School Age (6-11)
Parent/Caregiver FAQs
As a parent or caregiver, you are your child’s first and best teacher. You should feel empowered to set parameters that are right for your family, and there are a number of ways the library can help. Our Guide for Parents and Caregivers outlines tips for navigating our collection, setting up library accounts, and more!
The West Ada School District provides access to Overdrive using the Sora app for schools. To access Meridian Library District’s Overdrive materials, just add our library within the Sora app! Your school credentials will allow you to check out materials from our collection.
School accounts through Sora limit access to materials by grade levels. You will need to download the Libby app separately and log in with your Meridian Library card to access our complete collection.
Rainy Day Reads
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Rain Reign
A New York Times Bestseller!
Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She's thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose's rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose's obsessions, her rules, and the other things that make her different – not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father.
When a storm hits their rural town, rivers overflow, the roads are flooded, and Rain goes missing. Rose's father shouldn't have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.
Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose's point of view. -
Breathing Makes It Better
2019 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Winner
2020 Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient
An engaging and interactive story showing children ages 3-6 the power of breath when dealing with new and difficult emotions.
Read aloud and breathe along with this sweet story teaching children how to navigate powerful emotions like anger, fear, sadness, confusion, anxiety, and loneliness. With rhythmic writing and engaging illustrations, Breathing Makes It Better guides children to breathe through their feelings and find calm with recurring cues to stop and take a breath. Simple guided practices, like imagining you are a tree blowing in the wind, follow each story to teach children how to apply mindfulness techniques when they need them the most. -
The Umbrella Maker's Son
From a critically acclaimed author comes a fantastical middle grade novel about a boy determined to prove there's more than just the weather behind his rainy town.
Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it's always raining. And when it isn't raining, it's about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar's father is an umbrella maker--appropriate for a place where you can't leave home without one!--but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they're expensive. Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar's family's business.
To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather. -
The Big Book of Belonging
The new installment in the popular Big Book series connects young readers from around the world by emphasizing that we all belong to the same planet Earth.
The Big Book of Belonging is a timely celebration of all the ways that humans are connected to life on planet Earth. With children at the heart of every beautifully illustrated spread, this book draws parallels between the way humans, plants, and animals live and behave. We all breathe the same air and take warmth from the same sun, we grow, we adapt to the seasons, and we live together in family groups.
Readers will be fascinated to learn that instead of using words to communicate, fava beans send chemical messages through their roots, Caribbean reef squid send warnings of danger and even declarations of love by changing color, and that adorable big-eyed primates called tarsiers make calls to one another over the noise of the rainforest that are too high-pitched for predators to hear. By putting children at the heart of the book’s concept, author Yuval Zommer unites readers of the Big Book series from all corners of the world under one banner—of belonging to planet Earth. The book’s gentle message of caring for nature will inspire readers of all ages and encourage a new generation of environmentalists to flourish.
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Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Ramona feels quite grown-up taking the bus by herself, helping big sister Beezus make dinner, and trying hard to be nice to pesky Willa Jean after school. Turning eight years old and entering the first grade can do that to a girl. So how can her teacher call her a nuisance?
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Fiona and the Rainy Day
Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, in this story of sharing and caring about friends--and the good thing about a little rain storm too.
It is raining, but Fiona still wants to hang out with her good friends at the zoo. When Flamingo stops by Hippo Cove for a visit, she brings her big umbrella. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.
Fiona and the Rainy Day is:
- An endearing animal book that's a perfect gift from parents and grandparents
- An inspiring story of sharing and caring about friends
- A Level One I Can Read story geared for children just learning to read
- Created by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey of Fiona the Hippo; A Very Fiona Christmas; Fiona, It's Bedtime; Legend of the Candy Cane; Bad Dog, Marley; and A Very Marley Christmas fame
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Click, Clack Rainy Day/Ready-to-Read Level 2
From New York Times bestselling duo, Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin comes a brand-new, laugh-out-loud Level 2 Ready-to-Read about a rainy day on the farm!
