08-18-2024 Back to School - Flipbook - Page 6
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A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Sunday, August 18, 2024
Books Beyond the Classroom
By Gregory J. Alexander, Contributing Writer
A
s kids head back to school, there will
be plenty of reading they will have
to do – great works of fiction for
English classes, scientific studies for
chemistry class and stories of war for history
courses. However, just because they have to
read to keep up with their schoolwork, it’s also
important to encourage reading for pleasure.
Reading offers an escape to another world, so
we asked the owners of Backwater Books in
Ellicott City (backwaterbooks.com) to offer
some book recommendations for kids of all
ages to delve into the magical world of reading.
Backwater Books owners Alli and Matt
Krist, both former teachers, tapped into their
experience and knowledge to offer some
beautiful books, and they are happy to offer
more if you stop into their bookstore, which
offers cozy armchairs and tables for browsing.
Happy reading!
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
The Day You Begin
By Jacqueline Woodson
With beautiful illustrations by Rafael Lopez,
Jacqueline Woodson reminds us that we all
feel different at times and how brave it is to go
forth anyway.
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer
By Lamar Giles
The first in the Legendary Alston Boys Adventure series, two cousins accidentally extend the
last day of summer by freezing time.
Ander & Santi Were Here
By Jonny Garza Villa
This YA contemporary love story follows a
nonbinary Mexican American teen as he falls
in love with the new waiter at the local taqueria. It’s a beautiful heartbreaking story of holding on, told with humor and poignancy.
Time for School, Little Blue Truck
By Alice Schertle
Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad
meet a bright yellow school bus. Little Blue
Truck wishes he could be a school bus, too!
The Sublime Ms. Stacks
By Rob Pearlman
Librarian Mr. Stephen is great at helping people
find their books, but when it comes to story
time, he’s not the best. Luckily, Ms. Stacks is the
substitute librarian to liven things up! This is a
beautifully illustrated book about a drag queen
librarian.
Alterations
By Ray Xu
This graphic novel, coming-of-age story highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while
yearning to be seen by all.
Timid
By Jonathan Todd
This graphic novel tackles frenemies, fitting in,
and finding your voice. Cecil Hall is starting a
new school in a new town and must navigate
new friendships.
A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay
in Women’s Soccer - And Beyond
By Elizabeth Rusch
This true story tells the tale of the U.S. Olympic
Women’s Soccer team as they fought for equal
pay while dominating the world soccer scene.
One part action sports saga, one part legal
thriller, and an overall call to arms, teens are
sure to find the story inspiring.
Does My Body Offend You?
By Mayra Cuevas and Marie Marquardt
Malena and Ruby find themselves at the forefront of their school’s dress code rebellion in
this story of insecurities, biases, and privileges
as they navigate a newfound friendship and the
challenges of high school.
