Find your little bibliophile a great new read they won’t be able to put down. Nothing compares to the magic of browsing rows of bookshelves and cracking open the spine of a book so the story inside can spring to life in a young reader’s imagination. San Diego is home to some very cool bookstores with equally inviting kid’s sections where you’ll find everything from comics and sci-fi to storytime with beloved children’s book authors and Where’s Waldo scavenger hunts. Read on for 8 local shops to dog-ear for your next adventure with your little bookworm!
Sandcastle Tales
The only bookstore in San Diego that’s dedicated entirely to children. It was founded by a mother of three who wanted kids to have the most magical experience with books. Kids can work on story-related craft projects while their parents read aloud or browse. Storytimes come to life here with related props, crafts and sing-a-longs. Check out their fun birthday party celebrations with fantastic literary experiences. They even have recommended award-winning book lists for different ages.
NEARBY: Walk a few shops over to the cute little coffee booth at Kini Koffee or grab breakfast or lunch on the patio at Pacifica Breeze Café; both have stunning ocean views. Plan ahead to drive a few minutes over to Powerhouse playground for a play session just steps away from the beach with stunning ocean views; and the train runs by every so often.
Sandcastle Tales 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858-777-2086 Online: sandcastletales.com
Central Library Shop
This downtown shop is located on the ground floor of the San Diego Central Library and is a partner of the Public Library Foundation. That means proceeds from the well-curated Library Shop purchases benefit the San Diego Public Library system — an extra bonus in our "book." If that's not enough to love, the shop hosts awesome literacy-themed gatherings for kids like a Where's Waldo scavenger hunt, card-making workshops for Mother's Day and Father's Day, visits from famous authors of children's books and storytime events. A visit to this shop is sure to be an epic day for readers of all ages.
NEARBY: Across the street is Hob Coffee East Village or further down is the ultra-trendy Holy Matcha or walk-up coffee bar at Achilles Coffee.
Central Library Shop 300 Park Blvd., Downtown 619-236-5802 Online: libraryshopsd.org
Bay Books
Considered San Diego's largest general independent bookstore, Bay Books has been catering to local (and visiting) bookworms for more than 20 years. Boasting an extensive children's section, with books for those tackling their ABCs as well as good reads for more accomplished readers, the shop is roomy enough for families to sit together and read while still offering plenty of cozy nooks for those who prefer some quiet time. Be sure to check out their party supply section where you can pick out the perfect decor for your thoughtful reader's next birthday party.
NEARBY: Inside Bay Books is a coffee + pastry shop so you don’t have to go too far. Down the street, you have a choice from Moo Time Creamery for ice cream, Nado Gelato or across the street for an old-timey landmark at Clayton’s Coffee Shop for classic American meals, coffee, pie and jukebox tunes.
Replenish your supply of bedtime stories at Warwicks, the country’s oldest family-owned and operated bookstore, located in La Jolla. The well-stocked shop offers a kid's section filled with a wide selection of books, educational toys, colorful artwork and comfy beanbag chairs. The store used to have storytimes so check back in case they start those up again later on.
NEARBY: This is in the middle of the village so you can shop, eat and people watch all morning long. Walk across the street to trendy Parakeet Café or a few blocks further to Better Buzz.
Warwicks 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla 858-454-0347 Online: warwicks.com
Recently opened in 2017, and very welcome addition to the South Park neighborhood. They have a wonderful children’s room full of books, while also focusing on new literary fiction, short stories, narrative nonfiction, science and nature writing.
NEARBY: Buy a book and walk 2 blocks down to Communal Coffee for a quick outdoor reading session.
This long-time book store has been around since 1967 and is very well-known with the well-read crowd in town. There’s a great kid’s section with a variety of new books, including Level 1, 2 & 3 and summer beach reads. Donate to their ongoing Baby Book Drive where they collect books for tots 0-5 years old that are enrolled in the local UCSD high-risk infant follow-up program. These babies get a free book and parents get the encouragement to cuddle up and read; all from the donations of their customers.
NEARBY: Plan to grab breakfast, lunch or coffee at any one of the wonderful restaurants that are surrounded nearby; a favorite is Snooze A.M. Eatery 1 ½ blocks north.
A local’s favorite bookstore for used and rare books, but in a fun and hip art-filled space. They stock quality editions of classics, favorites and new discoveries, including over 200 local authors. You’ll find lots of cozy antique chairs for reading and discovering something new.
NEARBY: Walk to your choice of coffee shops from here, Dark Horse, Subterranean Coffee or Holsem Coffee; but the kids would love a stop at Flap Your Jacks (a make your own pancake grill restaurant!).
Verbatim Books 3793 30th St., North Park 619-501-7466 Online: verbatim-books.com
Mysterious Galaxy
Lea S. via Yelp
Books about martians, magic, mayhem and more? Yes, please! Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego specializes in science fiction and fantasy and even offers customers a kid's indie reading list. The recommended books are curated by age and hand-picked to inspire tiny bookworms to keep reading.
NEARBY: Walk across the parking lot to Crumbl Cookies and you’ll be planning a return trip before you know it.
Mysterious Galaxy 3555 Rosecrans St., Midway District 619-539-7137 Online: mystgalaxy.com
Comickaze
If your family is into comics and pop culture, then Comickaze is the bookshop for you. Comickaze stocks San Diego's largest and most diverse selection of comics, graphic novels and collector supplies. The store is chock full of merchandise so plan ahead for some extra browsing time here.
NEARBY: Two shops down is GuilTea Cravings for milk & boba teas, lattes, sweet macarons and Asian bites.
J-Law is pregnant! One of the most popular stars of the last decade is expecting with husband Cooke Maroney. The couple tied the knot in October 2019, and their latest round of happy news comes almost exactly two years later.
Lawrence keeps private on social media, but her representative confirmed the news first to People Magazine. She’s been linked to Maroney, an art dealer, since 2018, and this will be their first child together. Maroney also keeps a low profile on social media, with a private Instagram account.
The world’s highest-paid actress in 2015 and 2016, Lawrence has starred in a multitude of popular movies, including The Hunger Games series, Silver Linings Playbook and X-Men. She’ll appear next in Don’t Look Up, a science-fiction blockbuster film that’s packed with star power and set to premiere in December.
It sounds like the couple will be fantastic parents since Lawrence called Maroney “the greatest human being I’ve ever met” in a podcast interview with Catt Sadler in 2019. No due date has been announced yet, but we can’t wait for more details on the new addition!
Your kid needs a mask. Whether it’s a run to the grocery store, a bike ride, or thoughts about returning to school, it’s time to stock up on face masks for your kids and family.
The CDC agrees that cloth face masks are one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your family safe by slowing the spread of COVID-19. As we’ve learned, coronavirus is spread through droplets, so wearing a mask reduces your family’s risk.
What should you look for when shopping for kids masks?
Mosts parents agree a comfortable mask, with a breathable fabric, goes a long way in staying on your child’s face. The mask should be kid-sized, i.e smaller than an adult mask.
For additional guidelines, the CDC suggests kids’ masks that have multiple layers, fit snugly around the face, are secured with ties or ear loops, and are machine washable.
Tip: Order both the ear loop and a mask with ties. For long periods of time i.e. all-day wear, kids are more comfortable with the ties than the ear loop.
Many companies are stepping up and offering a variety of options to comply with guidelines, and in super creative ways. From organic cotton and breathable material, to Mickey Mouse and Paw Patrol, keep scrolling to see our favorite options for both kids face masks and adult face masks.
Bamboozle's masks are made with dishwasher safe bamboo fiber and are super cute. This set of masks feature a variety of animal themes including a cow, pig, lion, dog, fox and shark.
