Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Both Sides Now: A Story About Young Joni Mitchell By Lydia Corry New York: Godwin Books, 2026. Comics. 144 pgs. Joni Mitchell is undeniably one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, and this graphic novel biography - chronicling her early childhood - introduces her to a new generation of fans. Growing up on the prairie in Saskatchewan, Joni identified as an artist at a young age and found a sense of wonder in her surroundings. She begged her parents for piano lessons, but was penalized by her teacher for creating her own compositions. She contracted polio and painfully relearned to walk. Finally, an encouraging teacher introduced her to poetry and ignited her artistic spirit. This is a truly captivating, highly illustrated biography of Joni Mitchell. Filled with colorful, swirling illustrations (that feel incredibly reminiscent of 1970s designs) this book is a treat for Joni Mitchell fans. Focusing mostly on her young childhood and early adulthood, this book explains how...

Code Red By Joy McCullough New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2023. Fiction. 233 pages.  Eden was a thirteen-year-old elite gymnast, but after an injury, she's struggling to find her place. Her parents are divorced, her mom is busy being a CEO, and she can't connect with her gymnastics friends anymore. When she and another girl get suspended from school after they stop a boy from harassing them, she meets Maribel, and starts to find her place. Through her new friends and their connections, she becomes an activist for menstruators, and creates reusable pads while petitioning the city. This story is an inspirational and empowering tale of following your passions, activism, and growing up.  I loved this book. The causes were inspirational, and the dynamic between Eden, her family, and her new friends felt realistic and well-balanced. The cast of characters was enjoyable, and inclusive, featuring Will, a trans boy. The tone of this book is a little more serious, but Eden...

The Olympics are going on right now! Celebrate the Summer Games with these books about amazing female athletes. Unbeatable Betty Written by Allison Crotzer Kimmel Illustrated by Joanie Stone New York: Harper, 2020. Biography. In 1928, Betty Robinson because the first female Olympic gold medalist in a track and field event when she won the 100-yard dash. After a catastrophic plane crash crushed her left leg, it seemed like she would never be able to compete again. By 1936 though, Betty was back on top of the Olympic podium with her relay team to win another gold.  Sisters and Champions Written by Howard Bryant Illustrated by Floyd Cooper New York: Philomel Books, 2018. Informational. 32 pages. This biography of Venus and Serena Williams explores their journey as tennis players and as sisters, from their beginnings to becoming the top two tennis players in the world. Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics Written Jean L. S. Patrick Illustrated by Adam Gustavson Watertown, MA:...

  She'll Be the Sky Collected by Ella Risbridger  Illustrated by Anna Shepeta Lincoln, MA: Nosy Crow Inc., 2023. Poetry. 141 pages.   I read poetry for the beauty of lyrical words and the romanticizing of the world around me. This book brings both these things in a lovely way. The fact that every poem is written by a woman or girl makes this book feel all the more special to me. I would highly recommend reading the introduction and the afterword of this book. Often I skip right to the poems because that's what I'm there for, but the opening perfectly explains why the selector, Ella Risbridger, feels it is important to have collections of poetry by women. It is written for children and is plain enough for them to understand. You'll recognize some names like Amanda Gordon or Emily Dickinson, but there will be many you won't. There will be stories that relate to you and many that don't. These poems are from all women everywhere which means we can learn much from th...

There were a lot of great picture books that were published last year that are great ones for girls to read. Here are some of my new favorites. Happy Reading!  Big  By Vashti Harrison  New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2023. Picture Book.  A young girl was once praised for being a big baby and a big girl…only eventually the word “big” doesn’t seem so good after all. This story takes the young protagonist on a journey of self-discovery and realization as to what words are good, strong, and powerful and what words will need to be disregarded.  I Am a Meadow Mermaid  Written by Kallie George  Illustrated by Elly MacKay  Toronto: Tundra Books, 2023. Picture Book.  A young girl dreams of adventure and being a mermaid…but she lives in the middle of a prairie with no sign of the ocean. Instead of being glum, she pretends that there are “waves” in the crops and that the “ocean” are the fields. This tale is all about imagination, friendship, and ma...

