Klem-Mari Cajigas

Latest Blog Posts

Want to Read a Book That Has Won a National Award for Summer Reading Challenge? Start Here!

Wed, 06/07/2023 - 12:00

By

Klem-Mari Cajigas

Do you want to read an award-winning book for Summer Challenge? Start here!

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

Thu, 05/25/2023 - 12:00

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

Tue, 04/11/2023 - 12:00

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

Tue, 03/14/2023 - 12:00

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!

Tue, 02/14/2023 - 12:00

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!