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2023 MCPL Children's Staff Favorites
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Want to read something new? Here are some of our favorite titles that have been released in 2023!

Award Winners/Best of...
November 9, 2023
Text reads 'Taylor Swift The Eras Tour (mcpl's version). Above the text are two hands forming a heart around the MCPL logo. There is also a friendship bracelet with beads that spell MCPL.

Her Eras Tour broke worldwide record ticket sales, and more recently, her documentary broke the box office. That’s right; we’re talking about the pop culture phenomenon herself, Taylor Swift. Lately, it seems like you can’t look at a single screen without seeing Taylor’s face. And until she makes her way to Indianapolis in fall of 2024, screens are all local Taylor fans are going to get. Luckily, she’s been all over the news with her record-breaking album sales and sold-out arena tours.

Think Library, Adults, Teens, Kids , Tween , Connect, Create, eBooks, Friendship, Library Events, Music, Read, TV & Movies
October 19, 2023
Young Hoosier Book Award 2024–2025: Middle Grade
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The Young Hoosier Book Award Program encourages self-selected reading among elementary and middle school/junior high students. Teachers, librarians, and students from all across Indiana vote on their favorite recent books. This program is run by the Indiana Library Federation (ILF).

Check out the list of the 2024–2025 Middle Grade nominees! Recommended for ages 11–13.

Award Winners/Best of...
August 30, 2023
Young Hoosier Book Award 2024–2025: Intermediate
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The Young Hoosier Book Award Program encourages self-selected reading among elementary and middle school/junior high students. Teachers, librarians, and students from all across Indiana vote on their favorite recent books. This program is run by the Indiana Library Federation (ILF).

Check out the list of the 2024–2025 Intermediate nominees! Recommended for ages 8–10.

Award Winners/Best of...
August 29, 2023
Young Hoosier Book Award 2024–2025: Picture Books
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The Young Hoosier Book Award Program encourages self-selected reading among elementary and middle school/junior high students. Teachers, librarians, and students from all across Indiana vote on their favorite recent books. This program is run by the Indiana Library Federation (ILF).

Check out the list of the 2024–2025 Picture Book nominees! Recommended for ages 5–8.

Award Winners/Best of...
August 28, 2023
Aunt Flow period products now available

Approximately 86% of people reportedly start their period in public without the supplies they need.* The Library has selected the vendor Aunt Flow to bring free period products to patrons to help address period poverty, equity, and inclusivity within the community.

Think Library, Adults, Teens, Kids , Tween , Accessibility, Connect, Inclusiveness, Library News
July 25, 2023
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Tyler was the kind of kid who couldn't sit still at school and couldn't explain why he was acting the way he did. But when he started a new medicine called Ritalin, he was able to pay attention in class and focus. At the time, he hadn't heard the term "Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder" (it was actually called Attention Deficit Disorder when he was growing up), but that's what he was experiencing.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Biography & Memoir, Inclusiveness, Read
December 6, 2022
A cake decorated with blue candy waves, a lightning bolt, a trident, and icing writing Percy Jackson.

The first Great MCPL Kid’s Bake Off is a wrap! We challenged 17 children to make their best book-inspired dessert. The catch? They had to include a mystery ingredient–beet root powder!

Each participant received a kit that included measuring spoons, beet root powder, some suggestions for baking books, and a copy of The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists: Good Science Makes Great Food: 70+ Recipes, Experiments, & Activities to keep.

Think Library, Kids , Tween , Create, DIY, Learn, Library Events, Library News, Read
September 14, 2022
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Sue (Suyapa) does not want to have a quinceañera where she'd be required to wear a poofy dress and dance around, so when her mom surprises her by having planned one and invited guests during a family trip to Honduras, Sue isn't happy. That is, until she makes a deal with her mom: 1 quinceañera for 1 overnight sleep camp with her friends. However, preparing for the celebration takes a tragic turn when Sue's beloved grandmother passes away suddenly.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Coming of Age, Graphic Novels & Manga, Read
August 24, 2022
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When Silas's father is taken away in the middle of the night by a group of outlaws who seem to mistaken him for someone else, Silas knows he has to do something. With his best friend, a ghost named Mittenwool, Silas heads out to rescue his pa while riding his beautiful bald-faced pony. Will Silas be able to rescue his pa? And what's so special about his pony? Read this book to find out!

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Adventure, Read
August 24, 2022
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Ash is a middle schooler who loves music, is a synesthete who can see sounds, and is figuring out their gender identity after being bullied at their last school for being a “flip flop freak.” It doesn’t help that Ash’s dad is putting more and more pressure on them to just choose a gender and “stick with it.” Then Ash meets Daniel at their new school.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Animals, Bullying, Coming of Age, Diversity, Fiction, Inclusiveness, LGBTQIA+, Read, Realistic, Staff Picks
July 25, 2022
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Livy is starting at a new school and that's just the tip of the iceberg for her! She's growing anxious about making friends and fitting in when she feels different because of her culture as well as family expectations for her to achieve great things. Then there's Viola. The little voice in her head that tells her she's not good enough and that no one likes her. Sometimes Viola's voice is so loud that Livy has trouble expressing her own. She has to find some way to live with Viola.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Biography & Memoir, Diversity, Family, Fiction, Graphic Novels & Manga, Humor, Read, Staff Picks
July 11, 2022
Banned Books for Kids
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Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Below are some children’s books that have all been targeted for removal or restriction, including at least one of the reasons why.

Special Collections
July 5, 2022
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This children's picture book contains simple, poetic words but it expresses powerful emotion. The beautiful illustrations depict diverse characters experiencing the joys and security that unconditional love offers. I recommend reading this book with someone you love just because you love them.

Reviewed by Christa S., Senior Information Assistant

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Infant/Toddler, Preschool , Family, Read, Relationships
July 2, 2022