The Plot to Kill a Queen By Deborah Hopkinson New York: Scholastic Press, 2023. Fiction. 210 pgs. Emilia dreams of becoming a successful playwright in 1582, something unheard of for girls in her day, but she hopes that entering a writing competition under a pseudonym will give her a chance. When she overhears a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth, though, Emilia agrees to help discover who is behind the plan. Sent undercover by Elizabeth's spymaster, Emilia infiltrates the circle of the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots to find out the truth. As Emilia spends more time around the exiled queen, she works to complete her play for the upcoming competition and discover the true culprits before it is too late. This book is written in three acts, with scene divisions like a play. Narrator asides from an older version of Emilia are interspersed to explain historical context for readers, and extensive historical notes are included at the back of the book. The book also includes a script and s...

There are so many strong girl protagonists in the Intermediate section. Some are little entrepreneurs who are building businesses while others are doing their best to help their community. Here are five of my favorite girl power intermediates to spark that confidence in your young reader. Awesome Orange Birthday Written by Mitali Banerjee Ruths Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel New York: Scholastic Inc., 2023. Intermediate. 71 pgs. This girl boss has her first client for her party planning business. Priya plans every thing about the party to be in the birthday girl's favorite color: orange! But as the big event approaches, Priya is nervous that something might go wrong! Catalina Incognito Written by Jennifer Torres Illustrated by Gladys Jose New York: Aladdin, 2022. Intermediate. 106 pgs. Eight-year-old Catalina wants to help her local library find the rhinestones on display from her Tia Abuela's famous costume. She uses her magic sewing kit to create incredible disguises to get to ...

Roll for Initiative By Jaime Formato Philadelphia : Running Press Kids, 2022. Fiction. 314 pgs. After her brother, Devin, moves away to college, twelve-year-old Riley feels lost and alone until she meets Lucy, another girl who likes nerdy things. Riley begins planning her own Dungeons & Dragons game/campaign as the Dungeons Master, and Lucy, Hannah, and Jen join the party. Riley learns to be independent, a leader, and prepares for the upcoming Winter-Con. When Devin returns home from college, Riley, her mom, and Devin must each face their own fears and work together. If you like D&D, gaming, or any type of role-playing games, you'll love this book. If you haven't played Dungeons & Dragons before, you'll still love this book! Riley and her friends are funny, unique, and strong. With heartfelt lessons interwoven throughout, this story teaches each of us the importance of family, friends, and being ourselves. I loved the relationship between Riley and each characte...

  The Grace of Wild Things By Heather Fawcett HarperCollins Publishers, 2023. 360 Pgs. Grace has always known that she was different from the other children at the orphanage and when she was overlooked for adoption once again she decides to run away. She has never been good at anything except magic so she goes looking for the witch who lives in the woods.  Grace is determined to become the witches apprentice no matter how scary she may be and Grace tells herself that the witch surely isn't as wicked as everyone claims. But when Grace is nearly eaten by the witch she is forced to reconsider her plan. In desperation she strikes a bargain with the witch. Grace agrees to complete the witch's book of spells by the time the cherry trees bloom. If she can finish all of the spells in the witch's book, the witch will take her on as her apprentice, but if she fails she must freely give her magic to the witch.  If you love the classic story of Anne of Green Gables you will enjoy thi...

  Brave Miss Muffet Written by Dori Graham  Illustrated by Kyle Beckett New York: Reycraft Books, 2022. Picture Book. This classic nursery rhyme starts out like all the others. But when the spider sits down beside the little miss, she is not scared at all! The narrator tries again to scare her away with a tiger. But who could be afraid of such a cute, big kitty? After many attempts, the narrator surrenders to the brave Miss Muffet.  Take this book home and read it with your elementary-aged kids who need a laugh and a bit on inspiration. This adorable nursery rhyme retelling will have your littles laughing and inspire them to be brave. If this little girl isn't scared of tigers and crocodiles and dragons, why should I? The colorful, exciting illustrations are captivating. The bright pages and illustration technique makes you think that these frightening creatures aren't actually so bad. 