Mightly kids' face masks were recently named one of the "best sustainable, adjustable face masks for kids" by Forbes. The brand was founded by three moms who were tired of trying to find affordable sustainable clothes that their kids actually wanted to wear. Sold in 5-packs in a variety of fun colors and patterns, Mightly kids masks are made with three layers of luxurious rain fed 100% GOTS certified organic cotton in a fair trade certified factory. Comfortably tagless and snug fitting, to accommodate a variety of face shapes, they were designed for touch-sensitive kids and don't fall off of faces during play. They are some of the most comfortable masks we've tried and totally approved by an active boy with sensitivity to wearing masks.
Balaclavas are one of the easiest face coverings for kiddos to wear, and we love these from Baby Bala. Each three pack comes with bright colors, comfy ear loops and filters.
Carter’s has recently launched perfectly-sized face masks for kids. The cotton masks fits most kids ages two to 14, and while several of the colors are already sold out, Carter's will release new ones in July. In addition, the company created an illustrated guide for kids that aids parents in explaining the importance of wearing a mask. The “My Hero Mask” helps highlight our essential workers and anyone who wears a mask as an everyday hero, and is available for free with the purchase of any mask.
Made with a 3D design for easy breathability, these kids masks from Fenrici are moisture absorbing and sweat releasing. Each one comes with adjustable seamless elastic ear loops and a stretching, contoured shape, and is made with sustainable, biodegradable yarn, Acpocynum Viscose that is washable and reusable. Each purchase directs 5 percent of proceeds to Global Genes, the 501(c3) non-profit that supports the research and education for pediatric rare diseases, a community that is facing additional challenges during the covid-19 pandemic.
Nuzzle's masks are eco-friendly, washable, fully adjustable, and specially made for children. Each one is made with breathable cotton, adjustable elastic ear loops and is great for kids three and older.
Size: Kids
Price: $10.99 or 3 masks for $28 with code NUZZLESTHREE
Yoobi's reusable masks offer triple layer protection in adorable patterns. Each one comes with adjustable ear straps and are machine washable. For every Yoobi mask you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a U.S. child in need.
Sometimes you just need a single-use mask and Just Play Children's Masks come in fun colors that make them fun to wear. These masks offer special licensed designs like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Paw Patrol, Blue’s Clues & You!, Batman and Harry Potter. Additionally, a donation will be made towards COVID-relief efforts for every box purchased of the licensed face masks.
Mouse Loves Pig is normally your go-to place for screen-free toys, but you can outfit your kiddos in masks, too! Even better, the shop is selling child and toy mask sets, so their favorite plushie can be safe, too. Each set comes with a reversible face mask for a child plus a small version that fits on their fave plush or doll. The adorable prints come in everything from polka dots, rainbows, space unicorns, dragonflies, butterflies, stars and more!
Size: One size, ideal for kids three to 10
Price: $14.99 for toy and mask set, $4.99 for plush-only mask, $24.99 for adult, child and plush trio set
To help little ones adjust to this new normal, Cubcoats has launched a line of “kid friendly” masks in playful designs resembling the characters they have come to know and love. Now your kids can transform themselves into Kali the kitty, Uki the Unicorn, Papo the Panda and Pimm the Puppy. Each mask is made of two layers of fabric, lined with 100% cotton and contain an inner pocket for filters.
Cubcoats has also just released transforming, two-in-one masks that double as loveable stuffys. Each one folds up into a wristlet that can be worn so you never lose one. t
Size: One size, best for kids four and older
Price: $12.99 for pack of two, $24.99 for pack of three of new Mask Buddies
King + Lola's masks are handmade and made with love in Atlanta, GA. Their kids camo mask is made with 100 percent cotton and is uber comfy and stylish. The black-owned business also donates 5 percent of every purchase directly to local charities.
Size: Kids small (age two to four), medium (age five to eight) and large (age nine to 12)
Adaptive fashion place, Patti + Ricky are now selling Ushood's Liteside UPF Sunshirt, a lightweight, breathable top that has a built-in, no-slip face covering. Perfect for kids with special needs, the extra fabric acts as a neck warmer and is easy to pull up as a face covering. The innovative shirt comes in 10 colors.
Little Medical School's Kids Face Covering Kit is not only a great option for role-playing, but the masks are actually wearable! Each box comes with an activity card and certificate, tape measure, stickers to decorate and two cloth masks.
Every Speakeasy Travel Supply Masks is handcrafted in Massachusetts with soft and breathable OEKO-TEX® certified woven cotton. They have have adjustable ears, are washable, reusable and have options that include standard two layer, three layer or 4 layer with Filter Pocket and Removable Nose Wire .
Maskela is not just a mask, it's a fashion statement. Choose from fancy options that include Japanese cotton, sequin, lace, silk, bridal, couture, metallic and more. They're made with a 3D convex shape, hidden pocket for filters and come with a storage pouch.
Poppy + Sage is a sustainable fashion brand with a focus on products from real communities that they have built authentic relationships with. The company's reusable masks made in Bali with 100% cotton with elastic straps and are machine washable.
Destira's athletic face masks are great for active kids, teens and adults. They are made with breathable, 100% premium cotton, over-head straps and are reusable and machine-washable. Each purchase will help send masks to Project Lemonade, a Portland-based non-profit that provides new, fashionable clothing, shoes, and supplies to youth in the foster care system, in addition to their Internship and Wish-granting programs.
Size: Child Small (3-6), Child Large (7-12), Teen/Adult
There are tons of options to choose from at Mamask. The company makes 100 percent cotton masks, sports masks and even holiday gifts sets. Masks are made with a copper fabric filter that has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and deodorizing benefits. To make it even more fun, kiddos can shop the variety of cute mask necklaces.
Paige Lauren's face masks are single layer and organically dyed. They're incredibly soft and with each purchase PL is donating proceeds to @wearFIGS Frontline Responders FUND.
Size: Adult, Child, Toddler & Mini (the small sizes of these masks are perfect for toddlers)
Our Head of Editorial tells us that this mask fits her 2 1/2 year old toddler son and he'll actually wear it for long stretches of time without complaining (for anyone who has tried to outfit a toddler with a mask knows this is a big deal). It's 100% double layer cotton with white silicone cord stops and elastic you can loosen or tighten around the ears. For the kids sizes there is no nose bridge casing or aluminum nose piece. Patterns are kid-friendly and playful (think fish, trucks and unicorns)
Size: kids (great for a toddler sized face). Also available in adult sizes.
These unique window masks are perfect for teachers, professionals and anyone who'd depend on reading lips. Each one is made of two layers of 100 percent quilting cotton, heavy gauge, durable vinyl, adjustable, soft ear loops and a nose wire for enhanced fit.
Don't let the name fool ya: this Seattle-based renowned corset maker Period Corsets is making some of the best masks money can buy. You'll find kids sizes, mommy-and-me and daddy-and-me styles and even Stuffy-and-Me designs in an array of fun cotton fabrics including mermaids, train-tracks and unicorn kitties! Handmade by a team of dedicated moms and women, shop here to support a local business and help families thrive while keeping your own loved ones safe.
Yes, your favorite tea company now makes masks! Shop the Aztec and Cherry Blossom patterns you know and love in masks that are triple-layered cotton with a PM2.5 filter and adjustable ear loop straps.
Made in San Francisco, CAMP's mask options range from whimsical pastels to funky patterns for both adults and kids. Choose from soft jersey styles that include both ties and ear loops, and even a matching mask and ringer tee bundle!
Two female-owned, small business brands, Tokki and size-inclusive fashion brand Gravitas New York, have come together to create stylish face masks for the entire family. Not only is one mask donated to a frontline worker for every one purchased, but we love the light, cotton styles that comes with and adjustable filter pocket, around-the-head bands and fun styles.
