'easy non-fiction'

Independence Day

The library will be closed on July 4-5 for Independence Day. Independence Day, known colloquially as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.   

My Fourth of July

by Jerry Spinelli 

Easy SPINELLI 

A responsible little boy who's eager to do his part wakes up joyful and ready to celebrate his favorite day of all. But there's a lot of work to do--pies to be baked, deviled eggs to be filled--and the boy has lots of jobs to complete before he can enjoy the fun... the world's best picnic! Face painting! A band concert! And then, after what seems like the longest wait ever... he can kick back and enjoy the fireworks with the rest of the country. 

Knee High by the Fourth of July

by Jess Lourey 

Mystery LOUREY   

When Fourth of July weekend coincides with Wenonga Days, the annual celebration of a locally famous Ojibwe leader, the town of Battle Lake double-dips on the tourist trade. This year the hullabaloo hasn’t even started and there’s already a story for reporter Mira James. The Chief Wenonga statue has disappeared, leaving behind drops of human blood and a big question for Mira: How and why would anyone steal a twenty-three-foot monument? Things go from curious to worse when a local man is kidnapped. And from worse to downright gruesome when a corpse is found in the lakeside cabin of a horticultural hottie Mira’s been crushing on from afar. Mira has no choice but to trail a statue thief, find a missing person, and clear an earthy dreamboat’s name from a murder charge. Not to mention risk her own life to unmask a cold-blooded killer. 

Independence Day

by Jill Foran 

J NF CELEBRATE - Independence Day 

Examines the history of Independence Day and describes some of the ways that this holiday is celebrated. Includes craft instructions and a recipe!

4th of July

by James Patterson 

Audiobook PATTERSON Women's v.4 7-discs

In a deadly late-night showdown, San Francisco police lieutenant Lindsay Boxer fires her weapon and sets off a dramatic chain of events that leaves a police force disgraced, a family destroyed, and Lindsay herself at the mercy of twelve jurors. During a break in the trial, she retreats to a picturesque town that is reeling from a string of grisly murders-crimes that bear a link to a haunting, unsolved case from her rookie years. Now, with her friends in the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay must battle for her life on two fronts: in a trial rushing to a climax, and against an unknown adversary willing to do anything to hide the truth about the homicides-including kill again? 

Check out more July 4th and American Revolution books in our catalog!

If you need help accessing any of these titles or using front door pickup, email or call us and we will be happy to assist you!

Check out new arrivals in our catalog: Books | Audiobooks | DVDs | Videogames | Library of Things | Libby

Juneteenth

The library will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for Freedom Day. On this day in 1865, African American slaves were told that they had been set free. As we remember our past, let us also protect our future.  

Celebrating Juneteenth

by Jody Jensen Shaffer  

Easy 394.263 SHAFFER 

Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Readers will discover the history behind the day and find out ways to celebrate on their own. 

Watermelon & Red Birds

A cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations
by Nicole A. Taylor 

641.59 TAYLOR 2022 

Watermelon and Red Birds contains over 75 recipes, including drinks like Afro Egg Cream and Marigold Gin Sour, dishes like Beef Ribs with Fermented Harissa Sauce, Peach Jam and Molasses Glazed Chicken Thighs, Southern-ish Potato Salad and Cantaloupe and Feta Salad, and desserts like Roasted Nectarine Sundae, and Radish and Ginger Pound Cake. Taylor also provides a resource to guide readers to BIPOC-owned hot sauces, jams, spice, and waffle mixes companies and lists fun gadgets to make your Juneteenth special. These recipes and essays will inspire parties to salute one of the most important American holidays, and moments to savor joy all year round. 

Free at last: a Juneteenth Poem

by Sojourner Kincaid-Rolle 

Easy KINCAID-ROLLE 

Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas. 

Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free

by Alice Faye Duncan 

Easy 323.092 LEE 
also in e-audio

Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all." 

Check out more Juneteenth and Black History books in our catalog!

If you need help accessing any of these titles or using front door pickup, email or call us and we will be happy to assist you!

Check out new arrivals in our catalog: Books | Audiobooks | DVDs | Videogames | Library of Things | Libby

Let’s Glow!

Grades K-5 // Glow crazy with neon crafts, games, and more on Tuesday, February 4 at 6pm. 

When the Sky Glows

by Nell Cross Beckerman 

Easy 551.565 BECKERMAN 

Sunrises and lightning storms, rainbows and volcanoes, meteors and eclipses, these beautiful, awe-inspiring events that light up the sky might seem like magic. But there is a fascinating scientific explanation for each. Nell Cross Beckerman’s playful and illuminating text and David Litchfield’s vibrant illustrations are certain to capture the curiosity of young sky watchers everywhere. 

Constellations

A Glow-in-the Dark Guide to the Night Sky
by Chris Sasaki 

Easy 523.8 SASAKI 

Children will see the stars shining brightly right in their own room with this glow-in-the-dark introduction to the night sky. Each constellation sparkles brilliantly on the page, and even as the luminous illustrations encourage stargazing, the kid-friendly text presents a perfect mix of simple science and storytelling.  

Blackout

by Dhonielle Clayton 

Young Adult CLAYTON 

A summer heatwave blankets New York City in darkness. But as the city is thrown into confusion, a different kind of electricity sparks… A first meeting, long-time friends, bitter exes, and maybe the beginning of something new. When the lights go out, people reveal hidden truths. Love blossoms, friendship transforms, and new possibilities take flight. 

Light Waves

by David Adler 

Easy 535 ADLER 

This kid-friendly introduction to the physics of light covers the basics of solar energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, photon particles, light scattering, and reflection and refraction. With accessible language, grounded examples, and easy, hands-on experiments you can do with household items, this colorful picture book is a perfect supplement to lessons on light waves, and a great way to explore the topic at home. 

If you need help accessing any of these titles or using front door pickup, email or call us and we will be happy to assist you!

Check out new arrivals in our catalog: Books | Audiobooks | DVDs | Videogames | Library of Things | Libby