Hennepin County Library: KidLinks Blog

Don't miss these awesome new books

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:04:20 CDT

Have you read "You Only Die Twice," the latest book in the "Genius Files" series yet? Or how about the most recent book by LIz Kessler, "Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun"? Be sure to take a look at our recently updated New Books list to see what books have just been added to our library's collection. You will find books by your favorite authors and by authors you have never heard of before!

Time to finish that homework

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:28:56 CDT

There's only one month left until the end of school, but homework's not over yet! If you need help, head over to our Homework Help page. You can get one-on-one tutoring at local libraries or online. Or give your final project a boost with the library's databases.

Practice being a poet

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:02:07 CDT

Why not celebrate National Poetry Month with a visit to popular poet Shel Silverstein's website? You can play wacky games and create your own poems using Shel's words. And don't forget to check out one or two or three of Shel Silverstein's books from the library.

Bust a rhyme

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:15:40 CDT

It is now April
which means it's Poetry Month
so enjoy this verse.

That's a haiku, which is a type of poem. Celebrate National Poetry Month by writing a poem of your own or read something from our Poetry Fun booklist.

Celebrate Women's History Month

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:50:16 CDT

March is Women's History Month! Why not read a book about an exciting and inspiring woman from the Women's Biographies or Beyond Curie book lists? You can also find fun and fascinating information on our Women's History subject guide.

Pictures of you

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:07:11 CDT

A self-portrait is a picture you make of yourself. Sign up for an Art Out of the Box program to learn about portraits at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and to create your own.

Giants of Science

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:56:00 CDT

Some of Minnesota's giants of science will be at the library this summer. Learn about animals at Bananawocky, presented by the Como Zoo. Explore batteries at Frogs, Volts and Vinegar or magnetism at Mini-Magnets, presented by the Bakken Museum.

Shake, Shake, Shake

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:43:30 CDT

Hey, music lover! Shake your booty to live music. Visit us for a Global Folk, Paul Spring, or Snapdragon Seeds Music program.

Spotlight on Authors

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 16:50:06 CDT

Does Dan Gutman make you bust a gut? Are you on the hunt for more Erin Hunter? If you have an author you love, check out the author's website! Many authors post stories, games, and more on their personal websites. We've collected some links to favorites on our Spotlight on Authors page.

Wizardry

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:16:10 CDT

Oz the Great and Powerful is the 13th movie based on Frank L. Baum's 1900 book. And, Baum wrote 13 more Oz books. According to the Library of Congress, The Wizard of Oz is the most-watched movie ever. And a People magazine poll found it the favorite movie of the 20th century. The Library of Congress has an online exhibition, The Wizard of Oz: An American Fairy Tale.

Book reviews by kids for kids

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:50:18 CDT

Want to know what books other kids are reading and what they like? Want to tell the world about what you are reading? Share your opinions and write a readers' review. It's quick and easy!

February is Black History Month

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:07:34 CDT

Celebrate Black History Month by reading amazing fiction about African American kids. Or read the thrilling true stories of African American heroes. And for more information, check out the KidLinks Black History page.

Fun and Games on KidLinks

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:56:03 CDT

Winter is a great time to explore KidLinks! Look today for a database or website you have never used before. One of my favorites in the fun and games blue bubble is National Geographic: games and puzzles. It also has action games, geography games and interactive adventures.

And the winner is...

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:20:22 CDT

What do you think was the best book of last year? A national committee of librarians just gave the Newbery Award to The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Have you read it yet? Be sure to check out other Newbery Award winner and honor books, past and present. Don't stop there, our Award Winning Books will take you to the best of different types of books, including True Books and books for Beginning Readers.

Start the New Year with a new book!

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:04:18 CDT

Need something new and exciting to read? Take a look at our New Books list to find cool, weird, and wacky books that have recently been added to the library's collection. Maybe you want to check out Zombigami: Paper Folding for the Living Dead or a new book by Lemony Snickett?

I have a dream

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:33:42 CDT

Do you know why the President used two Bibles for his swearing-in? One is Abraham Lincoln's because he signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves 150 years ago, and one is Martin Luther King Jr.'s because he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech 50 years ago. To hear Dr. King give his speech, go to KidLinks>Homework Help>Current Events>Info Track Student and enter "I have a dream speech" in the search box.

Readers' lists

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:09:26 CDT

Looking for your next read? Browse the thousands of readers' lists that have been created by kids just like you. Or maybe you'd like to share your favorite books with the world. Pick a theme and create your own book list!

Calling all Lego� maniacs!