Size: Kids 2-6, kids 7-12, adult, adult petite and adult XL
Billie Blooms outfits the entire family with masks! Each non-medical cloth mask is reusable, washable and handmade in the USA. The fitted masks come with an inner pocket to add your own filter, are made with 100 percent cotton and 1/8" USA made latex-free elastic. When you purchase a masks, Billie Blooms will provide masks to Feeding America to help those in need.
Part scarf, part face mask, these uber comfy masks make a statement! Made with Covered Good signature material, they easily stay up around the nose (they include ear loops!) and can be worn as a stylish scarf when not inside.
Size: Small (toddler to pre-teen), medium (teens and women) and large (men and women)
Your every day mask, these everyday coverings from City Threads are reusable, washable and made from soft 100% cotton. The soft-knit masks are made with two layers of protection and are machine washable.
Size: XS (3T - 6), S (kids 7-12), L (Adult Large), XL(Adult X-Large) and XXL(Adult XX-Large)
Charis + Love's organic cotton masks are perfect for littles needing protection. The company also offers styles using antibacterial thread as well as lightweight, summer masks for adults.
Size: Toddlers (2-3 years), kids (4-8 years) and adult
The Elephant Organics have several mask options, including those with and without filter pockets. You'll love that they're made with 100 percent organic cotton interlock fabric exclusive of trims and are lead, phthalate and flame retardant free.
You'll get the best of the best with the Max7 mask. It's a liquid-repellent 7-layer reusable face mask with five layers for breathable protection and a cooling quick-dry inner layer. If also offers a particle filtration efficiency of up to 96%, adjustable ear straps and a moldable nose clip.
Enro's masks are fun and functional. Each one contains three layers, a built-in PM0.1 filter and an exclusive fabrication that's 40% more breathable than cotton. And bonus: they can withstand up to 100x machine washes without losing any of their efficacy!
Luminora's face masks offer three times the protection of traditional cotton mask. They are eco-friendly, offer UPF 50+ protection, are antimicrobial and are temperature regulating.
Mom-run company Happy Masks is one of the only businesses using a nanofiber membrane filter. It's been tested and found to block over 99.9 percent of particular matter (PM) for up to for 50 washes. The unique 3D design leaves space between the mask inner layer and the mouth and nostrils for ultimate comfort and also features an adjustable nose wire and ear straps
Bobo's double-layered premium face masks are super special. All 100 percent of proceeds will go to support Blessing In A Backpack to help raise awareness of childhood hunger. Each one comes with adjustable ear straps, with three color choices for kids and one for adults.
NiiceFace's masks made from 100% pure cotton and smart antibacterial fabric. Each one comes with a five layer PM2.5 filter, adjustable ear belts and a convertible aluminum nose-bridge. NiiceFace also uses the newest silver ion technique to resist and stop the growth of microorganisms.
Sock It To Me's dual-layered knit masks come with an outer material that leverages the natural properties of copper. Even better? You can buy a matching pair of socks!
Shawn Sargent's masks are breathable, stylish, and reusable, With over 40 designs for both kids and adults, everyone will enjoy this handmade face coverings that are made in Chicago. Each one is made with premium 100 percent tight-weave eco-friendly cotton that come in two and three-layer designs,
Grove Collaborative just released a new line kid-specific products for back to school including reusable masks. The triple-layered reusable face masks are from soft organic cotton with an antimicrobial coating. Each one lasts up to 40 washes and comes in packs of three with fun colors and patterns.
Silkberry baby is bringing their buttery soft fabric to the mask world Perfect for sensitive skin, the two-ply fabric is made from bamboo, is breathable, washable and reusable.
Female founded athletic brand, AVRE is now making face masks. Each one is knitted with fibers spun out of recycled PET bottles and comes with high-grade filters that offer high bacterial filtration levels and resistance. Even better, AVRE donates five masks to local organizations in need for every mask that is purchased.
Plover is now making masks for adults and kids. Each one is made with doubled organic cotton, behind-the-ear elastic and we metal nose bridges. Choose from six patterns for adults and two for kids.
Size: Kids and adults
Price: $25 for a set of 2 for kids, $35 for a set of 2 for adults
Rendall Co.'s masks are unique in that they feature and adjustable bungee cord (versus over the ear elastics) and tearaway velcro for safety. Each one has a protective dual layer, in breathable, washable cotton. The company offers adult and two kid sizes (ages 3-6 and 7-10).
Known for its water repellent aprons, BlueCut is now making masks with a micro-suede finish. They come with two layers of light-weight woven fabric, high-thread count protection and are washable, reusable and sustainable. The affordable masks can also be customized with embroidery and a name label.
Whether you're looking for disposable or cloth, adult or kid sizes, Kohl's has it all. Shop from a huge selection of polyester and cotton in basic patterns, solids and tons of sports themes.
Baby products and lifestyle brand green sprouts masks offer three layers of protection, including an activated carbon inside. Choose from lots of adorable prints for both kids and adults, and 10 percent of masks sold are donated to organizations in need or areas that are most affected by COVID-19.
Co.Protect is helping you get ready for the back to school season. The mask retailer is now making FDA certified single-use masks for kids in addition to their adult styles. Each one is made with a three layer Spunbond construction, making them sweat-free and breathable to feel light and comfortable. Fun kids styles include surfing, puppies and camo.
Maloja's three-layer reusable masks are made with a special Viraloff finish, an antimicrobial fabric treatment. The unique style completely covers your face and mouth, with elastic loops that affix around the neck and head for ultimate comfort.
Vistaprints mask lineup offers both custom and pre-fabbed masks. Each one offers a peplaceable filter system and advanced filtration that will block airborne contaminants. Kid and adult sizes come with3-dimensional chin structure, a nose bridge and adjustable straps.
Beloved by the Royals, La Coqueta is now making face masks for both kids and adults. Handmade in Spain, each mask has a reversible design with elastic ear loops. Currently you can choose from seven adorable patterns.
Size: Kids and adults
Cost: $9 for kids and $11.60 for adults. Free international shipping on orders over $193 or $25 for shipping to the U.S.
Honest's soft and reusable face masks are made with double layered 100% cotton cloth available in adjustable child and adult sizes. Each mask comes with adjustable silicone sliders on stretchy round elastic, bendable nose wire and a pocket for filters (each masks comes with five!). Choose from three patterns: Rose Blossom, Cactus & Pattern Play.
Size: Kids and adult
Cost: $22.99 for kids two-pack, $24.99 for adult two-pack with additional six and eight-pack options
In addition to regular cloth masks, Baby Jack & Co. is also whipping up "Smile Window Learning Lovey Masks." The window is made from breathable acrylic poly film, while the remaining is made of up breathable, micro-poly. All masks are machine washable, designed in the USA and 20 percent all sales will be donated to the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Size: Kids and adult
Cost: $9.95 for kids, $10.95 for adults. Adult and kid window masks are available for pre-order with shipment mid-August for $12.95 each.
Made with 100 percent combed cotton, Polkadot England's delicate-patterned masks make quite the accessory. Each masks comes with color coordinated elastic loops and is machine washable. A portion of proceeds from all masks sold will go to YouMomCares, a non-profit organization dedicated to children's mental wellness for the months of November and December.
Children's brand Janie and Jack are now using extra fabric to make masks for kids and adults. Sold in two packs, the cute and simple prints are sold in a pleated style with elastic ear loops. Additionally, for every pair of masks purchased through September 30th, Janie and Jack will donate $5.00 to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit which provides necessities for children in poverty.
West Point Home has just added face masks for kids and adults that are made with Silverbac, an antimicrobial technology. Made by Martex Health, customers can choose between two and three-layer options that include comfort loops elastics and fun, washable fabrics like rainbows and dinosaurs.
