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Young Readers League is a reading program designed to inspire kids 8-14 to talk, read and interact with books and their community. Presented in partnership by Pasadena Public Library and Vroman’s Bookstore. Sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.

2023 update:

We will not be hosting Young Readers League this year. If you are interested in applying to be on a future selection committee (kids ages 8-14 or educators of 8-14 year-olds), please contact Ashley Olmsted at aolmsted@cityofpasadena.net.

For other inquiries, please contact Jane Gov, jgov@cityofpasadena.net

 


Young Readers League 2019

Author Varian Johnson with Young Readers League Selection Committee 2019

 

Photos from some of our Young Readers League tie-in programs:

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Young Readers League 2019

We are pleased to announce the 2019 Young Readers League book: The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson.

Summary:

Twelve-year-old Candice Miller is spending the summer in Lambert, South Carolina, in the old house that belonged to her grandmother, who died after being dismissed as city manager for having the city tennis courts dug up looking for buried treasure–but when she finds the letter that sent her grandmother on the treasure hunt, she finds herself caught up in the mystery and, with the help of her new friend and fellow book-worm, Brandon, she sets out to find the inheritance, exonerate her grandmother, and expose an injustice once committed against an African American family in Lambert.

Borrow the book from Pasadena Public Library

Or buy the book


An Afternoon with Author Varian Johnson

Meet Varian Johnson, author of The Parker Inheritance, this year’s Young Reader League selection. Have your book signed. Join in activities and games. Enjoy photo opportunities and win prizes. The winners of the art and writing contests will also be announced.
Saturday, Nov. 23 • 3 p.m.
Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium • 285 E. Walnut St.


Hidden History Art Contest

Submit a one-frame drawing, illustration or photograph (must be flat) on the theme
“Hidden History.” It can be a history inspired story of any kind including family history,
secret buried treasure, or a real or fictional take on historical events or people.
Digital art is acceptable but must be printed already – no email submissions accepted.

Entry Categories:  Ages: 8-11 and 12-14

Entry Deadline:  Thursday, Oct. 31

Contest guidelines

  • Open to ages 8-14 years old who live in Pasadena, or attend school in Pasadena
    or Pasadena Unified School District.
  • Pencil, pen, ink, acrylic, digital illustration or flat collage to create a one-frame picture, with the theme “Hidden History.”
  • Size can range from 8” x 10” to 22” x 28.”
  • Submission must be the applicant’s own original work.

Entries

  • Submit to any Pasadena Public Library.
  • Paperclip the entry form to your illustration for submission. Be sure to make your contact information legible. Entry form will be removed before judging and a number assigned to the design. Entries will be judged based on creativity, technical skill and execution.

Prizes

  • First-, second- and third-place winners for both age categories (8-11 years and 12-14 years) will receive a bag of art supplies and will be featured on the Kids Blog and other library social media sites.
  • All winning entries and honorable mentions will be honored at An Afternoon with Author Varian Johnson on Saturday, Nov. 23 and displayed at Pasadena Central Library through December 2019.

Original artwork will be returned to the artist.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ART CONTEST FORM


Hidden History Writing Contest

In 300 words or less, tell us a story about hidden history. It can be a history inspired story of any kind including family history, secret buried treasure, or a real or fictional take on historical events or people.

Entry Deadline: Thursday, Oct. 31

Entry Categories:  Ages: 8-11 and 12-14

Contest Guidelines

  • Open to ages 8-14 years old who live in Pasadena, or attend school in Pasadena or Pasadena Unified School District.
  • Stories must be 300 words, writer’s choice, and must be legibly handwritten or typed.
  • Stories must be original and the student’s own work.

Entries

Prizes

  • First-, second- and third-place winners for both age categories (8-11 years and 12-14 years) will receive a gift card to Vroman’s Bookstore, and will be featured on the Kids Blog and other library social media sites.

First prize – $100 gift card
Second prize – $50 gift card
Third prize – $25 gift card

  • All winning entries and honorable mentions will be honored at An Afternoon with Author Varian Johnson on Saturday, Nov. 23 and displayed at Pasadena Central Library through December 2019.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WRITING CONTEST FLYER


EVENTS

Vroman’s Bookstore’s Teacher’s Night Out!
Educators: You are cordially invited to join us for our annual Teacher’s Night Out! Join us for an evening that celebrates you – the incredible teachers and librarians of our community! We will have snacks and beverages, plus a bunch of goodies (including books!) to give away. Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to recommend great new books for your classroom discussions or libraries and will share some services we offer to teachers. We will have also have Hachette, Scholastic and Random House sponsored tables full of reading and classroom recommendations. Additionally, we will also have all of the information you’ll need for this year’s Young Readers League pick, The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson. Browse the table of recommends, speak with our booksellers, mingle with fellow educators and enjoy some treats. PLUS our Penguin Kids Rep, Nicole White, Macmillan Kids Rep Amanda Barillas, Simon & Schuster Kids Rep, Shannon Grant and Publisher Rep, John Majeska will be here to discuss new titles that you might enjoy. You’ll also receive a 20% off coupon to use for any personal shopping that night. To sign up, call (626) 449-5320.
Saturday, Oct. 12 • 7-9 p.m.
Vroman’s Bookstore • 695 E. Colorado Blvd.

