Newsom and the California State Library.“During the early years of their development, children’s minds are only limited by the information they can access,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Through our Summer Book Club, we’re introducing California’s children to well-written books with themes such as empathy, mental health, diversity, and caring for our planet. Reading is such an integral part of a child’s development, and when we introduce a love of books early on, we can help broaden children’s horizons and unlock their limitless potential.”
Young Californians can take part in the Summer Book Club by joining their local library’s summer reading program. “Of all the tools that parents give their children, few have the long-lasting benefits of a library card,” said State Librarian Greg Lucas. “Through the First Partner’s leadership, we’re helping introduce the next generation of Californians to the ideas and resources they’ll need to succeed and thrive.”
This year, the First Partner’s Summer Book Club will run for nine weeks beginning June 13, 2022. The 21 books selected for the program are divided into four age-appropriate groups and explore a variety of themes. The First Partner selected the books from a list of nominations made by California librarians. Copies of the Summer Reading Club books will be distributed to public libraries around the state.
Titles include Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick, which follows thirteen-year-old Frankie, who is neurodivergent. This means that, in her case, she can’t stand to be touched, loud noises bother her, she’s easily distracted, and she hates changes in her routine. It also means Frankie has trouble making friends, though she had a best friend...until she disappeared. Frankie sets off to search for clues her former friend may have left behind with the help of her sister Tess.
In Saving Sorya, a young Vietnamese girl named Chang decides to do everything she can to save wild animals by teaching herself survival skills, documenting in her field notebook every rainforest plant and animal she sees, and disproving those who think she isn’t old enough. Once she succeeds in earning their trust and respect, Chang faces an even greater challenge… returning her best friend Sorya, the sun bear she raised from infancy, back into the wild. Letting a friend go is never easy… even when it’s the right thing to do.
About the State Library: Founded in 1850, the California State Library has an extensive collection of art, books, diaries, maps, newspapers, periodicals, photographs, and posters from throughout California’s rich history. The State Library is also California state government’s information hub and holds federal and state publications, is home to the Bernard E. Witkin State Law Library and the Braille and Talking Book Library and serves as the lead state agency for library-related services throughout California.
State Library website
Source: CA. State Library