Piccolina's masks are made with 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex so you know they'll be comfy. The triple-layered masks offer a pocket for filters and come in five adorable prints. Additionally, 20 percent of proceeds from mask sales will go toward families in need via non-profit partner City Harvest, where seven pounds of food will be delivered to families in need.
Size: Kids and adults
Cost: $10 for 1 mask, $27 for 3, $42 for 5 or $80 for 10
Marie Chantal Children has introduced a limited lineup of masks made from leftover fabric prints from this year’s collection. The series includes masks for kids ages four to 10 and adults, and includes matching items that coordinate with dresses from this year's styles. A percentage of all masks sales will go to support "Together for Children," an association of non-profit NGO’s that work in the field of child welfare supporting children in Greece.
Accessory brand, Caraa, has just launched reusable and washable masks for kids and adults. Each one is made from dual-layer 100% cotton, with a nose bridge wire, adjustable ear loops and a filter pocket. The masks come in packs of five in gorgeous color palettes, and Caraa donates a pack to relief efforts for every bundle purchased.
Jaanuu, a medical apparel brand, is selling reusable antimicrobial masks for adults and kids. With an exterior fabric that is moisture-wicking, and breathable, the soft scrubs fabric is treated with Silvadur™ antimicrobial technology to ward off bacteria, mold and mildew. The interior fabric is lined in cotton or mesh that makes each on super comfortable for long wear.
Boomer Natural's 30-Day Nano Silver masks are good for 30 washes and come in an ultra-soft, 65 percent cotton/35 percent polyester blend. Each mask is made from three layers of tightly woven fabric with nano-silver technology. The triple layer construction filters the air and minimizes transmission germs.
Size: Kids and adult
Price: Kids sizes start at $7.70 and adult sizes start at $9.70 with subscribe and save options
Say hello to the first face mask made with zinc and created specifically for sensitive skin and eczema! Remedywear masks are made with TENCEL and an embedded zinc oxide. Each masks is machine washable, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. YoRo Naturals will will donate one mask to a professional caregiver, community program or schools in need for every two masks sold.
Ledbury, a shirting and menswear brand is now making masks! With sizes for men, women and kids, the brand is offering several styles that include cone, pleated and diamond with options for antibacterial fabric and adjustable straps.
Every mask you buy from Knours is handmade by Jennifer and Anne, two women whose small businesses have suffered during the pandemic. Each masks is triple-layered and made with 100 percent cotton that features a melt-blown, non-woven filter that is nonflammable and nonabsorbent.
BooginHead makes super comfy masks for kids and adults, and many matching options. They are made with two layers of fabric with a pocket for a filter, are BPA, PVC and phthalate-free, soft ear loops and come in a structured fit. The company also just released new adjustable masks, as well! In addition, BooginHead donates 10% of Mask profits to COVID-19 aid organizations local and nationwide.
Funkins doesn't just make masks, they make three unique styles! With beyond adorable prints that include ninjas and mermaids, shoppers can choose from pleated, comfort fit or a secure fit that comes with extra material and a nose bridge wire.They are made with lightweight material that is breathable and machine washable.
Stock up with Giftgowns mask bundles that offer men, women, unisex and kid styles! Each masks offers two layers of cotton, a filter pocket, is breathable and machine washable. With so many trendy patterns, there's a mask for the entire fam!
Rafi Nova's masks come in tons of options for all kinds of weather. The company's everyday essentials masks offer three layers of lightweight 100 percent cotton, that include a middle anti-bacterial layer. You'll also get a nose bridge, adjustable ear loops and an additional filter pocket. Teens and adults can also choose from the lightweight performance options, as well as kids styles in cute patterns, made from cotton.
Sizes: S-Child 4-6 years old, M-Child 6-12 years old, one size fits all for teen and adult
Price: Two-pack kids mask for $16, three-pack adult masks for $27
Nano Air Masks are made in America and filter more than 95% of airborne particles and contaminants. Lighter than a sheet of paper, these disposable masks are perfect for warm weather.
Amy Kuschel's collection of face masks include sizes ranging from mini to max. Each mask comes with fabric ties and a wired edge along the upper mask to contour to the nose. There are tons of family-friendly prints in simple and neutral colors.
Size: Mini XS/S-Kids 4+ and adults with petite faces, Standard S/M-Most adults, Max L/XL taller adults
OURA masks offer self-sterilizing technology that actually kills germs. Each one gives specialized protection from pathogens with lab tested antimicrobial effects. Coming in both junior and adult sizes, each masks comes with its own antimicrobial travel pouch to store when it's not in use.
MaskClub is the first subscription-based buy one, donate one online mask destination. As one of the top licensing companies with over 800+ licensed brands, your kiddos will love the styles that include Sesame Street, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, JoJo Siwa, Blue’s Clues & You!, PAW Patrol, and more. The are double-ply, printed and sewn in the USA and for every mask purchase, the company will donate a medical grade mask to First Responders Children’s Foundation.
Size: Child and adult
Price: $9.99 subscription for one mask per month or $13.99 each
Disney face masks character-themed masks feature fan faves from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars lines. Coming packs of four, each set includes unique designs, and all profits of mask sales in the U.S. will be donated to MedShare, up to $1 million until Sept. 30, 2020.
Size: Youth small and medium, Adult large and extra large
Price: $19.99 for pack of four
Available at shopdisney.com for preorder, with expected ship date of Aug. 26
Shoshanna
Shoshanna, the women’s ready-to-wear, evening wear and swimwear firm, has introduced Mommy and Me masks, hoping that the collection will make it easier for parents to get their children to wear them. The reusable mini masks are made from excess gingham fabric and are available in mint or navy.
Nickelodeon is producing iconic characters from its hit shows including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Blue’s Clues & You! and JoJo Siwa. All proceeds from the sales of Nickelodeon face masks will benefit Save the Children’s COVID-19 Global Response and will be redistributed to the region where the mask was purchased.
Size: Child and adult
Price: $18.95
Available at spongbobshop.com and other outlets later this summer
Old Navy
Old Navy is selling reusable cloth masks that come in packs of five for both adults and kids, and in assorted surprise patterns made with excess fabrics from other products as a way to sustainably source the materials. In addition to making affordable masks available for customers to buy, Old Navy is making a donation of 50,000 masks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Target offers some of the most affordable mask options around. Adorable two-layer cotton kids masks start at $4 for a pack of two, and you can even pick up gorgeous patterned adult options for just $2. They come with elastic ear loops, pockets for filters and are machine washable.
ARLi sells child and adult masks that are washable, reusable, reversible and double lined. The high-quality, breathable supima cotton and soft ribbed cotton ear loops makes them comfortable, no one will mind wearing them.
These comfy and breathable T-shirt material masks are made from rayon/spandex jersey. They offer a snug fit that's also breathable for warm weather, and come in 35 different pattern choices! Additionally Bailey Blue is donating masks to local heroes in need.
Each Happy Mask is made from two layers of fabric with a filter pocket for added protection. You can currently choose from white or mustard, and when you purchase from Mochi Kids, the company will donate one mask for each one sold.
Joah Love has so many patterns, we lost count! Many styles offer reversible options and the company's adjustable ear straps make these a great option for the entire family. Described as a "T-shirt for your face," these coverings are made from the company's softest shirts and are guaranteed to be comfy.
Size: Kids (two to 6), Sm/Md (Older Kids, Tweens, Petite Adult Faces., M/L = Women & Men, XL= Fuller Faces/Men, Beards
Crayola is helping kids and teachers prepare for school. They are offering a 5-mask system that offers unique styles each day of the school week, so kids can choose a new, clean mask every day. Each kit comes with masks that are made with dual-layer fabric with a with 3-D face design, secure fit adjustable ear straps, nose clip and a laundry bag for easy washing.
