February is National Black History Month, when we take time to remember and celebrate important and influential African-Americans throughout our history. 

We have tagged many of our favorite biographies, non-fiction books, and historical fiction books as "Black History Month for Kids."  Click the link to see our booklist. 

There have been several excellent books for children written this year that focus on important, but previously untold stories, about the Civil Rights Movement in the United States:

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose, is the story of a young girl who stood up for her rights in the face of harrowing opposition and prejudice.  She is a figure that should be as well-known as Martin Luther King, Jr. or Rosa Parks, but whose story had remained untold until very recently.  This new biography about her life and contribution to the Civil Rights Movement recently won a Newbery Honor. 

Antother wonderful and recently published book about the Civil Rights Movement is Marching For Freedom: Walk Together Children, and Don't You Grow Weary by Elizabeth Partridge.  Unlike other books on similar topics, Marching is distinguished in that it focuses on the contributions of children and teenagers in the history of the Civil Rights Movement.  If you are looking for an inspiring story that demonstrates the power that children have to change their world for the better, check out this moving and well-researched book. 

For other great books about famous African-Americans throughout history, check out our list!

Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children's books.   Being considered a "notable" book means that it is important, distinguished, or outstanding.   They are books that are of especially commendable quality, exhibit venturesome creativity, and reflect and encourage children's interests in exemplary ways.

The Notables list also includes the 2010 Newbery, Caldecott,  Belpré, Sibert, Geisel, and Batchelder Award and Honor books.

Here are the 2010 Notable books for Middle Readers (generally, children between the ages of 7 to 11)

If you are looking for some seriously funny, highly imaginative books to read with your preschool or kindergartener, check out these two brand new picks:

  Here Comes the Big, Mean Dust Bunny! by Jan Thomas

  The long-awaited sequel to the runaway hit, The Rhyming Dust Bunnies, is finally here!  Play a silly rhyming game with    Ed, Ned, Ted (and Bob). 

   My Elephant by Petr Horacek

   When grandpa and grandma are too busy to play, a little boy and his mischevious elephant wind up making a bit of a mess.  The wonderful child-centric viewpoint and collage-style artwork make this intergenerational tale a nice read-aloud. 

Twilight mania is upon us.  With the film release of New Moon breaking all sorts of box office records, it is no wonder that children, even as young as 8-years-old, are clamouring to read the Stephanie Meyer series. 

Some parents have asked if the Twilight books are appropriate for young readers.  That is a tricky question!  Each parent knows what is best for their child.  We often encourage parents who are curious about the series to try reading it for themselves first.  We are happy to tell you about the plot, show you various professional reviews, and give you as much information as you need to help you decide.

But if you'd rather avoid the Twilight series for now, here are some alternatives for kids ages 9 to 12:

Vampire Fiction for Kids:

Atmospheric Supernatural Fiction for Kids:

Gothic Fiction for Kids: