The Library has an AMAZING collection of books featuring stories and information written by and about people from varied backgrounds, races, ethnicities, life experiences, and viewpoints. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us!
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This month, we are highlighting activities and books in our collection by and about people in the African-American community. Check these out below and join us at one of our programs, which feature information and stories in celebration of African American History Month.
READ: A Child's Introduction to African-American History by Jabari Asim
Use your library card or apply for an ecard here to access our digital library!
Critically acclaimed writer Jabari Asim guides readers ages 9-12 through the history of African Americans, from the slave trade to the Black Lives Matter movement, giving young readers a more comprehensive look at this timely and important topic.
Questions to think about while you read:
- Read pp. 8-15. What did you learn about that you didn't know before?
- Read pp. 42-55. Do you think it is easy or hard to make a stand for what you believe in? Why? Would you stand up for something by yourself or with others?
- Look over all four parts of Artists of Note and Achievements in Sports. Which person(s) are your favorite(s) to learn about and why? What things do you share in common?
PLAY: Red Light, Green Light Game
This game is inspired by Garrett Morgan, who was an inventor who created the red-yellow-green traffic light that we use today. To learn more about him, check out Saving the Day by Karyn Parsons.
Basic Play:
- Establish a starting line and a finish line.
- One person will be the "Traffic Light" and they will stand at the finish line. All other players line up on the starting line.
- When the Traffic Light says "Green Light," all players move forward toward the finish line. When the Traffic Light says "Red Light," all players must STOP immediately. Anyone still moving after the STOP command must go back to the starting line.
- Play continues until all players make it to the finish line, then start another round with a new Traffic Light. (the first person to the finish line could be the next Traffic Light).
Variations:
- Introduce new colored lights, giving variations on how to move towards the finish line, such as run on green, walk heel-to-toe for yellow light, hopping for purple light, skipping, galloping, tip toeing, etc.
- The Traffic Light can designate themselves as the finish line. This enables the game to move around so that when players get close to the finish line (the Traffic Light), the finish lines moves farther away.
- For the hearing impaired, the Traffic Light can turn their back towards the group for red light and turn around (face the group) for green light.
- For indoor play:
- Remind that no running is allowed.
- Green Light = Walk, Yellow Light = Slow Motion, Red Light = Stop.
EXPLORE: Make Constellation Cards
This activity is inspired by Neil deGrasse Tyson, a world-famous astrophysicist who teaches us a lot about outer space, including stars, planets, other galaxies, and the possibilities of travel beyond the stars. Check out Starstruck by Kathleen Krull to learn more about him. Share your love of the stars with these Constellation Cards!
Supplies:
- Black cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Constellation chart (click here for a basic chart)
- Pencil
- Ruler or straight edge
- Gold or silver star stickers
- Gold or silver metallic marker or gel pen
Instructions:
- Choose which constellations you'd like to put on your card(s) from the constellation chart or make up some of your own!
- Fold a piece of black cardstock or construction paper in half, "hot dog style." Use scissors to cut the folded paper in half, then orient your cards as you choose, with the fold along the left side (like a book) or along the top.
- Use the pencil to sketch out the constellation. Use the ruler or straight edge to make straight lines between "stars."
- Once you're happy with your constellation, use the gold or silver pen to draw over the pencil lines.
- Place the star stickers where the stars belong in the constellation.
- If you like, you can label the constellation, or see if the card recipient can figure it out!
From Dailymom.com
JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all school age programs and events offered this month.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