Size: Kids and adults
Price: $29.99 for a pack of 5 for kids and $39.99 for a pack of 5 for adults
Nico Nico is whipping up super stylish masks with surplus fabric. Currently, the company is offering two styles of masks with elastic, adjustable ties and a side opening to insert filter.
Walmart's face masks include everything from cloth and disposable to balaclavas and bandanas. The cotton masks offer three layers of protection, are machine washable and come in tons of fun patterns. Many styles offer extra features, like adjustable ear loops, too!
String King offers both reusable 2-layer cotton masks as well as 3-layer disposable options. The simple reusable style is great for all occasions, with neutral color choices and comfortable ear loops. We also love the bulk order options that make buying for organizations or stocking up a breeze.
Choose from TechKnit or the Everyday masks for ultimate comfort and protection. The Everyday model has a new and improved design with five layers and a sewn-in filter.
Let your face breath with this option from Cilque that is made from 100 percent Mulberry silk. Each one has a double layer with an extra filter pocket and is reusable.
Christy Dawn now sells cotton and silk masks and they're all sustainable. Since the start of the pandemic, the company has upcycled over 40,000 yards of deadstock fabric and donated 200,000 masks to first responders and people in need. You can shop cotton and silk styles in pleated and contoured designs. Masks are reusable and washable.
Size: Adults
Cost: $22 for single silk mask, $30+ for cotton three packs
Autumn Adeigbo's colorful masks are all produced in the U.S. at sustainable, female-owned facilities. Each one provides global artisans with meaningful employment and fair wages. The black-owned business' masks are made from 100 percent cotton and are all made to order.
Maker of toy storage bags, Swoop Bag is now bringing you reusable, non-medical grade masks! Each one is made with adjustable soft jersey cotton ear loops, double layer 100% quilting cotton and lots of bright colors.
Size: Technically only for adults, but can fit kids as young as 10
Newly launched, woman and minority-owned mask business Olivian is changing the mask game. Not only are they offering bulk purchases of single use triple-layer masks, but a monthly subscription that goes up to 500 masks, too! Each one offers an adjustable nose piece and is made with soft, breathable fabric.
Size: Adult
Price: Monthly subscription starts at $20 per month, or $24.50 for a pack of 50
41 Winks masks have been tested with a respiratory therapist for a great fit, and each one is individually sewn with a reinforced top stitch all around. They offer adjustable elastic straps, adjustable plastic nose bridge three layers of protection. Each face mask purchased gives 5% to frontline workers and their families through the First Responders First fund.
Uniqlo's AIRism masks are already best sellers and offer a three tier structure. The first layer wicks away moisture, the second has a built in filter and the third uses AIRism Mesh to blocks UV rays.
Soliscia by Nufabrx is a must for hot weather. The reusable face mask is infused with shea butter to prevent “maskne” and moisturize dried out skin.It's made with soft ear loops, is machine washable and copper powered which deters bacterial growth.
Made in Europe with The Fold London's signature surplus fabric, these silk masks are perfect for long-term wear. Each one is lined with 100 percent cotton, has elastic ear loops and comes with an opening to insert a removable filter. For every set of masks sold, £15 will go directly to Smart Works charity, an organization that helps unemployed women get back to work.
Maternity Brand Emilia George is now offering three styles of masks. In addition to a 100 percent cotton version that comes with either elastic loops or ties, the company is also selling a 100 percent cupro version. This material is a a cotton by-product and one of the most sustainable and breathable fabrics. Masks come in a variety of colors, and Emilia George donates a portion of their inventory to daycare centers across the country that remain open for children of essential workers.
Boden's jersey-soft masks are a mystery in the making. When you order a pack, you get a surprise batch of patterns made from the end of fabric rolls, making these cozy face coverings eco-friendly! The stretchy masks offer a wire for a fitted nose and comfy ear loops.
In a matter of days, Pixels became the world's largest mask retailer. With over hundreds of thousands of designers and 3,000,000 options, you can literally find a design for everyone. Choose from styles featuring surrealism, abstract, sports, wildlife, florals, science fiction and more. The stylish designs are made from 100 percent polyester and hand-sewn in North Carolina. The masks come with two elastic ear loops and a built-in pocket for inserting an air filter.
If you're looking for a go-to set of face masks, these stretchable, form-fitting fabric from Lapcos are the ones. They provide 99.9% UV protection, a stretchable and slip-on material with a stable fit that won't irritate your nose and chin.
If you've been wanting to design your own mask, but aren't the seamstress, Walgreens is here to save the day. The retailers is now offering fully customizable masks that you can design with your own photo! The two-part masks are cotton on the inside and polyester on the outside, come with silicone fasteners and a pocket for filters.
Cariloha's bamboo masks are made from sustainable material that naturally repels toxins, allergens and odors. The comfy material makes long-term wear a breeze and each mask comes with adjustable ear loops and a nose clip.
Say goodbye to sweaty masks (and wrinkles) with Night's 100 percent silk option. Each one offers three layers of fabric, including silk and a disposable filter that resists bacteria, allergens, moisture and dust. Stylish colors include black, gunmetal, blush and champagne.
*Editor’s Note: According to the CDC, children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not use a cloth face covering.
Parents are searching for the perfect holiday gifts for the little ones on their list. Today, Amazon released the Best Books of the Year as chosen by Amazon’s Books Editors. After reading thousands of titles collectively over the last 12 months, Amazon’s Books Editors chose Brittany K. Barnett’s A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedomas 2020’s top title.
They also selected the following top picks for children’s and young adult titles.
The Best Books of the Year is an annual list featuring the Top 100 books of the year, published between January and December 2020, as well as top picks across categories like literature & fiction, mystery and thrillers, science fiction & fantasy, biography, children’s, young adult, and more.
For more information on the books featured on the Best Books of the Year list, as well as insightful reviews on new books, author interviews, and hand-curated roundups in popular categories, visit the Amazon Book Review and subscribe to the Amazon Book Review Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple or TuneIn. You can also follow the Books Editors recommendations and conversations @amazonbooks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
When I was a child, there was no way my parents could censor my reading. I simply read too fast and too much for them to keep up.
Once, though, I got hold of a science fiction novel by Robert Silverberg that had a sex-infused plot that was way beyond my then-current level of sophistication. When I reported to Mom that I was disturbed by it, she wrote in it “Not for young minds” before we recycled it at the used bookstore (as we did most books in those days).
But she still didn’t try to censor my reading.
I understand that there is a need to make decisions about what books will be in a school library, for reasons of space if nothing else. Within those limitations, school librarians must choose the best and most engaging books they can. And not all schoolteachers can choose their own reading lists, as they may be determined by the school, the school board, or parental influence.
As to what a child should read, I advocate giving the individual child’s taste free rein. Reading is reading and practice reinforces it. If the reading is forced upon the child or–worse–is boring, the child will come to view reading as punishment, not pleasure. (The same holds true of writing, by the way.)
If your children have questions or are disturbed by a book they read, talk with them about the book. With them, not at them. Most kids know what is too sexual or too violent or too whatever for them. I have even seen a child leave a movie that was becoming bloodier than he thought he was ready for.
And so what if your child reads trashy comic books or graphic novels? Or escapist fantasy? Or biographies of pop stars or sports heroes? As the child grows, you can suggest other books that may fill the same needs but be a bit more challenging. There are plenty of good adventure novels by classic writers, including Alexandre Dumas, Robert Louis Stevenson, Victor Hugo, and even Zane Grey. (William Goldman has a charming story about this process in his introduction to The Princess Bride.)
Or you may be able to interest a child in reading the book that a favorite movie was based on. Then ask her or him how the two differed. (The Hobbit is a prime example.)