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:04:39 CDT

Build wild creations beyond the imagination at LEGO® Mania! Bring the whole family.

Green Art Projects

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:59:39 CDT

Create green art, learn about other cultures and have a great time at Paint It Green. Register today!

Are you the next J.K. Rowling?

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:52:56 CDT

If you like to create stories, be sure to attend First Pages for Kids. These writing classes are taught by teachers from the Loft Literary Center. Register today!

Winter holidays quiz

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:47:27 CDT

This is a fun time of year for celebrating with family and friends, but how much do you know about winter holiday traditions? Find out by taking the online Winter Holidays Quiz from National Geographic. Learn more about Winter Celebrations and check out some of the books on the Winter Holidays book list.

Ready for the New Year?

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:35:33 CDT

Are you too young for New Year's resolutions? I don't think so! If you resolve to read more books or a greater variety of books, use the Kidlinks Books and Reading page for ideas. If you resolve to learn more about the things that interest you, or do better in school, try the Homework Help page. If you want to get out with friends more, sign up to attend library events. They're free and convenient and fun. These will be resolutions you can keep! The adults in your life will be jealous.

Your own pet dinosaur

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:33:50 CDT

What dinosaur knows about science, history, sports, arts, music, and much more? Why a Searchasaurus, of course! This powerful beast lives on our Homework Help page, along with many other databases that can help you with whatever homework your teacher assigns.

Welcome to Rush Creek

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:55:14 CDT

Our new KidLinks School Partner is Rush Creek Elementary School in Maple Grove. During the school year, I visit classrooms at our partner schools and those students pick their favorite books and authors to be featured on KidLinks. I talked to sixth graders at Rush Creek and they love all different types of books, but especially adventure, science fiction, and fantasy. What books would you and your classmates pick? If you would like me to visit your school so your class can learn more about KidLinks, please ask your teacher to e-mail Amy today!

Online safety

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:01:23 CDT

Do you know how to use the web wisely? Take a few moments to learn some tips with our fun online safety presentation.

TumbleBook Library

Hennepin County Librarians — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 17:15:48 CDT

Did you know you can watch animated versions of storybook favorites for free with your library card through TumbleBook Library? Just go to our eBooks and more page and click on "TumbleBook Library." This online collection of talking picture books also includes nonfiction, books in Spanish and French, and puzzles and games. What are you waiting for? Explore TumbleBook today!

Brrrr...it's coming

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:30:25 CDT

With the colder weather and upcoming holidays, you might be spending lots of time in close quarters with friends and family. Sometimes you can run out of things to say and do. You can use the library's website to help: Ask older people about what life was like when they were your age. Need some back ground information? If someone was young during the 1950's, you can enter that as a search term into Student Resources in Context. Or, use the Poetry Fun list on the Books and Reading page to find some silly poetry books you can checkout and read together. If you'll be entertaining younger cousins, check out the Birth to Six Book Lists page for some good books to have around.

Game on and on and on...

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:01:11 CDT

Now that International Games Day is over, do you want more gaming goodness? You don't have to wait another year. Just head over to our Fun and Games page for links to fun and free internet games. Game on!

Election time

Hennepin County Librarians — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:32:06 CDT

The U.S. Presidential election is on Tuesday, November 6, just a few days away. Discover fun stories and fascinating facts about elections and the Presidency in the books on the Election Time book list. Who do you think should be President? Even though kids are too young to vote, you can still express your opinion by voting in the Time for Kids' Election Poll. Get informed and impress your parents or teachers. Learn about the candidates, the issues, and what goes on during an election at Scholastic's or Time For Kids' special Election 2012 sites.

Reuse it!

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:51:05 CDT

Join us for Paint It Green where you'll create cool art and reuse what may have ended up in the trash.

Want to be an actor or actress?

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:45:39 CDT

Year of the Snake

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:40:09 CDT

Kick off the Year of the Snake at Tet: Vietnamese New Year 2013. You'll learn dances and drumming, hear tales and see a martial arts demo.

Welcome to Cornelia Elementary School

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:24:06 CDT

Our new KidLinks School Partner is Cornelia Elementary School in Edina. During the school year, I visit classrooms at our partner schools and those students pick their favorite books and authors to be featured on KidLinks. Local author David LaRochelle is one of the favorite authors of third, fourth, and fifth grade students at Cornelia. David is also a professional pumpkin carver! Be sure to take a look at photos of his amazing pumpkins! What authors would you and your classmates pick? If you would like me to visit your school so your class can learn more about KidLinks, please ask your teacher to e-mail Amy today!

