Get Hooked on these History Books

Posted on January 27, 2020January 17, 2020 by Ashley Barnes

They say that history repeats itself so it’s essential that we take time to learn from the past. Check out two new history books about little known parts of American history.

Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America
By Candacy Taylor

Explore the historical role and impact of the Green book known as the “black travel guide to America.” The books published between 1936 and 1966 were innovative and important during a time period when it was dangerous and difficult for African-Americans to travel because black travelers couldn’t eat, sleep, or buy gas at most white-owned businesses.

Read the book

Wilmington’s Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy
By David Zucchino

Pulitzer Prize-winner David Zucchino uses contemporary newspaper accounts, diaries, letters, and official communications to create a gripping and compelling narrative that weaves together individual stories of hate and fear and brutality. This is a dramatic and definitive account of a remarkable but forgotten chapter of American history.

Book | eBook

Interested in learning more about history?
Check out these upcoming events.

Douglass, Tubman and Harper: 19th Century Freedom Fighters
Saturday, February 1 at 2pm
Northwood Branch

Learn more

Stories from the African Oral Tradition
Monday, February 3 at 6pm
Orleans Street Branch

Learn more

Also new in Nonfiction this month…

*Easy Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC*
By Jess Moss
Read the book

*Skimmed: Breastfeeding, Race, and Injustice*
By Andrea Freeman
Read the book

*The History of Philosophy*
By A.C. Grayling
Read the book

*The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison*
By Ralph Ellison
Read the book

*Virginia Woolf: And the Women Who Shaped Her World*
By Gilian Gil
Read the book

*You are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For*
By Kyle Carpenter
Read the book

What’s New in 2020 for Kids

Posted on January 23, 2020January 17, 2020 by Ashley Barnes

Start off the new year with a new book! Take a look at these fun and engaging picks for children.

Boxitects
By Kim Smith

A STEAM-centered, adorably illustrated picture book about Meg, a brilliant and creative boxitect who creates extraordinary things out of ordinary cardboard boxes!

Read the book

Dream Flights on Arctic Nights
By Brooke Hartman

With singsong rhymes and colorful illustrations, families are sure to enjoy this beautiful bedtime story to explore the Arctic before drifting off to sleep.

Read the book | eBook

Also new this month:

*Bedtime for Sweet Creatures*
By Nikki Grimes
Read the book

*The Forgotten Girl*
By India Hill Brown
Read the book

Tackle your Resolutions with Hoopla

Posted on January 21, 2020January 14, 2020 by Ashley Barnes

Do you have a “new year, new me” mindset? If so Hoopla, has great tools to help you reach your goals.

Get organized:

*Making Space, Clutter Free*
By Tracy McCubbin
Read eBook

**Remodelista: The Organized Hom**e
**By Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick**
Read eBook

***The Clutter Remedy***
**By Marla Stone**
Read eBook

Get moving:

*Every Body Yoga*
By Jessamyn Stanley
Read eBook

***Ignite By Spri Hi-Intensity Season 1***
Watch here

***Jillian Michaels: Beginner Shred – Season 1***
Watch here

Eat healthier:

*Eat to Live Quick and Easy Cookbook*
By Joel Fuhrman
Read eBook

*Quick Keto Meals in 30 Minutes or Less*
By Martina Slasjerova
Read eBook

*The Healthy Lunchtime Cookbook*
By Various Authors
Read eBook

Get your finances in order:

***I Will Teach You to Be Rich***
**By Ramit Sethi**
Read eBook

*Playing with FIRE*
By Scott Rieckens
Read eBook

*You Need a Budget*
By Jesse **Mecham**
Read eBook

Get inspired:

*Girl, Wash Your Face*
By Rachel Hollis
Read eBook

*Present Over Perfect*
By Shauna Niequist
Read eBook

*The Positive Shift*
By Catherine A. Sanderson
Read eBook

2019 Staff Favorites, Part 2

Posted on January 17, 2020January 17, 2020 by Ashley Barnes

Looking for a new book to check out? Take a look at a few of the recommendations from the Pratt staff.

Nonfiction books

The Residence: Inside the Private World of The White House
By Kate Anderson Brower

“Stories from the White House staff–you couldn’t make them up!”

Recommended by Anne Calhoun, Herring Run Branch

Book | eBook

Mr. Know-It-All: The Tarnished Wisdom of a Fifth Elder
By John Waters

“This collection of memoirs and essays from Baltimore’s own John Waters is hilarious, offensive in all the right ways, and even touching.”

Recommended by Morgan Stanton, Canton Branch

Read the book

Children’s books

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
By Kwame Mbalia

“I love the portrayal of famous creatures and characters from African-American folklore being brought to life. Not only that, but the growth the main character goes through to get over his best friend’s passing is done very well.”

Recommended by George Richardson-Foster, Marina Interlibrary Loan Service (MILO)

Book | eBook

This Kid Can Fly: It’s about ability (not disability)
By Aaron Phillip

“Such an endearing, raw, heartfelt story. Will challenge anyone’s ableist preconceived notions and force you to examine how you view people with disabilities.”

Faith Owhonda, Herring Run Branch

Book | eBook

Young Adult books

Dig
By A.S. King

“Three generations of a white family in Pennsylvania come to grips with their own racism and humanity. The language is beautiful and fierce, the plot is thorny, and the characters are true-blue.”

Recommended by Paula Willey, Southeast Anchor Library

Book | eBook |eAudio

Long Way Down
By Jason Reynolds

“A 45-minute read, written completely in verse that is a powerful argument for seeing the effects of gun violence on young black teens. Jason Reynolds is a national treasure.”

Recommended by Ann Gordon, Govan Branch

Book | eBook |eAudio

Thank You, Dr. King!

Posted on January 15, 2020January 17, 2020 by Ashley Barnes

Happy Birthday Dr. King! At the Pratt, we are celebrating the legacy of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all month long. Besides observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (All Pratt branches will be closed on Monday, January 20), there’s a variety of events being held this January.

Selma Screening
Saturday, January 18 at 1pm
Reisterstown Road Branch

Come and watch the award-winning film from acclaimed director Ava DuVernay starring David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Carmen Ejogo, Common, and more.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture: D.O.P.E. (Dedication, Opportunity, Positivity, and Excellence) Dad 101
Sunday, January 19 at 3:30pm
Central Library

This panel discussion featuring Stephen McGill II, Sherman Barksdale, Kenji Jackson, and Glen Mourning will highlight the abilities of Black Fathers and their ability to have a lifelong impact on our children.

Documentary & Discussion: In Remembrance of Martin
Monday, January 27 at 6pm
Washington Village Branch

Join in a thought-provoking film featuring comments from Dr. King’s family, friends, and advisors. You won’t want to miss a discussion with refreshments.

Can’t make it to one of the events? Check out one of these books and films.