The object here is widening a child’s horizons, not narrowing them. You may not like all their choices, but they surely won’t like all of yours either. It’s like educating their palates. You’ll get through that awful peanut butter and pickle phase and into realms as distant as sushi.
I’m not saying that you should leave your child alone with FiftyShades of Grey (though if you have it in the house, your child is sure to find it). There are other books that can introduce your teen or even your preteen or tween to topics concerning the human body and sex – and the emotional aspects of it that aren’t covered in schools. Judy Blume’s books, for example, once thought so shocking, have stood the test of time.
The message you give a child when you say “no” to a book may be different from what you think. You may think you are saying, “That book is too advanced for you” or “That book is trash,” but the child may hear, “Books are not for you” or “Reading is worthless.”
“Let children read whatever they want & then talk about it with them. If parents and kids can talk together, we won’t have as much censorship because we won’t have as much fear.”—Judy Blume
Judy Blume is right. Reading and talking about it is better than censorship and fear.
Hi! I'm a freelance writer and editor who writes about education, books, cats and other pets, bipolar disorder, and anything else that interests me. I live in Ohio with my husband and a varying number of cats.
Just because it’s December 26th doesn’t mean Christmas is over. Some Christmases seem to last forever. Here’s a look at some of the ways Christmas can linger.
Christmas the week after Christmas. Didn’t get the cards and packages into the mail? Oopsie! At least we can blame the Post Office or UPS. Not that that fools anyone, but if you’re skilled enough, you can pull off this excuse. Or you can give cakes, cookies, or other gifts of food and know that they will be eaten for at least a few days after the food-rich holiday celebration has worn off. And leftover Christmas cookies make great New Year’s Eve snacks, at least according to my friend Beth. Dunk them in cocoa and no one will ever know they’re stale.
Russian Christmas. All the Easter Orthodox Christians’ celebrations, really. They have Christmas on January 7th. At one office where I worked, our department included one person of Slavic heritage who celebrated Russian Christmas. Our department head decided that we all would too. I think it was supposed to be out of respect for Annie, but I suspect it was really because Carl liked to avoid the whole-office frivolities and have a quieter celebration later. Not that it got us out of the enforced jollity of the Official Office Christmas Party, but it did provide a nice P.S. to the season.
Christmas gifts that keep on giving. One year when I was a teen, my parents were plagued with medical expenses and couldn’t afford elaborate presents. The main present that year was an appropriate magazine subscription for each of us. (Mine was Sky and Telescope, if I remember correctly. It was either that or Analog Science Fiction.) Every month when an issue came, it was like Christmas all over again.
And subscriptions don’t just have to be magazines these days. Wine, fruit, and other foodstuffs can be delivered regularly throughout the year – monthly or quarterly – bringing a breath of Christmas as they arrive. And if the first package arrives in January, who’s to know whether you ordered it the day before Christmas or the day after?
Another long-term gift is the coupon book. Although a book of car wash coupons barely makes it as an adequate stocking stuffer, coupons for home-baked treats, chores (or reprieves from chores), and even erotic activities can be a big hit. Kids can get in on at least the first two of those, either as givers or recipients.
The Christmas-in-the-future strategy. One Christmas my friend Caren gave me a nicely wrapped gift. When I opened it, it proved to be a number of strands of yarn, in various shades of blue, purple, and indigo. There was no card explaining it, and she refused to tell me what it was all about. “You’ll see,” she said.
Later – much later – it was June, I think – Caren unveiled the actual present. It was a lovely knitted blanket, made of panels of the various colors of yarn I had received at Christmas. (Since she was an engineer, the panels were arranged in a specific geometrical pattern.) It was cozy, beautiful, and welcome, even if it was several more months before I could actually use it.
364 days before Christmas shopping. Nowadays, ugly holiday sweaters are the vogue – the tackier the better. But Christmas sweaters used to be badges of pride and belonging rather than objects of ridicule. Once I worked in an office where it was customary for women to wear holiday sweaters, and even sweatshirts “bedazzled” with shiny objects, iron-on appliqués, and embroidery.
Holiday clothing was not a custom I had ever practiced. I was trying desperately to fit in with the others, but I was not about to spend $20-$30 on a sweater I would wear perhaps two times per year, or a sweatshirt, glitter, glue, and sequins that would inevitably end up stuck to my hands and face.
So I started haunting the day-after-Christmas sales. Holiday sweaters were abundant and cheap. (If you wait much longer, all the holiday fashions will have disappeared into back rooms.) I managed to pick up a couple of sweaters and a festive vest at bargain prices. My favorite was a dark blue sweater with a nighttime scene of Santa landing on rooftops. (I look better in blue than red and green.) I packed the garments away in preparation for the next spate of holiday festivities.
Wouldn’t you know it – I left that job to go freelance before the next December came. Now I have all these sweaters and no place to wear them – except the Chinese buffet, where my husband and I usually spend our holidays, among the pagans, Jews, and atheists, chowing down on lo mein, crab legs, and “Happy Family.”
And we can return there, year-round, and celebrate the holidays year-round.
But I feel certain I should leave the Christmas sweaters at home in the dresser.
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Hi! I'm a freelance writer and editor who writes about education, books, cats and other pets, bipolar disorder, and anything else that interests me. I live in Ohio with my husband and a varying number of cats.
Our family Christmases were idyllic, if simple. Each year on Christmas Day, we would all open our presents. My sister and I would get doll clothes (this was when you got outfits, not multiple Barbies) and plush animals, Spirograph and paint-by-numbers, and such.
Then we’d get dressed, jump in the car, and drive to Granny’s house, where we’d open more gifts of clothes and stationery and Avon cologne. We’d wreak havoc on a turkey and trimmings, before the adults went off for naps, after dropping us kids off at the movies.
Then came the year when my sister and I had to grow up fast.
My parents had always tried to keep any bad news away from us and carry on as normal, but there was no hiding this bad news. After being accidentally hit by the garage door, my father’s injured neck turned out to be something much worse than a sprain, strain, or contusion. It wasn’t the garage door that caused it. of course, but that was when my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
It’s a horrible form of cancer that attacks the bones all throughout the body and destroys them. I hope the treatments have gotten better in the decades since, but for my father cancer meant radiation, chemotherapy, and an operation to fuse the bones of his neck using bone from his hip. He lived many years longer than the doctors predicted, which I attribute to his stubbornness. He certainly wasn’t a health aficionado.
Naturally, all those cancer treatments and hospitalizations were expensive. My parents had good insurance, but even that was nowhere near covering the costs. And my father’s illness was not something my parents could keep secret from us kids, much as they would have liked to. It affected every part of our lives.
When Christmas came that year, I was 15 and my sister was 16. My mother explained that because of the family’s medical expenses, we wouldn’t be able to have Christmas as usual. No driving from Ohio to Kentucky to see our relatives. And no Christmas presents.
Except one.
My mother said that all we could afford was a magazine subscription for each of us. Our choice of titles. She hoped we weren’t disappointed.
I wasn’t. To me, a magazine subscription was special, something that grown-ups got, and something that kept giving all year long. I chose Analog, a science fiction magazine, and my sister chose Sixteen. It was exciting to watch the mail for each month’s issue. (As kids, we didn’t usually get much mail, except cards on our birthdays.)
For the Christmases after that, my mother would renew our subscriptions, or let us change to a different title. When I started studying astronomy in high school, I switched to Sky and Telescope. When she turned 17, my sister switched to Seventeen.
Now I subscribe to the electronic versions of three magazines –Smithsonian, National Geographic, and Discover. I still get a little thrill each month when the new cover icon appears on my e-reader screen. It reminds me of the first time I ever got an actual, grown-up present – when I started becoming an adult, whether I wanted to or not.
