DPL Blog


8 Stories about Refugees for Kids

Stories are a great way to develop empathy and understanding for people in unfamiliar situations. The following stories are about families fleeing their homes because of danger and seeking safety in unfamiliar places. The Journey, a picture book by Francesca Sanna led me to highlight this topic. She tells a heart wrenching story about a mother protecting her children from the threats that face them in their own country.

The Journey by Francesca Sanna

The Journey by Francesca Sanna

Summary

With haunting echoes of the current refugee crisis this beautifully illustrated book explores the unimaginable decisions made as a family leave their home and everything they know to escape the turmoil and tragedy brought by war. 

Lubna and Pebble

Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour

Summary

In an unforgettable story that subtly addresses the refugee crisis, a young girl must decide if friendship means giving up the one item that gives her comfort during a time of utter uncertainty. Lubna’s best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does. This emotionally stirring and stunningly illustrated picture book explores one girl’s powerful act of friendship in the midst of an unknown situation.

A Different Pond (Fiction Picture Books)

A Different Pond by Bao Phi

Summary

The story is told from the boy’s perspective, as his father wakes him long before dawn to go fishing. Although the child enjoys the outing as a special adventure with his dad, they are fishing for food, not sport, and they must be home in time for the father to leave for work. The quiet time together provides opportunities for the father to talk about his past life fishing with his brother in a different pond in Vietnam, long ago before the war and before coming to America. 

Zenobia

Zenobia by Morten Durr

Summary

Zenobia was once a great warrior queen of Syria whose reign reached from Egypt to Turkey. She was courageous. No one gave her orders. Once she even went to war against the emperor of Rome. 

 When things feel overwhelming for Amina, her mother reminds her to think of Zenobia and be strong. Amina is a Syrian girl caught up in a war that reaches her village. To escape the war she boards a small boat crammed with other refugees. The boat is rickety and the turbulent seas send Amina overboard. In the dark water Amina remembers playing hide and seek with her mother and making dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and the journey she had to undertake with her uncle to escape. And she thinks of the brave warrior Zenobia.

Nowhere Boy

Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh

Summary

Fourteen-year-old Ahmed is stuck in a city that wants nothing to do with him. Newly arrived in Brussels, Belgium, Ahmed fled a life of uncertainty and suffering in Aleppo, Syria, only to lose his father on the perilous journey to the shores of Europe. Now Ahmed’s struggling to get by on his own, but with no one left to trust and nowhere to go, he’s starting to lose hope.

Then he meets Max, a thirteen-year-old American boy from Washington, D.C. Lonely and homesick, Max is struggling at his new school and just can’t seem to do anything right. But with one startling discovery, Max and Ahmed’s lives collide and a friendship begins to grow. Together, Max and Ahmed will defy the odds, learning from each other what it means to be brave and how hope can change your destiny.

The Red Pencil

The Red Pencil by Andrea Pinkney

Summary

Life in Amira’s peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when Janjaweed attackers arrive, unleashing unspeakable horrors. After losing nearly everything, Amira needs to find the strength to make the long journey on foot to safety at a refugee camp. She begins to lose hope, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind — and all kinds of possibilities.

Lily's Crossing

Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Giff

Summary

As in past years, Lily will spend the summer in Rockaway, in her family’s summer house by the Atlantic Ocean. But this summer of 1944, World War II has changed everyone’s life. Lily’s best friend, Margaret, has moved to a wartime factory town, and, much worse, Lily’s father is going overseas to the war.

There’s no one Lily’s age in Rockaway until the arrival of Albert, a refugee from Hungary with a secret sewn into his coat. Albert has lost most of his family in the war; he’s been through things Lily can’t imagine. But soon they form a special friendship. Now Lily and Albert have secrets to share: They both have told lies, and Lily has told one that may cost Albert his life.

The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees

The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown

Summary

This graphic novel for teens depicts moments of both heartbreaking horror and hope in the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis. Starting in 2011, refugees flood out of war-torn Syria in Exodus-like proportions. The surprising flood of victims overwhelms neighboring countries, and chaos follows. Resentment in host nations heightens as disruption and the cost of aid grows. By 2017, many want to turn their backs on the victims. The refugees are the unwanted.

Mallory, Library Assistant


Joy & Painting

In October of 2016, I taught my first Paint Night class at the Dover Public Library.

I kept it simple. Two pumpkins sit on a table with a blue background. I thought I’d incorporate color theory and wet on wet blending, talk about the color wheel and design principles. Simple. Right.

Since then, I have let go of the theories of painting to focus on, like Bob Ross put it, the joy in painting.

Our Paint Nights are fun times of relaxation and creativity. Follow the sample painting if you want, but make it yours. Change that background. Draw an alien. Have fun with it, because, at the end of the day, creating art should be fun.

If you think you can’t paint, I invite you to one of our Paint Nights so I can prove you wrong. Everyone can paint. And if you have fun at Paint Night, then we were successful.

Call me at the Library at 330-343-6123 to ask about our next Paint Night.

Happy Painting!

Liz Strauss – Teen/Outreach Services Manager and “Artist”


Tai Chi for Better Balance

Ever thought about trying Tai Chi? Want to know what it’s all about? The health benefits? If it’s right for you?

You can find out! Dover Public Library is hosting a Tai Chi Open House on Friday, September 6 at 10:00 AM in the library’s Community Room.

For one hour, come and learn about Tai Chi for Better Balance.

Certified instructors can answer your questions.