It is raining on the farm. Drip-drop, drip-drop. Everyone stays inside, except the cows. The cows like the rain. Farmer Brown, the chickens, and the mice are worried about them. And then the wind starts to pick up. Will the cows come home? -
Chloe #4
Chloe now finds herself alone on Valentine’s Day while her ex-boyfriend is in Italy. Will she still go to the parties or feel sorry for herself at home? Feeling lonely and rejected, Chloe rallies and discovers that when you put yourself out there, amazing things can happen.
In the second story, when Chloe goes on holiday to Brittany she rediscovers a past crush after exploring an old attic. She’s determined to make this holiday more than a musty, boring, affair, and decides to rekindle the old romance! -
Rainy Day! (Blue's Clues & You)
An all-new step 1 Step into Reading leveled reader starring Blue and her pals from Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues & You-includes over 30 stickers!
It's raining outside! Play Blue's Clues with Josh to find out what Blue wants to do on this rainy day in this sweet step 1 Step into Reading leveled reader with over 30 stickers-perfect for Blue's Clues & You fans ages 3 to 5.
Step 1 readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading.
Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues & You stars Joshua Dela Cruz as he searches for clues left by energetic puppy Blue in order to solve a daily puzzle. The series combines the best interactive and educational elements of Nickelodeon's original Blue's Clues with a refreshed signature look. -
Hop on Pop
Loved by generations, this “simplest Seuss for youngest use” is a Beginner Book classic. See Red and Ned and Ted and Ed in a bed. And giggle as Pat sits on a hat and on a cat and on a bat . . . but a cactus? Pat must NOT sit on that! This classic Beginner Book makes an ideal gift for Seuss fans and is an especially good way to show Pop some love on Father's Day!
Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
"Combines phonics and word recognition, making sounds and letters recognizable. Highly recommended."--(starred) School Library Journal. -
The Cat in the Hat
Have a ball with Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat in this classic picture book...but don't forget to clean up your mess!
A dreary day turns into a wild romp when this beloved story introduces readers to the Cat in the Hat and his troublemaking friends, Thing 1 and Thing 2. A favorite among kids, parents and teachers, this story uses simple words and basic ryhme to encourage and delight beginning readers.
Then he said "That is that."
And then he was gone
With a tip of his hat.
Originally created by Dr. Seuss himself, Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read. These unjacketed hardcover early readers encourage children to read all on their own, using simple words and illustrations. Smaller than the classic large format Seuss picture books like The Lorax and Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, these portable packages are perfect for practicing readers ages 3-7, and lucky parents too! -
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book VI
For fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events and Trenton Lee Stewart's Mysterious Benedict Society, here comes the final book in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, the acclaimed and hilarious Victorian mystery series by Maryrose Wood.
Unhappy Penelope Lumley is trapped in unhappy Plinkst! Even the beets for which Plinkst is inexplicably famous fail to grow in this utterly miserable Russian village. Penelope anxiously counts the days and wonders how she will ever get back to England in time to save all the Ashtons—who, she now knows, include herself and the Incorrigible children, although their precise location on the family tree is still a mystery—from their accursèd fate.
Her daring scheme to escape sends her on a wildly unexpected journey. But time is running out, and the not-really-dead Edward Ashton is still on the loose. His mad obsession with the wolfish curse on the Ashtons puts Penelope and the Incorrigibles in dire peril. As Penelope fights her way back to her beloved pupils, the three brave Incorrigibles endure their gloomy new tutor and worriedly prepare for the arrival of Lady Constance’s baby. Little do they know the danger they’re in!
In this action-packed conclusion to the acclaimed series, mysteries are solved and long-lost answers are found. Only one question remains: Will Penelope and the Incorrigibles find a way to undo the family curse in time, or will the next full moon be their last?
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Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom
Wayside School is back in session in this brand-new, fourth installment in the perennially beloved and bestselling series by Newbery Medal-winning author Louis Sachar.