Hi! I'm a freelance writer and editor who writes about education, books, cats and other pets, bipolar disorder, and anything else that interests me. I live in Ohio with my husband and a varying number of cats.
Resilience is an ability that we all need to master, but raising a resilient child is important for their overall development. Whether it’s not doing well on an exam, not getting picked first for a team, or forgetting lines in the school play, childhood is filled with opportunities to learn from mistakes, adversity, or disappointments. Developing resilience early on helps prepare a child to learn how to stay positive and keep moving forward. One fool-proof way parents can support resilience in children is through reading.
Children’s books about fantasy and science fiction with characters in seemingly impossible situations feature critical life skills like determination, ingenuity, and most importantly, resilience. Children know that a little girl’s hair couldn’t really grow so long that one could climb down it, or a gingerbread man could never actually run away. However, great children’s stories take kids on imaginative journeys and help them develop similar life skills as these characters often portray.
Children’s books do not need to provide a mirror image of reality in order to offer compelling stories about serious issues. The fact that the setting or characters are extraordinary may be why they are so powerful, and where their true value lies. For example, in one of our suggested books, a little girl has a box of magic yarn, and the author uses the girl’s actions and determination to illustrate her resilience and strength against the evil archduke. Children often connect to examples of young characters in plots who are grappling with relatable and relevant issues but in unique settings or fictitious times. So grab a book to share with your child and create a teachable moment as you discover heroes and heroines who defy defeat and develop resiliency through their hardships.
Here’s our go-to list of books that will inspire resilience in young readers:
Grades Kindergarten to Second:
Extra Yarn by Jon Klassen, Illustrated by Jon Klassen. In this Caldecott Honor picture book, a drab, colorless town gets a change of tone and attitude with the help of a box of yarn and a girl named Annabelle. To her surprise, the box is filled with yarn of every color. Armed with knitting needles, Annabelle makes herself a sweater but when she finishes, she finds that she has Extra Yarn leftover. Looks like everyone and everything is getting their wool cozies including those chilly mailboxes. And still, there is yarn leftover! All this knitting does not go unnoticed by the evil, clothes-loving, mustache-wearing archduke. He wants Annabelle’s magic box of never-ending yarn for himself. Will Annabelle be able to keep her magical box of yarn from the clutches of the nefarious archduke?
Swimmy by Leo Lionni. Lionni had a career in art, and often wrote books for his grandchildren. On a long train ride, he found himself with no drawing materials. He tore out circles of yellow and blue from a magazine to help him tell the story he had in mind. Lionni became the first children’s author/illustrator to use collage as the main medium for his illustrations. Swimmy, this book’s main character, is different from the others and finds a way to use his individuality to benefit his community. If you like this one, read his other books such as Frederick, Inch by Inch, and A Color of His Own.
Grades 3-4
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. Stories of real-life individuals are inspiring. The stories of others who have triumphed over adversity through problem solving and determination will teach children to have the confidence to do the same. This is a great little window into Ginsburg’s history and family life, adding some humor into the mix, making her more than just a hero, but a compassionate, unique, well-rounded person who isn’t so grand at singing and cooking.
Knights of the Kitchen Table (Time Warp Trio #1) by John Scieszka, Illustrated by Lane Smith. A loveable 16 book series about three time-traveling friends. The boys are catapulted in time when they open the magical book that was given to them. The only way the boys are able to return to present-day Brooklyn, New York is to find “The Book” again within whatever time period they are in. The team must use critical thinking to solve puzzles, escape villains, and avoid dragons. This series has great drawings, silly situations, and captivates early readers. Because each book in the Time Warp Trio series focuses on a certain period in history, this is the perfect opportunity for a family to study an era together.
Grades 5-8
Front Desk by Kelly Yang. This book is based on the author’s own teenage job of running the front desk at the hotel at which she and her Chinese immigrant family worked. This is a great novel for parents and children to read together, to discuss tough subjects like racism, poverty, and the exploitation of immigrants. My favorite line in the book is, “It’s going to be okay. I’ll make friends, and if I don’t, I’ll borrow books from the library.”
Hatchet (Brian’s Saga Series Book 1) by Gary Paulson. In this Newbery Honor book, Brian is traveling on a small plane above the thick Canadian wilderness. He and the pilot are the only passengers, on their way to visit Brian’s father who lives in Northern Canada. Things go bad when the plane crashes, killing the pilot, and leaving Brian as the only survivor. With nothing but his clothing and a hatchet his mother had given him, Brian must survive. During his ordeal, he learns about himself and his own resilience while trying to survive the horrible predicament he is in.
Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.
School’s back and kids are transitioning from a long summer of spare time to an unusual new school year. Getting my kid back in full swing—an alternating school schedule, new teachers and homework—has been far from easy. But when it comes to books, having a reading routine built a productive reader who no longer complains when it’s time to read.
If you have trouble getting your child to open up a book, here are five ways to help your child start reading each day.
1. Find the Right Book. There’s evidence that proves reading books has many benefits, so choosing the right one is important. One of the best ways to get kids reading is by finding out what type of stories they’re interested in. A great way of finding this out is by what they watch on TV.
Many kid shows and movies, like Nickelodeon and Disney, have collections of books written before the movie came out. Your child may love comparing it to the show and read the next book in the series. You can also get a book in a genre that relates to what your child watches.
If you’re a family who doesn’t watch TV much, visit the library and grab a book in each genre to find out what your child likes best. Some examples are realistic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, adventure and mystery. Your child’s teacher can also suggest interesting books that are based on your child’s reading level.
2. Set a Schedule. Make it a habit every day at the same time to have your child read. A daily schedule helps create structure and guides your child to slowly take the initiative to start reading independently without you telling them to.
Figure out the best time of day your child will do the best reading. Is it after breakfast, before homework or right before bed? To find out, do a test run for a week by having your child read for 20 minutes a day at different times.
Make sure to pay attention and take note of your child’s mood, how well your child does when stopping an activity to read and how attentive your child is while reading.
3. Find the Best Place for Reading. The right environment can set-up the mood to make it comfortable to read. Some areas around the home can be at a desk, on the couch, chair, floor or bed. Reading outside can also be an excellent spot.
Depending on the child, reading in different areas around the home may help your child continue to read every day without getting bored. The library and coffee shops may also be great places for storytime.
Music or sound while reading can be soothing for some kids. Try some vocal-free tunes or white noise to see if this helps your child stay engaged.
4. Read with Them. You are your child’s best example. Show them you also enjoy a good story by reading with them.
You can both read silently or enjoy the same book together by taking turns reading aloud to each other. Afterward, talk about the characters and what each of you finds exciting in the story.
5. Reward and Praise Them. There are many ways to congratulate your kids on the amount of reading they accomplished. Rewarding them with something they love may keep them motivated.
Your praise can encourage them to continue reading. Take your child toy shopping for doing a great job. Give extra time on their phone or video game. Take away one of their chores for a day. Have them choose what type of reward they want.
Getting your child reading everyday may take some time and patience, but by putting these five things into practice, your child will be on their way to an enjoyable love of reading.
I'm a professional writer and mother of one middle school student living in the midwest. I worked in Health Information Management for 15 years before becoming a freelancer. Outside of writing, I'm reading the latest James Patterson's Alex Cross novel, planning the next beach vacation with my son and streaming my favorite shows on Netflix.
If you are looking for a way to spend your money to support Black-owned businesses, this list is for you. Dive into vivid stories with protagonists of African decent that teach about the many cultures that make our country rich and full. Fill up your bookshelves with books about racism, inequality and injustice. Let your money do the talking by supporting these independent, Black-owned bookstores at a time when they need our support more than ever. Find one near you!
