Downtown Library Adventure (Friday Reads)
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Murals that greet you as you enter the Children's Department
Friday Reads is a social media hashtag that connects people by talking about the books they're reading as we head into the weekend. I like to use it as roundup of the books we spent the week with.
“Changing the big picture takes time.. and the best things to do is focus on the things that we can make in our lives if we’re doing all that. That becomes the collage of real change.”
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This week the girls and I had a reading adventure. We took the local bus and subway metro downtown to see the Central Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. We go to our local branch weekly, but I had never been to the downtown location. The best way to travel in that area is to take the Red Line from North Hollywood or Universal City. It drops you off a few blocks away, making the trip as painless as possible.
The Central Branch is worth a trip downtown. The architecture is gorgeous and the Children's Department is the size of our entire local branch. We didn't venture too much on other floors, but you can find almost anything you need at this location.
Right next to the Pershing Square stop (on 4th) is Angel's Flight, "the world's shortest railway". It's less than 300 ft of track, but the experience was fun and the girls had a great time.
Currently reading
- Every Body Yoga: I love it. If you want to ease into a new practice or start where you left off, this book is great regardless of your level. Stanley smashes the idea that you have to have a body type to reap the benefits of a heathy yoga practice.
- Little Leaders: Go buy this book. It is beautiful. The artwork is amazing and each page has the history of an amazing Black woman. It includes women of all backgrounds, from artists to scientists, to former slaves and prominent Civil Rights leaders.
- Astrophysics for People in a Hurry: I'm listening to the audiobook and it's like Tyson is reading a textbook. It's full of science jargon and historical science figures, so be prepared if you thought this would be an easy read.
Recently FInished
- Courage is Contagious: I loved this book about Michelle Obama, it was so moving. Even before I write a full review, know that I would recommend and have you read it over and over.
- Firebird: My oldest loves ballet, but she didn't connect with the more abstract illustrations. I would recommend this for maybe older elementary kids, not as young as 6 or 7.
- The Snowy Day: This is the first children's book to showcase a black child as the protagonist. It's worth adding to your children's book shelf. I've included this one because it is a classic, even though Keats was a White author.
If you're looking for last minute gifts, any of the six books mentioned would be a great choice. This list has a little something for everyone. I hope you guys find some bookish adventures on your holiday breaks and leave a comment below telling me what you're reading on your long weekend.
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About the Author
Black & Bookish is the brainchild of Antoinette Scully, educator and lover of all things bookish. She is on a quest to fill your bookshelves with beloved authors of the African Diaspora. When she's not hanging out online, she's living it up as the mother of two rambunctious girls and wife of a local filmmaker.