, 19, 26
Pickens County Public Library  (706-692-5411)                    November 18 
RT Jones Public Library (770-591-1491)                               November 4,18
Rose Creek Public Library (770-479-3090)                           November 6, 13, 20
Woodstock Public Library (770-926-5859)                            November 6, 13, 20
These 10-15 minute programs encourage children 6 years of age and older to read by providing a non-judgmental, furry listener who won't laugh if you make mistakes or stumble over a word. Parents can register their child two weeks ahead for one session by calling the corresponding library. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session.

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

Grade 5-8 readers love ghost stories! What could be "ghosty-er" than being raised by ghosts! "Nobody" is the main character of The Graveyard Book and is raised by an abandoned graveyard full of ghosts from the time he crawls into the graveyard escaping his family's murderer until he eventually confronts the man as a teen. There is even a character who is neither living nor dead who is able to walk among the living and make sure he has food, books, and clothes, even though they aren't what normal kids wear. As Nobody grows he comes in contact with real people and eventually he must escape the villain who discovers him living among the friendly ghosts. This book is scary without being gruesome and has all the elements of suspense to keep you wanting to turn the page. The Graveyard Book won the Newbery Award in 2009 and can be found at J GAI.

ALIENS ARE COMING! by Meghan McCarthy

Few kids today are familiar with the famous War of the Worlds radio broadcast that terrified the nation back in 1938. But on that Halloween eve, many Americans did indeed panic when they tuned in to hear their favorite radio program and instead heard Orson Welles’ realistic radio play warning that Martians had landed on earth and were taking over. McCarthy’s picture book explains to today’s tech-savvy and sophisticated youngsters how so many Americans could be duped by a simple radio performance adapted from the H. G. Wells’ novel. This is a perfect nonfiction selection to read on the 75th anniversary of the real event; the text is brief and the illustrations include googly-eyed slimy aliens that are more funny than frightening. Find this book in the Juvenile Nonfiction section at J 791.447 MCC.

I HAD A FAVORITE DRESS by Boni Ashburn

What to do when a child’s favorite dress grows too short?  Make it a shirt, of course!  That is exactly what the mom in this fun tale does.  She even goes a few steps further as the sleeves become too tight, dress codes at school change, and the weather becomes cooler.  Children can watch as this little girl and her mom snip and sew a beloved dress into all sorts of different designs and accessories.  Combined with Julia Denos’ whimsical and bright illustrations, this story makes for a cute family read.  I Had a Favorite Dress can be found in the Easy Section under E ASH.

THE BOY OF A THOUSAND FACES by Brian Selznick

Alonzo King was born on Halloween. His dream is to become The Boy of a Thousand Faces. He loves monsters and is a walking encyclopedia on horror movies. Unfortunately, he lives in a town where no one believes in monsters. That is until The Beast arrives. Now everyone is asking for his advice on tracking him down. A quick read about following your dreams. For ages 8 years and up and can be found in the Juvenile Section of the library under J SEL.

THE DOT by Peter H. Reynolds

For little Vashti, art class is no fun. She thinks she can't draw. But one very wise art teacher knows just how to encourage Vashti, and in no time Vashti is cranking out masterpiece after masterpiece. Vashti is even able to share her her new talent and encourage other children who think they can't draw. What is her teacher's secret encouragement? Read The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds and find out! 
E REY