Libraries can be a haven of respite not only from the summer heat, but also summer boredom. “Every Hero Has a Story” summer reading programs are well underway at both larger libraries and smaller branch libraries in the region, offering numerous reading and activity options for kids and families.
Check out these hero-themed reading suggestions for kids and young adults, courtesy of Heather Stout, assistant director at the Lewiston City Library:Picture books and early readers
“Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears?” By Carmela La Vigna Coyle
Follow along as two ragtag, everyday superheroes don capes to play in the mud, save their stuffed animals from certain peril, conquer the vegetables at dinner, and overcome darkness at night.
“Hero Dad” by Melinda Hardin
A child demonstrates that while dad differs from a traditional superhero, as an American soldier he is a superhero of a different kind.
“SuperHero ABC” by Bob McLeod
Humorous SuperHeroes such as Goo Girl and The Volcano represent the letters of the alphabet from A to Z.
Chapter books
“Batman versus the Yeti!” By J Torres
Batman teams up with China’s superheroes to fight an army of yetis.
“A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons: The Heroic Misadventures of Hiccup the Viking as told to Cressida Cowell” by Cressida Cowell
It’s Hiccup’s birthday, but he must save his dragon, Toothless, from being banished. He sneaks into the Meathead Public Library to steal the Vikings’ sacred book, but must brave the Driller Dragons.
“Magic Pickle” by Morse Scott
Meet the world’s greenest, bumpiest, briniest superhero, the Magic Pickle. With his feisty sidekick Jo Jo Wigman, the Magic Pickle faces his worst nightmare, the Brotherhood of Evil Produce. Will he save the world from those foul fiends, or will the world be conquered by vegetables gone wild?
Young adult
“Deep Blue” by Jennifer Donnelly
Uncovering an ancient evil, Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas, to save their hidden world.
“The World According to Spider-man” by Daniel Wallace
This graphic novel gives aspiring superheroes all the advice they need to get started in the superhero business.
Library happenings
Here are just a few of the upcoming events for kids. Check in with your library or visit www.inland360.com for additional events and information:
- Eells Park in Colfax — 4 p.m. Tuesday — This Community Heroes program gives kids and families a chance to talk to firefighters and EMTs about safety. The Whitman County Library event includes hands-on emergency vehicle demonstrations and prizes for kids.
- Asotin County Library in Clarkston — 10:30 a.m. July 9 — At this DIY Superhero program kids get the chance to design their own cape and shield. Games will also be part of the morning’s fun.
- Neill Public Library in Pullman — 4:30 p.m. July 9 — Chocolate Mania features chocolate-themed goodies, trivia, games and prizes for teens, ages 12-17.
- East City Park in Moscow — 6 p.m. July 9 — Entertainment in the Park, a Latah County Library partnership series, presents the Oddball Juggler. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner and stay after the presentation for a concert from the Moscow Arts Commission Band.
- Lewiston City Library in Lewiston — 2 p.m. July 15 — A Vets and Pets! program will allow kids to meet local veterinarian Dr. Jessica Bunch and find out how vets take care of pets — and how they can, too. Kids will practice pet bandaging on favorite stuffed animals and make their own felt animal puppets.
