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A LEARNING LINK TO LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY

Books for a lazy day


Reading is a hobby that you can do at all times of the day. Keep a book close at hand when you are standing in line, waiting in the doctor's office or kicking back on a lazy afternoon. "The Earth Dragon Awakes," by Laurence Yep tells the story of the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 from the viewpoint of two boys, Henry and Chin. In his book, Yep combines scientific fact with an engaging story. Although the characters are fictional, the situations surrounding the earthquake and fire are based on true accounts.

Henry and Chin feel that they lead pretty dull lives. The earthquake changes all of that as they and their families are forced into heroic roles. They learn about survival and vow to rebuild the city they love.

 
"The Road to Paris," by Nikki Grimes tells the story of Paris, a girl who has been placed in a foster home with a kind family. Grimes, a Coretta Scott King Award winner, has written a moving book about a biracial child that exposes sensitive topics that are heartened by hope and faith.

Though Paris has suffered sorrow and abuse in other homes, the year she spends with the Lincolns is one in which she gains friendship, acceptance and a new found religious faith. The sweetness of living in a normal household strengthens Paris when she has to make a life changing decision. Should she stay with the kindhearted Lincoln's or move back home to her birth mother and her beloved brother?

This Learning Link was written by Ilene Abramson, director of children's services for the Los Angeles Public Library http://www.lapl.org. You can e-mail her at iabrams@lapl.org .




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