Pyramid Art, Books and Custom Framing—Established in 1988 as the Pyramid Gallery was born from a passion for and appreciation of Black Art and culture. The business has brought enrichment, culture and education of this niche market to Little Rock. Over the years, Pyramid has hosted hundreds of book signings, exhibitions, cultural events and programs. Little Rock, AR
California
Ashay by the Bay—Since 2000, this bookseller has been specializing in African American and multi-cultural children’s books for schools and organizations. Vallejo, CA
Marcus Book Stores—Historic independent bookshop, opened in the '60s, specializing in titles by and about black people. Taking local orders by phone. Oakland, CA
Reparations Club—Reparations Club is a concept shop & creative space curated by Blackness & POC. Los Angeles, CA
Revolution Books—Revolution Books is a bookstore with literature, history, science, art, philosophy and revolutionary theory. . . a place of discovery and engagement. Berkeley, CA
Shades of Afrika—Shades of Afrika began when they noticed that there were too few places that offered affordable Afrikan Art, Afrikan-made products and even fewer book stores. Long Beach, CA
Underground Books—Since the closing of the only area library in the 1970s, it became the mission of non-profit St. HOPE to ensure that the students and the community had access to books. Underground Books is a nonprofit under St. HOPE and has become a gathering place for neighborhood residents. Sacramento, CA
MahoganyBooks—MahoganyBooks is dedicated to meeting the literary needs of readers in search of books written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora. Washington, DC
Loyalty Bookstore—Loyalty was founded by Hannah Oliver Depp, a Black and Queer Bookseller who has spent her career working to diversify the book industry in order for it to better serve the powerful communities of color and queerness. Washington, DC
Florida
Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Culture Museum—Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Culture Museum is a non-profit Veteran and Woman-owned museum, bookstore and gift shop. This literary museum is dedicated to the education and enlightenment of diverse audiences. They highlight the literary contributions of people of the African Diaspora whose ancestors were forced into enslavement and forbidden to read or write for centuries under colonization. Tampa, FL
Cultured Books—Cultured Books is a pop-up children's bookstore, with a mission to first foster a love of self by showing positive images and sharing great stories about people of color. St. Petersburg, FL
Pyramid Books—Pyramid Books celebrates Black History Month 365 days a year to educate all people about the African Diaspora. African-American books and authors are their specialty: fiction, nonfiction, self-help, metaphysics, mysteries, Egyptology, Pan African, spiritual, science fiction, self-published and hard to find books. Boynton Beach, FL
All Things Inspiration Giftique—All Things Inspiration Giftique is a Christian bookstore serving the neighborhood and surrounding areas with carefully-curated selection of bibles, christian literature, popular fiction/nonfiction titles and African American literature. Mableton, GA
Medu Bookstore—Medu, meaning "the power of the word," is the second largest African-American owned bookstore in Atlanta, Georgia. Taking local orders by phone. Atlanta, GA
AfriWare Books, Co.—Since 1993 AfriWare Books has served the community by providing a platform to showcase authors, artists and advocates who infuse us with a sense of cultural pride. By sharing pertinent information about the history, accomplishments and suggested solutions to improve the community’s well-being, Afri-Ware has distinguished itself as a beacon for cultural literacy. Maywood, IL
Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery—This Black- and woman-owned bookstore is a museum, bookstore and library all in one with a gallery of rotating artists. Chicago, IL
Loyalty Bookstore—Loyalty was founded by Hannah Oliver Depp, a Black and Queer Bookseller who has spent her career working to diversify the book industry in order for it to better serve the powerful communities of color and queerness. Silver Spring, MD
Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center—Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center is an independent African-American bookstore that opened in 2013 in the hopes of bringing awareness to true African-American literature and culture. Ypsilanti, MI
Detroit Book City Bookstore—Detroit Book City is a small, independent book store that specialize & market books, media & events to the African-American consumer market. Detroit, MI
Bliss Books & Wine—Bliss Books & Wine promotes the reading culture by encouraging curious readers, endorsing local arts, and connecting great pastimes of social drinking and introverted reading. Kansas City, MO
EyeSeeMe—This bookstore'smission is to be a resource to parents, teachers, and schools in providing the very best children’s books on the market that promote positive images and stories about African American culture and history. As a tool to help increase literacy, African American children will benefit by seeing themselves respectfully represented in the literature they read. Non-African American children will benefit by helping to dispel negative and inaccurate stereotypical images of people of color and that despite our many differences, all people share common feelings and aspirations. University City, MO
Willa’s Books and Vinyl—Willa’s Books large inventory of African-American books can satisfy the most avid readers. Kansas City, MO
Nebraska
Aframerican Book Store—The Aframerican Bookstore is a wholly owned independent African-American enterprise established in 1990. Omaha, NE
Cafe con Libros—Cafe con Libros (coffee with books) is an intersectional Feminist community bookstore and coffee shop. Through a choice of books, programming and great coffee, they endeavor to create a vibrant community space where everyone, specifically female identified folx, feel centered, affirmed and celebrated. Brooklyn, NY
The Lit. Bar—The Lit. Bar opened it’s doors on April 27, 2019 (National Indie Bookstore Day) and is currently the only bookstore serving the 1.5 million people of the Boogie Down Bronx. Bronx, NY
Sister’s Uptown Bookstore—Sister's Uptown Bookstore is presently the oldest black and family-owned bookstore and community cultural center in Washington Heights/Harlem dedicated to nourishing the minds, hearts and souls of the community with present and past works of gifted African American, Latinx, and other great authors and intellectuals. Washington Heights, NY
Zawadi Books—Taking local orders by phone. Buffalo, NY
A Cultural Exchange—A Cultural Exchange is a nonprofit literacy-based multicultural arts organization for children. It was founded in 1991 by a group of African-American women determined to make a difference, led by Deborah McHamm, our first president and chief executive officer. Cleveland, OH
Elizabeth's Bookshop—Elizabeth's Bookshop + Writing Centre is an innovative literacy center designed to amplify and celebrate marginalized voices. Their catalog highlights, promotes, amplifies, celebrates and honors the work of writers who are often excluded from traditional cultural, social and academic canons. Akron, OH
Mocha Books—Inspired by a family of readers, the mission of Mocha Books is to promote literacy (for all ages), and to foster a love of reading in the home and community. It is equally important to promote positive self-images, encourage creativity and thought and provide a curated book selection that highlight black and brown characters and/or written by authors of color. 90% of the books featured/stocked are by indie authors. Tulsa, OK
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books—Founded by Marc Lamont Hill in 2017, Uncle Bobbie's was created to provide underserved communities with access to books and a space where everyone feels valued. Philadelphia, PA
Black Pearl Books—An Independent Bookstore in the Austin, TX Hill Country here to serve a multi-cultural, multi-generation and multi-socioeconomic community built to promote diversity, inclusion, equality and cultural awareness. Austin, TX
The Dock Bookshop—The Dock Bookshop opened in 2008 and is now one of the largest independent, full service, African-American owned bookstores in Texas and the Southwest. Fort Worth, TX
Enda’s Booktique—Enda's Booktique is an independent bookstore located in Duncanville (Dallas), Texas, founded by Enda Jean Pemberton Jones, an African American educator and chaplain. Duncanville, TX
Harambee Books and Artworks—Harambee Books & Artworks was conceived to achieve a mission of literacy education as a fundamental human right for all. Browse their unique selection of books and hard-to-find classic literature by and about people of African descent. Alexandria, VA
Estelita's Library—Estelita’s Library is a curated community bookstore and library with books focused on social justice, ethnic studies and liberation movements. The goal of Estelita’s Library is to have community book talks, classes, meetings, history lessons and much more to strengthen and develop our collective analysis for justice. Seattle, WA