Klem-Mari Cajigas

In a former life, Klem-Marí was a Religious Studies scholar. She much prefers being the Family Literacy Coordinator for Bringing Books to Life! She wants you to read and share books with the children in your life, and for those children to see you to read as well. Originally from Puerto Rico, Klem-Marí also enjoys her cat, baking, yoga, and the works of Octavia Butler.

Latest Blog Posts

Juneteenth Flag: red arced band on bottom, blue arced band on top, with white five point star in middle, laid within a multipointed burst. The date June 19, 1865, is written alongside the right hand side of flag.

Learning and Teaching About Juneteenth Using Children's Literature

May 25, 2023

By

Klem-Mari Cajigas

Although it is the oldest known celebration of the abolition of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth was only officially declared a national holiday in June 2021. Children's literature is a great way to expand our knowledge of this important day.

Author Shaun Tan. He is a thin biracial Asian man, bald, and wears dark rimmed glassed. He is wearing a faded black t-shirt. He is photographed from chest up in a seated position, and behind him is a bulletin board with several drawings tacked upon it.

The Art of Children's Book Author Shaun Tan

April 11, 2023

By

Klem-Mari Cajigas

Marked by surreal worlds and unusual characters, artist Shaun Tan's picture books stand out from the norm in children's literature.

Cover image of Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II. Contains a girl dressed in red coat and hat, carrying a small brown suitcase. She is holding the hand of an unseen adult. The girl is reflected in the water puddle on the cobblestone streets. There are also three war planes reflected in the puddle.

Book Review: Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II

March 14, 2023

By

Klem-Mari Cajigas

This year's Mildred L. Batchelder Award, given to an outstanding children's book translated into English, is the wonderful Italian middle grades memoir Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II. Sensitive and age appropriate, this standout book is an ideal shared read aloud for older children.

ALA Youth Media Awards: Children's Staff Have Their Say!

February 14, 2023

By

Klem-Mari Cajigas

On January 30, the American Library Association (ALA) presented their annual Youth Media Awards, celebrating the best in literature for young people. Check out what NPL Children's staff have to say about this year's winners of the Caldecott, Newberry, and more! 

Book Review: My Uncle is Coming Tomorrow/Mañana viene mi tío

January 10, 2023

By

Klem-Mari Cajigas

Through simple premises, picture books can serve as the starting point for nuanced conversations on complex topics. My Uncle is Coming Tomorrow/Mañana viene mi tío is a very simple book that addresses the forced disappearance of citizens by repressive governments.