Three Strike Summer By Skyler Schrempp New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2022. Historical fiction. 308 pgs. When her family loses their farm in Balko, Oklahoma in the middle of the Dust Bowl, Gloria Mae Willard, along with her parents and her older sister Jessamyn, heads west to find work in California. Gloria is scrappy, with a strong sense of fairness, and she resents her parents for giving up and leaving their home and the cottonwood tree where her baby brother was buried weeks before. Eventually, the family finds a factory farm in California where they can work as pickers, but are shocked to find exploitative practices and unsafe conditions giving rise to unrest. As for Gloria, she finds a silver lining when she learns of a secret baseball team at the compound and an opportunity for her to play -- she just needs to stand up to the all-boys attitude of the team. Both sports story and historical fiction, this is a book that readers -- especially readers who love strong, female p...

Barb the Last Berzerker: Book 1  By Daniel Abdo and Jason Patterson New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021. Graphic Novel. 244 pages. We first meet orphan Barb during a battle scene between her band of Berzerkers and a group of monsters. We soon come to find out that this melee is just one in a long line in the War of the Monsters. Eager to end this war, Barb and her fellow Berzerkers are easily deceived into procuring a weapon of great power, the Shadow Blade. The Shadow Blade transforms their deceiver into an even greater adversary, Witch Head. Now, on the run with the Shadow Blade and her new friend Porkchop the yeti, Barb is determined to find help to rescue the captured Berzerkers, end the war, and defeat Witch Head. However, along their journey (filled with epic battles and a tender back story) Barb will find out there is more than one way to win a war.  Filled with heart and humor, Barb the Last Berzerker, is a enjoyable romp from start to finish. ...

  She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference Written by Chelsea Clinton Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger New York: Philomel Books, 2022. Informational.  She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference  is a powerhouse call to all girls, but especially those interested in the sciences. Presented in a series of simplified vignettes, both famous and less well known scientists are featured from a wide range of disciplines, including: botanists, climate activists, mathematicians, and doctors. Engaging watercolor illustrations and personal quotes bring a sense of warmth to these inspiring stories of accomplishment, such as that of Flossie Wong-Staal whose work studying the HIV and COVID viruses has saved millions of lives. Girls will feel empowered in the face of these women who persisted in their endeavors despite the challenges they faced, and thus this is a worthwhile addition to any collection.

  Breaking Through the Clouds Written by Sandra Nickel Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2022. Biography. This picture book biography about Joanne Simpson describes how Joanne spent her life studying clouds. From a young age she observed clouds and their formations and later in life wrote over 200 hundred articles about her observations. Joanne was the first woman to earn the title doctor of meteorology. She was elected as president of the American Meteorological Society and awarded numerous medals for her research and work in Meteorology. This book is a beautiful celebration of ingenuity and science as readers learn about clouds and the work of  meteorologist Joanne Simpson. Like a Diamond in the Sky Written by Elizabeth Brown Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2022. Biography. Twinkle twinkle little star is a classic poem that is recognized and known all over the world. It was written in early nineteenth centur...

  The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy By: Anne Ursu Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2021. Fiction. Marya Lupu's brother Luca is destined to be a sorcerer and everyone knows it. Marya though is just destined to get in the way. Or at least that is what her parents think. On the important day where Luca is tested for magic, she proves them right when everything goes wrong and it is all her fault. The incident then results in her being dragged off to a school for troubled girls, where she uncovers stories and secrets that could change everything.  This book is a simple, yet compelling fantasy. It is an empowering girl's read, with a relatable female protagonist. It is full of mystery and adventure, as well as magic. With a unique plot, this is a book that all young fantasy lovers should give a try! 

