by Hope Loman Rowan Public Library
If
you have noticed any of the promotional materials that the Rowan Public Library
has circulated recently, you might know that our summer reading program is
already in full swing and set to run through August. I have to admit that I like the theme this year,
“Build a better world,” because of the various ways it can be interpreted,
something which I and the other librarians explored as we created the
different programs that are planned for
this season. From building things, to
connecting with other individuals (especially those with different backgrounds
or from other cultures), learning about conservation and the environment, or
even becoming educated on new and emerging technology, there are multiple ways
for us to build a better world together at Rowan Public Library this summer.
For
those participating in summer reading this year, I encourage you to check out
something related to the building a better world theme as you read to earn
points or log hours; even if you and your family are unable to participate, I
still recommend that you browse our collection for some fitting
literature. Broad enough to encompass
different genres of fiction, non-fiction, and even graphic novels, with a
little searching, I’m sure you will find something both enjoyable and educational. Here are some recommendations, separated by
age group:
For
younger patrons, there are a wide variety of subjects to choose from in the
juvenile non-fiction section. 50 Things
You Should Know About the Environment is a great introduction
to Earth’s habitats, climate change, and pollution, while 50 Things You Should Know About Inventions shares the stories
behind the creation of the bicycle, dynamite, and other items. For those that are more interested in
construction, the You Choose Engineering
Marvels series covers engineering feats such as the Empire State Building
and the Transcontinental Railroad.
Finally, if your children are more interested in reading fiction, they
might wish to read books like The Watsons
Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis or One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia, both of which are
award-winning novels set in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement.
Building a better world is a
recurring subject in most of the YA dystopian books that have recently become
popular, such as Divergent and its
sequels or James Dashner’s Maze Runner
series. Even Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why, the source
material for the popular Netflix series, fits in with its treatment of
relationships and the importance of being kind to others. In terms of YA non-fiction, there are
selections such as It’s Getting Hot in
Here by Bridget Heos, a guide to climate change and global warming, and The Story of Seeds by Nancy Castaldo,
which chronicles where food comes from and where it is going. Teens that read graphic novels will also
enjoy the three volumes of March by
John Lewis, a first-hand account of the author’s struggle for civil and human
rights from the 1960s through the present day.
Finally, adults also have a wide
range of choices to explore on this theme. Beyond Earth by Charles Wohlforth is for all hopeful space travelers,
outlining how Saturn’s moon Titan could one day host human life. For those who like
exploring but prefer to stay on terra firma, Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer, the founder of AtlasObscura.com, is a
“bucket-list guide to over 700 of the most unusual, curious, bizarre, and
mysterious places on earth.” Are memoirs more to your liking? Then I
recommend My Own Words by Ruth Bader
Ginsburg, a selection of writing and speeches from the Supreme court Justice
that gives a fascinating glimpse into her life.
This is obviously not intended to be
a comprehensive of books that fit the “build a better world” theme, but
hopefully it can be a jumping off point.
If you are interested in reading these books or similar titles, stop by
the library this summer!
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