Author Archives: Mary Claire O'Donnell

Disability Pride Month Books for Kids

July is Disability Pride Month to commemorate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. Celebrate this month with great books from the Children’s Department that honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. These are wonderful books to read this month and all year!

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

Biographies

Picture Books

Chapter Books

Graphic Novels

Nonfiction

Juneteenth Books for Kids

Juneteenth (June 19) celebrates and commemorates the final emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865 in Texas. This holiday is a celebration of freedom and the joyful recognition of the perseverance and spirit of Black people in this nation. Celebrate and learn more with these books from the Children’s Room!

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

The Holiday

The History

Background Information

Poetry and Songs

Pride Month Books for Kids – Commemorate & Educate

June is LGBTQIA Pride Month. Celebrate this month with great books from the Children’s Department that commemorate and educate about the rich diversity, culture, and intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ community and all the figures in it. These are wonderful books to read this month and all year!

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

Picture Books

Biographies

Nonfiction

Pride Month Books for Kids – Empower & Celebrate

June is LGBTQIA Pride Month. Celebrate this month with great books from the Children’s Department that empower and celebrate the rich diversity, culture, and intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ community. These are wonderful books to read this month and all year!

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

Board Books

Picture Books

Graphic Novels

Chapter Books

MA Children’s Book Awards (MCBA)

The Massachusetts Children’s Book Award was established as a program to encourage children to read great books. 25 books are nominated each year as excellent titles for 9-12 year olds in fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. The nominees must be available in paperback and must have been published within the last five years. In the spring, kids who have read at least 5 of the nominees can vote for their favorite. The winner, and the next slate of nominees, are announced in May. The award is sponsored by Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts.

2023 MCBA Books (winner: Alone by Megan Freeman)

2024 MCBA Books (winner: Frizzy by Claribel Ortega)

2025 MCBA Books (winner: Hoops by Matt Tavares)

Check out the nominees below for 2026! Click on a book cover for more information.

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