Your favorite students and teachers are all here. That includes Sharie, who loves her striped-and-spotted umbrella more than anything; Kathy, who has a bad case of oppositosis; Jason, who has to read the longest book in the world; and the rest of Mrs. Jewls's class on the thirtieth floor, who are busily collecting toenail clippings.
Everyone is scrambling to prepare for the all-important Ultimate Test, but meanwhile, there is a mysterious Cloud of Doom looming above them...
More than fifteen million readers have laughed at the clever and hilarious stories of Wayside School. So what are you waiting for? Come visit Wayside School! Kids 7 to 13 will zoom through these chapter books--laughing their way through the fast, funny, silly but relatable stories.
This funny chapter book series includes:
- Sideways Stories from Wayside School
- Wayside School Is Falling Down
- Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
- And now also Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom, the brand-new, fourth installment in the series, and the first in twenty-five years!
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Dr. Seuss's ABC.
This "alphabet book [with] zany drawings provides an entertaining way for small children to learn their letters and their sounds." --"Booklist" The accompanying cassette has a listening side for nonreaders and a read-aloud side with page-turn signals for youngsters just learning to read.
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Would You, Could You Save the Sea? With Dr. Seuss's Lorax
The Lorax--Dr. Seuss's beloved icon of Environmentalism--stars in an early reader about helping to save the ocean!
In this simple, rhymed Step 2 Step into Reading Book (printed on recycled paper) the Lorax address a concern shared by people of all ages--how to preserve and protect the ocean by reducing our use of plastic and recycling cans and bottles. With simple, kid-friendly tips (such as using a refillable water bottle and reusable grocery bags, and saying no thanks to plastic straws), this is the perfect way to empower young children with a "Go Green" message--and to excite them about reading!
Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.
Mindfulness
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A Pebble for Your Pocket
Drawn from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Dharma talks given to young people, A Pebble for Your Pocket presents the basic teachings of the Buddha in accessible and modern language. Combining the stories and mediation practices from the previous edition of A Pebble for your Pocket with those collected in Under the Rose Apple Tree plus several new stories, this completely revised edition is written in a conversational style, and is comprised of Buddhist parables, and stories from the author's own childhood experiences. They elucidate principles of Buddhism and mindfulness practice, and give the young reader and their parents concrete advise on handling difficult emotions such as anger, from which the title - a pebble for your pocket - is taken. Written in a highly accessible style that doesn’t rely on lot of jargon or difficult vocabulary requiring breaks for explanation, Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of the present moment through vivid metaphors, original allegories, and colorful stories. Young readers will learn about handling anger, living in the present moment, and "interbeing" — the interconnectedness of all things. Thich Nhat Hanh offers various practices that children can do on their own or with others that will help them to transform anger and unhappiness and reconnect to the wonders of nature and the joy of living in the present moment. This revised edition contains teachings and stories that the whole family can enjoy, as well as practices such as transforming anger in the family, instructions on how to invite the bell, breathing and sitting meditation, touching the Buddha inside, and others.
This revised edition of A Pebble for your Pocket remains a unique and classic title in a market with few other substantial offering on this topic. It’s teachings on spirituality and awareness are thought provoking on a child's level.
This significantly expanded version includes all stories and practices previously published in Under the Rose Apple Tree plus 3 never before published stories.
With 10 b/w illustrations by Philippe Ames and Nguyen Thi Hop.
