Looking to lend a hand safely this summer? Many organizations are looking for volunteers—including opportunities for virtual assistance. |
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| | | Helping others, from wherever you are By the LJ and SLJ editors It's a difficult time to stay optimistic, to say the least. But one of the best ways to feel better is by helping others. Indeed, studies show that volunteering one's time for a good cause can reduce stress, combat depression, and improve overall well-being. Organizations around the country are in need of assistance, offering opportunities for safe, socially distant work as well as virtual ways to connect with and support those in need. Adults, teens, and even kids can find inspiration and resources in this week's roundup featuring in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities. While many kids are not able to attend summer camp this year, readers can live vicariously through the rollicking adventures found in these excellent graphic novels selected by SLJ's resident comics expert. For kids and teens who tend to be a bit more reluctant when it comes to picking up a book, a hi-lo title might be the answer. Adults looking for reading (or watching) suggestions will want to peruse our latest collection of the books, TV shows, and films our own staffers are enjoying this month. Finally, LJ is launching an online book club, #LJReads. The first selection is Curtis Sittenfeld's Rodham, a unique work of alternative history in which the author imagines a world in which Hillary Rodham never married Bill Clinton and how her life's trajectory may have gone much differently as a result. Anyone can participate in discussions on Twitter throughout the next few weeks using the hashtag #LJReadsRodham. |
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| | | Graphic Novels for Armchair Campers By Brigid Alverson These graphic novels bring the camping experience to life, complete with campfires, cabins, and cliques. For kids who are stuck at home due to COVID-19, reading a good camping book is the next best thing to being there—and maybe better, depending on how you feel about spiders and outhouses. |
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| | Dark Tales, Crime Stories, Rereads | What We’re Watching, Reading—and Weeding By Liz French The lockdown continues, but the “What We’re Reading & Watching” gang at LJ/SLJ keep expanding our interior spaces: figuratively, with forays into organized crime, 1950s noir, Houston neighborhoods, German villages, and “difficult conversation” guidebooks; literally, with a big book clear-out by SLJ & Horn Book production manager Julie Sheridan, go Julie! Make way for more books! |
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| | | 14 Novels Set in the Past for Middle Grade Fans of Historical Fiction By SLJ Reviews The Challenger explosion, the Chernobyl disaster, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Civil War are among the historical backdrops for these middle grade novels. Featuring vivid settings, relatable characters, and absorbing narratives, these moving titles will inspire readers to learn more about these eras—and to question whose stories still go untold. |
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| Reading with Horror Movies By Adam Cesare Adam Cesare, author of Mercy House, Video Night, and the upcoming Clown in a Cornfield, discusses his lifelong love of horror across an array of formats and recommends great films for horror book lovers—and creepy reads for scary film fans. |
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| | Announcing #LJReads By LJ Staff This July, LJ launches # LJReads, an online, community-wide read; our first book will be Curtis Sittenfeld's Rodham. |
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