One of the best books of 2009…

A Season of Gifts
By Richard Peck


"...one of Peck's best novels yet - and that's saying something."
--Kirkus, starred review

"Irresistible, independent, and unorthodox as ever, Grandma Dowdel makes a welcome return...she's entered that rare pantheon of unforgettably great characters."
--Horn Book

"Peck has once again created a whole world in one small Illinois town, a place where the folksy wisdom and generosity of one gruff old woman can change lives."
--School Library Journal


[From Amazon.com]
Grandma Dowdel is back! She's up to her old tricks of bestowing her "gifts" upon the unsuspecting, this time her new neighbors, a young minister and his family. Peck's story portrays life in a small American town in 1958.

The eccentric, forceful, big-hearted Grandma Dowdel is the star of the Newbery Medal–winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor–winning A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isn’t over—not even close.

It is now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel: a Methodist minister and his wife and kids. Soon Mrs. Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm—or medicine, depending on who you’re asking—on all of them: ten-yearold Bob, who is shy on courage in a town full of bullies; his two fascinating sisters; and even Bob’s two parents, who are amazed to discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital.

As Christmas rolls around, the Barnhart family realizes that they’ve found a true home—and a neighbor who gives gifts that will last a lifetime.


A Long Way from Chicago


A Year Down Yonder


Check out World Book Encyclopedia
for more information on award winning author
Richard Peck



More books by this author are available
@ your local library

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY PARADE
DATE: JANUARY 16, 2010
TIME: 10:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.
CONTACT: (562) 570-6816
The 22nd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade Celebration will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue at the Anaheim Street intersection. It will be followed by a multi-cultural celebration at King Park, 1950 Lemon Ave. There will be music, dance performances, and a children's play area. There also will be food vending booths and nonprofit community service information.

Celebrate a Great Leader!

Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968



Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life by checking out some books from your local library!


Martin's Big Words : the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Doreen Rappaport




A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.
by David A. Adler





I've Seen the Promised Land: the life of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Walter Dean Myers




My dream of Martin Luther King
by Faith Ringgold




Martin Luther King
by Malcah Zeldis




Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Amy Pastan




Martin Luther King, Jr.: civil rights leader
by Robert Jakoubek




Martin Luther King Jr.:
civil rights leader and Nobel Prize winner
by Andrew Santella


* * *


Want to learn more about Martin Luther King?
Check out World Book Enclyclopedia online!

Or, check out this article to learn more about the
Civil Rights Movemement.

What's Happening This Month?

Check out the Youth Services Calendar to see what's happening for kids this month. Find a story time to attend or a holiday craft event at a library near you. Happy Holidays!

Happy Fall, Happy Halloween, Happy Dia de los Muertos, Happy Library!

Hi Kids! Please join us at any Long Beach local library and gather up your books for the season. October is, among other things; Carmel Month, Cookie Month, Dinosaur Month, Roller Skating Month, Sarcastics Month, Vegetarian Awareness Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Pretzel Month, and Month of the Pumpkin Festival. Pick up and read books on these topics at your local library. Be a detective. See if you can locate books on these topics at your local library.

Trick or Treat! Don't forget to Read! Reading for fun while in school can help improve your reading skills. It's also a creative and fun way to spend your time, while gaining knowledge about things you may have never known about. Pick up a good book today at your local library.

Halloween Poem:

A-camping we will go,

with monster friends in tow -

Hi ho the scary-O,

we dare you to say no.

We'll gather 'round the pit.

We'll growl, snort, and spit.

Hi ho the scary-O,

now grab a log and sit.

We'll sing a song or two.

We'll belch and barbecue.

Hi ho the scary-O,

here, try the witches' brew.

We'll rip your tent and sneer.

We'll fill your nights with fear.

Hi ho the scary-O,

we're glad you made it here.

(From Sipping Spiders Through a Straw: Campfire Songs for Monsters. Lyrics by Kelly DiPucchio)

Have a good night tonight! From all your friends at the Long Beach Public Library :)