Cedar Rapids library issues dare to summer readers

Bounce into summer reading at the Cedar Rapids Public Library's Summer Reading Programs Summer Dare Kick-off. Everyone's invited to attend the kickoff from 1 to 4 p.m. June 5 at the Ladd Library. Ice cream, a bouncy house, face painting, balloon animals, and Cedar Valley Humane Society cats and dogs are all part of the exciting activities. All ages may sign up for summer reading; patrons get to read, complete dares, attend programs, and earn a chance for a weekly treat during June and July. This will be a great time to check out materials to begin the summer reading adventure.

One of this year's OutLoud! Author Series speakers, Matt de la Pena, pens books that are sure bets for great summertime reading. His 'Last Stop on Market Street” picture book, the 2016 Newbery Medal winner, shows the importance of a grandmother's love and influence. How she opens young CJ's eyes to the wonders of his world will resonate with many. Christian Robinson's acrylic paint and collage illustrations recreate the way a child sees the world, capturing big-city life from his perspective. A stellar story for children ages three through eight, a delightful 10-minute read-along DVD of the same name is also available for checkout.

A more advanced de la Pena title is picture book biography 'Joe Louis: A Nation's Hope,” illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson. His oil on wood pictures nearly bring to life the boxing legend whose historic rematch with German Max Schmeling helped Americans overcome prejudice as they bonded over the momentous June 22, 1938 bout. The author's text, enhanced by the illustrations, stimulates kids' curiosity, prompting them to question history, sport, and culture. De la Pena will speak at 7 p.m. July 1at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center as the second writer in the OutLoud! Series. He appears courtesy of the Metro Library Network and the Giacolletto Foundation.

'‘Do you really not get it?'” I could smack him upside the head. 'I love my parents. I love my sister. And I love you. Do you think I'd ever leave you guys defenseless... if I had any other choice? Well as of this morning, I thought of another choice.” These words, spoken by Marguerite, heroine of 'Ten Thousand Skies Above You,” shows her determination to save her family and boyfriend from impending doom. Tough choices are at the heart of this young adult love story that includes travel, fast-paced sci-fi adventure, and relatable characters. New York Times best-selling author Claudia Gray (pseudonym for Amy Vincent, Evernight series) combines all the right elements for a compelling teen read.

Lesley Stahl is one of America's revered television reporters. After people read her new book, she will be one of the most respected grandmothers, too. In 'Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting” she shares what many folks have already discovered: grandparenting is fantastic. Her book not only shares her story but the tales of others, along with input from medical and scientific experts, and dozens of other grandmothers.

' Melia Tatman is a youth services librarian at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. For more information on library materials and programs visit www.crlibrary.org