Wouldn't it be great if kids all over Nebraska were talking about books? The Nebraska Library Commission & the Regional Library Systems have a program where kids can all read and discuss the same book. And
tell us what you think about the
selections.
2024 One Book for Nebraska Kids
"Parachute Kids" by
Betty C. Tang
This funny, fast-paced, and heartrending story about three siblings
living on their own as undocumented new immigrants is perfect for fans of New Kid and Front Desk.
A DREAM TRIP TO AMERICA TURNS INTO A NIGHTMARE!
Feng-Li can't wait to discover America with her family!
But after an action-packed vacation, her parents deliver shocking news: They are returning
to Taiwan and leaving Feng-Li and her older siblings in California on their own.
Suddenly, the three kids must fend for themselves in a strange new world--and get along.
Starting a new school, learning a new language, and trying to make new friends while managing
a household is hard enough, but Bro and Sis's constant bickering makes everything worse.
Thankfully, there are some hilarious moments to balance the stress and loneliness. But as
tensions escalate--and all three kids get tangled in a web of bad choices--can Feng-Li keep her
family together?
Find a copy of the book @ your library®—eBook, and print editions.
Check out a Book Club Kit from the Nebraska Library Commission.
Teaching Notes from Scholastics
About the Author:
Betty C. Tang came to the United States from Taiwan as a parachute kid herself. She graduated with BFA from CalArts, and worked for
25 years in Hollywood animation studios, including DisneyTV and Dreamworks, She is now devoted to creating meaningful books for kids. She lives in California.
Learn more about Betty at https://bettyctang.com
2024 One Book for Nebraska Teens
"Between the Lines" by Nikki Grimes
This thought-provoking companion to Bronx Masquerade shows the capacity poetry has to express ideas and feelings, and connect us with ourselves and others.
Darrian dreams of writing for the New York Times. To hone his skills and learn more about the power of words, he enrolls in Mr. Ward’s class,
known for its open-mic poetry readings and boys vs. girls poetry slam. Everyone in class has something important to say, and in sharing their poetry,
they learn that they all face challenges and have a story to tell—whether it’s about health problems, aging out of foster care, being bullied for
religious beliefs, or having to take on too much responsibility because of an addicted parent. As Darrian and his classmates get to know one another
through poetry, they bond over the shared experiences and truth that emerge from their writing, despite their private struggles and outward differences.
Find a copy of the book @ your library®—audio, eBook, and print editions.
Check out a Book Club Kit from the Nebraska Library Commission.
Discussion and Activity Guide from Nikki Grimes
Book Website
About the Author:
New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes was inducted into the Black Authors Hall of Fame in 2023. Her honors include the CSK Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award,
the ALAN Award for significant contributions to young adult literature, the Children’s Literature Legacy Medal, and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Author of the Coretta
Scott King Award-winner Bronx Masquerade, and five Coretta Scott King Author Honors, she won the Printz Honor and Sibert Honor for her memoir Ordinary Hazards. Her latest titles include
Garvey’s Choice:The Graphic Novel, a School Library Journal 2023 Best Book; Lullaby for the King, one of Book Riot’s 25 Best Christmas Books of All Time; and A Walk in the Woods,
recipient of 8 starred reviews, and 11 Best Book listings for 2023, including the New York Times, NPR, and Smithsonian Magazine. Ms. Grimes lives in Corona, California.
Learn more about Nikki at
https://nikkigrimes.com/
Beginning in 2013 we select both a One Book for Nebraska Kids
and a One Book for Nebraska Teens every year. Prior to 2013 we
alternated choosing titles. The "Kids" book is aimed at grades 4-6 or so
and the "Teens" title is often aimed at high school age readers.
Jump to:
2023
2022
2021
2019
2018
2017
2016
2014
2013
2012
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
Copyright: 2023
Publisher:
Graphix
ISBN-13: 978-1338832686
288 pages
Get the book club kit
"The development of the characters and their relationships is convincing and balanced, and the siblings' respective experiences are relatable for anyone who has tried to fit in somewhere. This empathic
story centers a less widely recognized community and thoughtfully presents a distinct facet of immigration. Emotionally moving and beautifully executed."
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Copyright: 2019
Publisher:
Nancy Paulsen Books
ISBN-13: 978-0399246883
224 pages
Get the book club kit
“These complex students use poetry to find their truest voices and write their own stories. . . . Each character occupies his or her own space and no one character or voice
monopolizes the story. The narratives of immigrants, foster children, families effected by incarceration, and teens taxed with familial burdens are thoroughly explored in a thought-provoking
way. The poems and voices are a perfect blend of the many facets of American teens’ lives.
An excellent companion book that lends itself easily to a teacher’s poetry unit, this is great choice for school and public libraries.”
—School Library Journal
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