Ages 6–13. (Second graders and up) -
Be the Dragon: 9 Keys to Unlocking Your Inner Magic
"Introducing an ingenious book that encourages kids to overcome their fears, discover their creativity and passion, and understand and manage their emotions. How, in other words, to be a dragon and recognize their own special magic. Written for readers ages eight and up, Be the Dragon promotes social and emotional learning through the wild fun of dragons, creatures that embody enchantment, power, and individuality. It's a novel way to help build kids' character and confidence. In each section-Finding Your Roar, Spread Your Wings, Guard Your Treasure, and more-kids will read an engaging, action-packed parable that brings a child's inner life into focus through the adventures of dragons. These dragons-whimsically illustrated in full color-are not scary or fearsome. They are amiable, charming, and relatable as they tackle their own challenges and find their powers. Each parable is followed by a quiz and three lively activities-or Quests-that reinforce the wisdom of unlocking the reader's unique powers and discovering courage, compassion, perspective, positivity, reflection, and more"--
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Mindful Me
Sometimes kids' lives can get busy and out of control, and worries can take over. When that happens, knowing how to pause and regain composure with mindfulness can help. This easily digestible guide introduces kids to mindfulness as a way to find clarity, manage stress, handle difficult emotions, and navigate personal challenges. With step-by-step instructions to over thirty breathing, relaxation, and guided meditation exercises, readers will have an entire toolkit at their disposal and writing prompts will help them process their discoveries. Clearly written and incredibly relatable, this invaluable resource provides a positive introduction to the world of self-care and mindfulness.
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A Handful of Quiet
A playful, illustrated guide to one of the best known and most innovative meditation practices for young children experiencing stress, difficulty focusing, and difficult emotions
Developed by Thich Nhat Hanh as part of the Plum Village community’s practice with children, pebble meditation is a playful and fun activity that parents and educators can do with their children to introduce them to meditation. It is designed to involve children in a hands-on and creative way that touches on their interconnection with nature. Practicing pebble meditation can help relieve stress, increase concentration, nourish gratitude, and can help children deal with difficult emotions.
A Handful of Quiet is a concrete activity that parents and educators can introduce to children in school settings, in their local communities or at home, in a way that is meaningful and inviting. Any adult wishing to plant seeds of peace, relaxation, and awareness in children will find this unique meditation guide helpful. Children can also enjoy doing pebble meditation on their own. -
Healing Breath
A gorgeously illustrated guided meditation to calm and soothe as well as inspire and empower us to act on behalf of the natural world
Join the award-winning team of writer and teacher Bill Meyer and illustrator Brittany R. Jacobs on a guided meditation journey through rich, colorful landscapes spanning the globe. Breathe into the experience of waves on the ocean, trees in a forest, and the warmth of a desert, and feel your connection to all of life, from barnacles to baboons to falcons to farmers. This magical meditation-in-a-book is ideal for anyone who wants to simultaneously calm down and rise up to the world in all its wonders.
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Puppy in My Head
Kids experience anxiety and can feel overwhelmed just like adults do, and this picture book serves as both a story and a step-by-step guide to help calm kids down. Ollie is the puppy living inside of our narrator's head, and when Ollie panics or is too energetic, the narrator feels that way, too! But she learns to handle the situation with her breath and her mindfulness, and by talking it out with an adult.
In plain language and with a rare sense of understanding and compassion, Elise Gravel tackles anxiety in children head-on with bold colors and whimsical illustrations. This picture book also features a note from a pediatrician on the importance of mental health.
Perfect for bedtime or the classroom, readers will walk away a little more well-equipped to handle the puppies in their own heads.
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Slow Down
Slow down to watch 50 nature stories that command calm and foster mindfulness
All around us, nature is working wonders. Every day, hour by hour, magical transformations happen right in front of you. But it's not always easy to see them . . . In this beautiful illustrated collection, 50 moments in nature are paused for you to watch them in detail. Then you should go outside, and explore, and see what you find when you take the time to slow down. Gorgeously illustrated, this charming collection celebrates the small wonders happening all around us every day.
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Winnie the Pooh the Little Things in Life
Take a charming, sentimental journey through the Hundred-Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh.
Nearly a century ago, A.A. Milne created the Hundred-Acre Wood and the cast of curious creatures who delight us to this day with their humorous quirks, endearing friendships, and contemplative wisdom. Winnie the Pooh has a finer-than-most appreciation of the simple things--a satisfying snack, a warm and cozy chair, or a long walk with a friend. Come along with Pooh on a journey to share his simple yet profound observations of the natural world. Each page inspires the reader to stop and take a moment to observe and consider the joy that The Little Things in Life can bring.
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