Searching Through Pasadena’s Past & Present: A Parker Inheritance Scavenger Hunt
Join us for a photo scavenger hunt throughout the city. Participants will meet at the main Vroman’s store (Colorado Blvd. Location) at 4 p.m. and receive a pre-packed draw-string backpack. Bring a camera or phone to take pictures. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking. A list of items/
places will be given to each person to capture photographically. After completing the hunt, each participant will receive advanced copies of books and other small goodies. To sign up, email Vroman’s with the subject “YRL Scavenger Hunt” at email@vromansbookstore.com. For families.
Sunday, Oct. 13 • 4 p.m.
Vroman’s Bookstore • 695 E. Colorado Blvd.

Kids’ Writing Workshop –Young Readers League
Join us for a writing workshop that will give you a start on your entries for the Young Readers League Writing Contest. For ages 9-12. To sign up, call (626) 744-4066, option 4.
Thursday, Oct. 17 • 4-5 p.m.
Central Library/Children’s Story Room • 285 E. Walnut St.

Tween Book Club
Join us and discuss The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson (October). For ages 9-13. To sign up, call (626) 744-7262.
Tuesday, Oct. 22 • 4:30 p.m.
Hastings Branch Library • 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

Dig Up Buried Treasure
Join us for a treasure dig! Find buried treasure and solve clues, just like the characters in this year’s Young Readers League book. Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. For ages 8-12. To sign up, call (626) 744-7264.
Thursday, Nov. 7 • 3:30 p.m.
Hill Avenue Branch Library • 55 S. Hill Ave.

Looking At Things Differently: A Parker Inheritance 3D Craft Event
Ever dream of drawing in 3D? Here’s your chance to explore 3D printing pens. The pens extrude heated plastic filament that cools almost instantly into a solid, stable structure. You can draw up into the air and create whatever you imagine. Join us as we make 3D art inspired by the 2019 Young Readers League book. For ages 7-14. To sign up, email Vroman’s with the subject “YRL 3D Drawing” at email@vromansbookstore.com.
Sunday, Nov. 10 • 3 p.m.
Vroman’s Bookstore • 695 E. Colorado Blvd.

The Parker Inheritance: Escape Room Challenge
Experience an escape room challenge inspired by this year’s Young Readers League book. Work with your teammates to solve the puzzles and unlock the clues to your own escape.

Two sessions offered. For ages 12-14.
To sign up, call (626) 744-4066, option 4 for Children’s Room
Wednesday, Nov. 13 • 4 p.m. OR 5 p.m.
Central Library/4th Floor • 285 E. Walnut St.

Two sessions offered. For ages 8-11.
To sign up, call (626) 744-7262.
Thursday, Nov. 14 • 4 p.m. OR 5 p.m.
Hastings Branch Library • 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

Read Around the World
Join this book club for those whose hearts and minds know no borders. Each month we will travel via book to another place, chat about the book then do an art project or craft. In November we’ll
travel to South Carolina and discuss Varian Johnson’s book, The Parker Inheritance. Pick up a “passport” from the Central Library’s Children’s Desk and bring it with you to our meetings. Attend four out of six meetings and you’ll earn a free book of your choice. For ages 9-12. To sign up, call (626) 744-4066, option 4.
Thursday, Nov. 21 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Central Library/Children’s Story Room • 285 E. Walnut St.

 



Would you like to help us choose our 2020 Young Readers League book?

Are you:

  • Between the ages of 8-14 and live in or attend school in Pasadena or PUSD?
  • An educator who works with children between the ages of 8-14 and lives or works in Pasadena?

If you fit the criteria above and would like to be on the 2020 YRL Selection Committee, let us know you’re interested by emailing Jane Gov at jgov@cityofpasadena.net . We’ll let you know when the application period is open.

Application period is now open!

Educator/community members – apply by April 17, 2020. CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

Kids – apply by April 24, 2020. CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

 


Our past selections:

2018: A Long Pitch Home by Natalie Dias Lorenzi

2017: The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd

2016: Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

2015: Rump by Liesl Shurtliff

2014: El Deafo by Cece Bell

2012: Savvy by Ingrid Law

For more posts about Young Readers League: young readers league tag