Books for Bloomington-Normal Kids

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Labor Day Book Choice
Discover how the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet led the charge to create the safety net that protects American workers and their families to this day.

As a young girl, Frances Perkins was very shy and quiet. But her grandmother encouraged Frances to always challenge herself. When somebody opens a door to you, go forward.
Frances realized she had to make her voice heard, even when speaking made her uncomfortable, and use it to fight injustice and build programs to protect people across the nation. When newly-elected President Franklin Delano Roosevelt finally asked Frances to be the first female Secretary of Labor and help pull the nation out of the Great Depression, she knew she had to walk through that open door and forward into history.

09/01/2026

Labor Day Read Aloud - Target Age: 4 to 8 years (Preschool to Grade 3)
32 pages
A true story that quickly went viral, this is now a timely, extraordinary picture book. Sincerely, Emerson follows eleven-year-old Emerson Weber as she writes a letter of thanks to her postal carrier, Doug, and creates a nationwide outpouring of love.
This is a story of gratitude, hope, and recognition: for all the essential helpers we see everyday, and all those who go unseen.

09/01/2026

A Joke a Day for September

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Labor Day Read Aloud - Target Age: 4–8 years (Guided Reading Level N)
32 pages
The book uses playful rhyming clues and vibrant artwork to invite young readers to guess various community jobs based on the actions and tasks performed by different hands.

08/31/2026

After School Rules

08/31/2026

Monday Must Reads -Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan
Mabel LOVES Mondays. Why?
Because Monday is the day the garbage truck comes! 🚛❤️
While the rest of her family doesn't quite understand her excitement, Mabel knows there is something pretty wonderful about looking forward to the simple things in life.
🏅 A 2026 Caldecott Honor Book

08/31/2026

Spread Kindness in September