Homework getting hard?

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:11:29 CDT

The library can help! Use the Homework Help page here in KidLinks to find in-person tutoring at some libraries, Homework Rescue tutoring available online from any computer, and databases and websites to help you with specific subjects. The tools link on the left side of the page will get you to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a calculator. Everything you need is all in one place.

Spooky stories

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:09:45 CDT

Ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and even stranger monsters fill the pages of the books in our scary stories list. But these tales are not for the faint of heart. If you love a good fright, check out these scary stories tonight!

Your favorite authors

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:26:08 CDT

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an author? You can find out on our Spotlight on Authors page! We feature the websites of popular children's authors like Roald Dahl and Judy Blume. You can learn about their books and their life stories, and how they get their ideas. Many of the website also feature cool games, like the Bad Kitty Slicing Game.

Welcome to KIPP Stand Academy

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:58:25 CDT

Our new KidLinks School Partner is KIPP Stand Academy in Minneapolis. During the school year, I visit classrooms at our partner schools and those students pick their favorite books and authors to be featured on KidLinks. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is one of the favorite books of fifth and sixth grade students at KIPP. What book would you and your classmates pick? If you would like me to visit your school so your class can learn more about KidLinks, please ask your teacher to e-mail Amy today!

Back to school!

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:44:06 CDT

School is here again! Time for new classes, new teachers, and, yep, new homework. But don't worry! The library can help. Many of our libraries have tutors available through Homework Hub. Plus, we have online tutors available through Homework Rescue. So, relax because it's going to be a great year!

Wonder how animals get ready for winter?

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:07:40 CDT

Next week is the autumnal equinox, when we have an equal amount of day and night. Check the animals link to find out how animals get ready for the short cold days ahead. Look up migration and hibernation. Sometimes I want to migrate to Hawaii, how about you?

Tick....Tock.....Tick.....Do you hear it?

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:43:41 CDT

It's the countdown to the start of school. If you want to play some games, but know you could use a math refresher, check out the Math Arcade and other Fun Brain games. If anyone asks, you're reviewing math facts!

Online games from your favorite books

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:33:15 CDT

Do you love reading about Allie Finkle or Bone? Why not play a game where you Dress Allie Finkle or try your luck at Bone Whac-a-Rat! Or are you ready for a real challenge? Try the Goosebumps Trivia Game to see how much you really know about the popular scary series. These are just a few of the awesome games, quizzes, and puzzles you can play at Scholastic's The Stacks website.

Do you have olympic fever?

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:23:37 CDT

The Summer Olympics only happen once every four years, so don't miss out on the excitement! On the Time for Kids London Olympics page, you can follow all the action and learn about heroic athletes, past and present. Discover more amazing Olympic facts and read about your favorite sports in the books on the Go For the Gold! book list.

International games day

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:31:09 CDT

We're celebrating International Games Day on Sat., Nov. 10. Visit one of these libraries to get your game on!

Reduce, reuse, and create!

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:27:28 CDT

If you love the environment and art, join us for a Paint It Green workshop where you'll get to create art and reuse unwanted items.

Creating magical worlds

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:22:20 CDT

Do you like to write? A teacher from the Loft Literary Center will show you how to let your imagination run wild across paper at First Pages for Kids.

Minnesota Twins books

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:36:50 CDT

Are you a Minnesota Twins fan?
Check out the awesome books on the Twins Baseball book list to learn more about Minnesota's team!

Vote for your favorite books!

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:12:11 CDT

Each week you can choose the best book in a different genre. This week you can pick your favorite funny book. You can also challenge your brain with a crossword puzzle featuring titles from our funny stories book list.

Bookawocky: a celebration of summer reading

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:45:49 CDT

Summer reading kicks off this week! There are all kinds of ways to get your Bookawocky on, including cool programs and read.write.draw. And don't worry about finding awesome books to read this summer! We have amazing book lists to give you ideas and each week on KidLinks we will feature a different type of book.

Books about military families

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:16:39 CDT

Memorial Day Weekend is a time when our country honors our military personnel and their families. Do you have a parent or family member that serves in a branch of the military? Our Military Families book list has interesting books to help you understand what military family life is like. You can also read gripping stories of kids bravely facing the struggles and hardships of wartime from our War Stories book list.

Summer Book Clubs

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:12:06 CDT

Summer is almost here! But just because school will be out doesn't mean you need to stop reading. The Library's summer book clubs can help! We have book clubs for all ages and all interests. Talk about awesome books with awesome people. Registration starts this week. Sign up to save your spot!