Meeting Varian Johnson – author of The Parker Inheritance

Published on : Published by : Jane Gov

An Afternoon with Author Varian Johnson Meet Varian Johnson, author of The Parker Inheritance, our 2019 Young Reader League selection. Participants had their books signed and joined in a scavenger hunt, crafts, and viewed art contest submissions. To view a list of the winners for the art and writing contests, […]

Hidden History Contest Winners

Published on : Published by : Jane Gov

We’re pleased to announce the winners of the “Hidden History” Writing and Art Contests. This year, youth ages 8-14 who live or attend school in Pasadena were challenged to put their own spin on a piece of history. All artwork and stories were inspired by characters or moments from past […]

Jesse Owens Dreams — a story by Canaan Pettit

Published on : Published by : Jane Gov

Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest 1st place (Category 1: ages 8-11)   “Jesse Owens Dreams” by Canaan Pettit Grade 5   Summary:  A runner is inspired by Jesse Owens’ words, “The best part about running is feeling free.”   Wouldn’t you want to run as fast as […]

One Step Ahead — a story by Carolyn Wang

Published on : Published by : Jane Gov

Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest 2nd place (Category 1: ages 8-11)   “One Step Ahead” by Carolyn Wang Age 11   Summary:  Cameron found a note with a mystery waiting to be solved: “Seek the Heart, Solve the clues, Find the fortune” “Seek the Heart, Solve the […]

The English Men — a story by Ishbel Tyler

Published on : Published by : Jane Gov

Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest 3rd place (Category 1: ages 8-11)   “The English Men” by Ishbel Tyler Grade 5   Summary:  A grandmother recalls a night when she overhears unwanted visitors at their village.   “It all started when mama told me to go to the […]

The Secret — a story by Aaron Young

Published on : Published by : Jane Gov

Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest Honorable Mention (Category 1: ages 8-11)   “The Secret” by Aaron Young Grade 3   Summary:  Zach finds out something interesting about his father.   There was a kid named Zach who had a dad named Cody Bellinger. They lived in a […]

The Time Tempest — a story by Ellis Gruesbeck

Published on : Published by : Jane Gov

Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest Honorable Mention (Category 1: ages 8-11)   “The Time Tempest” by Ellis Gruesbeck Age 11   Summary:  Ritchie finds a mysterious box which grants him an adventure of a lifetime.   “Ritchie! Come inside for dinner.” “Aw mom, just one more dig […]

Mystery Package — a story by Emelia Lagousis

Published on : Published by : Jane Gov

Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest Honorable Mention (Category 1: ages 8-11)   “Mystery Package” by Emelia Lagousis Grade 6   Summary:  The narrator finds a mysterious letter with a mission.   The door creaked open, revealing the storm outside- and the strange, battered package on my porch. […]

Read Around the World Book Club: The Parker Inheritance

Published on : Published by : AnnMarie Kolakowski

Last night we had our first Read Around the World book club meeting, and our book was The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson. We had a wonderful group! When the kids and parents entered, I gave them a packet: We did that first page together–the word is SPY!   It […]

Uh Oh! Infant Storytime

Published on : Published by : AnnMarie Kolakowski

Books We Shared Breakfast… Uh-oh! Bathtime… Uh-oh! An adorable toddler finds all kinds of occasions for using the phrase in Rachel Isadora’s Uh-oh! Kids are little scientists, aren’t they? I remember when all my daughter wanted to do was drop something from her high chair and watch her grandpa pick […]