Charlotte shares The Ash House, a wonderfully creepy story by Angharad Walker, perfect for kids ages 11 and up – or anyone who likes spooky books with lots of twists and turns.

When 11-year-old Sol arrives at the Ash House, desperate for a cure for his complex pain syndrome, he finds a community of strange children long abandoned by their mysterious Headmaster. The children at the Ash House want the new boy to love their home as much as they do. They give him a name like theirs. They show him the dorms and tell him about the wonderful oasis that the Headmaster has created for them. But the new boy already has a name. Doesn't he? At least he did before he walked through those gates....

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1838145

The Ash House

Explore the Bronx Library Center

In this episode we are introduced to a picture book series called "How Do Dinosaurs" by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague.

Each story begins with an example of silly, not-so-perfect dinosaur behaviour, followed by the polite ways dinosaurs (and kids) *should* act — whether it's at school, bedtime or dinner. This series will help your child become a confident reader, all while teaching them little life lessons.

Find the How Do Dinosaurs series in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=%22how%20do%20dinosaurs%22%20&searchType=smart&page=1

How Do Dinosaurs

If you like the classic novel Anne of Green Gables, you might like Anne: An Adaption of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) by Kathleen Gros — a kids’ graphic novel that takes place in the present day. 

Anne Shirley has been in foster care her whole life. So when the Cuthberts take her in, she hopes it's for good. They seem to be hitting it off, but how will they react to the trouble that Anne can sometimes find herself in ... like accidentally dyeing her hair green or taking a dangerous dare that leaves her in a cast? Then Anne meets Diana Barry, a girl who lives in her apartment building, the Avon-Lea. The two become fast friends, as Anne finds she can share anything with Diana. As time goes on, though, Anne starts to develop more-than-friends feelings for Diana. A new foster home, a new school, and a first-time crush--it's a lot all at once. But if anyone can handle life's twists and turns, it's the irrepressible Anne Shirley.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1875506

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort of)

In this episode Jennifer introduces listeners to one of her all-time favourite books, Circe by Madeline Miller, a narrative that transforms a minor Greek goddess into a complex heroine. 

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child — neither powerful like her father nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power: the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts, and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from or with the mortals she has come to love.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1758448

FVRL Podcasts

Circe

In this episode, Diane tells listeners about one of her favourite young adult series, Caraval by Stephanie Garber. This series will thrill readers as it explores a world of wonder, whimsy, adventure, mystery and romance. 

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over. But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor who she has just met, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1722674

Caraval

Bronx Library Center's Podcast: April 2024

In today’s podcast, Joys shares two children’s books about home. In these books, families seek home and redefine their home as they deal with tough realities and challenges together.

Find these titles in the FVRL collection: 

Home by Tonya K. Lippert
This lyrical story is timely and thoughtful, depicting the life of two children thrust into homelessness and uncertain housing situations as they move out of their house, to a motel, to a shelter, and finally to another, more permanent home.
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1861425

A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story by Erin Gunti
This simple, touching picture book shows readers a women's shelter through the eyes of a young girl, who with her mother's help, uses her imagination to overcome her anxiety and adjust.
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1861426

Books About Home

In this episode, Charlotte shares an exciting middle-grade fantasy novel: Abeni's Song by P. Djèlí Clark. 

Abeni, a reluctant magical apprentice, and a team of spirit kids set out to save their village from the evil Witch Priest who captured and marched off everyone toward ghost ships bound for distant lands.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1900070

Abeni's Song

In this episode, Kaori tells listeners about a science fiction adventure: This Is How You Lose the Time War.

From award-winning authors Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone comes an enthralling, romantic novel spanning time and space about two time-travelling rivals who fall in love and must change the past to ensure their future.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1788115

This Is How You Lose the Time War

Are you looking for something good to read? Or watch? Or listen to? Tune in to Fraser Valley Regional Library’s ReadRadio podcast for some great recommendations. In each episode we will highlight some of the library’s books, movies and TV shows that you might not know about. All reviewed materials are available for loan in the FVRL catalogue. 

Fraser Valley Regional Library is the largest public library system in British Columbia, with 25 community libraries serving nearly 680,000 people in its service area.

Circe

Fraser Valley Regional Library

Related tracks