Each month we have two book clubs for kids at the Provo City Library! These book clubs are especially designed for kids ages 9-12 and a caregiver. This month, our Girls Read book club will meet April 26 and our Guys Read book club will meet April 28. You can preregister for these programs on the library calendar online, beginning the first of the month! Girls The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy By Jeanne Birdsall New York: Knopf, 2005. Fiction. The Penderwick sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty, are set to spend their summer holiday in the Berkshires. Accompanied by their family dog, Hound, and their loving but absent-minded father, the girls embark on a summer adventure at Arundel - the estate of the snobby Mrs. Lifton. After a rocky start, the Penderwick sisters befriend Jeffrey, the son of Mrs. Lifton, and involve him in their antics around the posh mansion -- including lots of trips into Mrs. Lifton's prize garden. Thes...

  The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Shilling, World War II Engineer Written by Mara Rockliff Illustrated by Daniel Duncan Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2021. Informational. 48 pages. The Girl Who Could Fix Anything is an informational book told in a picture book format. From the time Beatrice was a little girl, she was fascinated by tools. She would tinker with and fix anything that she could get her hands on. She went to university to study engineering and, by the looks of things, was the only girl in her classes. She raced motorcycles and worked for the Royal Aircraft Establishment. During World War II, the fighter planes' engines would stop when the pilots would dive. Beatrice was able to figure out the problem and create a solution that was a cheap and easy fix. The illustrations in this book were created digitally, but they have a lovely colored pencil look to them. The story of Beatrice's life in engineering is so exciting to read as she goes again...

Today is Women's Equality Day in the United States. We celebrate this day to remember when the Nineteenth Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1920 to make it possible for American women to vote! This was an important step towards equality and many women fought long and hard for this change. Below is a list of books about some of those incredible women and what they went through. Finish the Fight By Veronica Chambers  Boston: Versify/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020. Informational. Read the untold stories of many of the women from more diverse backgrounds including those from Black, Asian, Latinx, Native American and more who found for the right for women to vote.  History Smashers: Women's Right to Vote By Kate Messner New York : Random House Children's Books, 2020. Informational. This book works to debunk the myths that surround the history of women's right in the United States. Using illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, and more, Kate Messner works to tel...

Wishes and Wellingtons By Julie Berry Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Young Readers, 2020. Fiction. Maeve Merrit has just stumbled onto an incredibly lucky find. After getting in yet another fight at her prim and proper boarding school, she is assigned garbage duty and makes a startling discovery: a djinni residing in a discarded sardine tin. Mermeros, the remarkably poor-tempered djinni with a hilarious contempt for his new master, can great Maeve up to three wishes, but warns her about the consequences of greed. As more and more people learn of Maeve's djinni and seek to possess the power for themselves, Maeve and her friends are led on an adventure through Victorian London. Readers who enjoyed Jonathan Auxier's Sweep , or other historical fantasy novels will find a lot to enjoy in this larger-than-life adventure through the streets of London. Maeve is a winning protagonist whose quick temper and impassioned sense of fairness make for a hilarious foil to the well brought-up girls...

My Little Brave Girl Written by Hilary Duff      Illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley Random House, 2021, Picture Book. Actress Hilary Duff's debut picture book, My Little Brave Girl, is a sweet encouragement to little girls everywhere.  The text is limited but poetical and inspires readers to reach their potential and believe in their abilities.  Little girls are reminded of all the things the world has to offer them and all that they have to offer the world.  It frames challenges they'll face not as things to dread, but learning experiences that will make them stronger.  The illustrations are beautiful; readers will want to take their time perusing each page to enjoy Kelsey Garrity-Riley's colorful artwork.  The wide diversity of ethnicities portrayed throughout the pages makes this an inclusive read for ALL girls.  My Little Brave Girl would be a sweet gift for new mothers of baby girls, for girls embarking on any new adventures (kindergart...