Watch a short DVD on the eight Tai Chi moves that you will learn in our upcoming classes. These classes are free and will be held each Friday at 10:00 AM through November 1.

This class consists of low impact, slow movements that will help you with balance. If you are unable to stand for long periods of time, these movements can also be done in a sitting position.

All ages are welcome!

Join Julie Warther and me, Denise Campbell-Johnson, for Tai Chi this fall!

— Denise Campbell-Johnson, Library Assistant and Certified Tai Chi Instructor


Magazines!

I have never been a reader of magazines, but now as I shelve the many magazines available at the library, I can’t help but glance at the cover stories.

I notice the variety of topics that our esteemed patrons read about. Now, on weekends, I make it a point to take home 2 magazines so that I can broaden my knowledge on topics that have not been on my radar.

I have to admit that I still check out food magazines and drool over the beautiful photographs of perfectly prepared dishes.  I do not aspire to recreate those delicacies, but I can dream, can’t I?

Sherrel Rieger – Library Assistant

Did You Know?

The Dover Public Library offers over 200 magazines to check out? Stop by the Library today to peruse the collection!


3D Printing FAQ

This summer, the Dover Public Library unveiled our new 3D Printer. And it’s awesome! As with every other new service, there have been a lot of questions about how this will all work. Here are some of the questions that we keep getting about this new toy. 

I mean, about this serious new piece of serious equipment that prints only serious items. Obviously. 

What kind of machine is it?

A Dremel 3D40

What material does it use?

PLA Filament

Can it do 2 colors?

Unfortunately, ours is a one color 3D printer. 

How much does it cost to print an item?

Your first print is free! We ask that you keep your free print under 12 hours. After your free print, the price is $1 per hour.

Okay, so how long does it take?

The time it takes to print depends on how big the item it, how dense the item is, and how detailed the item is. We will always tell you how long it will take/the price before we print it.

Where do I find something to print?

Go to thingiverse.com for ideas! Download the .stl file to a thumbdrive and bring it in. The tech staff will do the rest.

Can I design something myself?

You can use a 3D design software like Tinkercad to create your own designs. 

Okay, I didn’t understand any of that. Can you just print me a unicorn?

The Tech Team is more than happy to help you find the right file to fit your needs. There is usually a member of the Tech Team at the Front Desk, but you can always call the Library at 330-343-6123 to make sure someone who is trained on the 3D printer will be here to help when you visit. 

Happy 3D Printing! 

Liz – Teen/Outreach Services Manager & Tech Team Member


6 Book Recommendations for Fans of Dog Man

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Title: Dog Man

Author & Illustrator: Dav Pilkey

Series: 7 books

Review

Dog Man is a fantastic graphic novel full of humor, shenanigans and crime fighting action. Written by Dav Pilkey the creator of Captain Underpants. It is a great book to recommend to reluctant readers. The 7th book in the series is coming out August 18th, 2019.

Summary

George and Harold have created a new breed of justice — one that is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO! With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound digs into deception, claws after crooks, rolls over robbers, and scampers after squirrels. Will he be able to resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?

Great for Kids who 

  • Fight crime
  • Were born with funny bones
  • Love dogs and cats
  • Read graphic novels
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Title: The Bad Guys

Author & Illustrator: Aaron Blabey

Series: 9 books

Summary

They sound like bad guys, they look like bad guys . . . and they even smell like bad guys. But Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are about to change all of that…

Mr. Wolf has a daring plan for the Bad Guys’ first good mission. They are going to break two hundred dogs out of the Maximum Security City Dog Pound. Will Operation Dog Pound go smoothly? Will the Bad Guys become the Good Guys? And will Mr. Snake please stop swallowing Mr. Piranha?!

Great for Kids who 

  • Are trouble magnets
  • Root for the underdog
  • Laugh like villains mwhahahaha
Stick Dog Gets the Tacos by Tom Watson

Title: Stick Dog Gets the Tacos

Author: Tom Watson

Series: 9 books

Summary

HEY! WHAT’S THAT IN THE TREE? IT’S AN EMERGENCY!

When Karen sprints into Stick Dog’s pipe and declares an emergency, Stick Dog springs into action. After racing through the woods with his squad of strays, Stick Dog discovers there’s no crisis at all. But there is a great opportunity to feed his hungry friends.

As a family of humans plans to feast on tacos, tortilla chips, and guacamole, Stick Dog makes plans of his own. To feed Mutt, Karen, Poo-Poo, and Stripes, he’ll need all his smarts and problem-solving skills.

While his hungry, drooling, goofy friends prepare to chow down, something nags Stick Dog at the edge of his mind. What is that thing swinging in a tree? And how can he get it?

Great for Kids who 

  • Read diary style books
  • Love dogs
  • Are super loyal to their friends
The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Title: The Adventures of Captain Underpants

Author & Illustrator: Dav Pilkey

Series: 14 books

Summary

Fourth graders George Beard and Harold Hutchins are a couple of class clowns. The only thing they enjoy more than playing practical jokes is creating their own comic books. And together they’ve created the greatest superhero in the history of their elementary school: Captain Underpants! His true identity is SO secret, even HE doesn’t know who he is!

Great for Kids who 

  • Love superheroes 
  • Appreciate fart jokes

Not recommended for Kids

  • Who are budding editors… the intentional misspellings with break them
Sparks by Ian Boothby

Title: Sparks

Author: Ian Boothby

Illustrator: Nina Matsumoto

Summary

August is a brilliant inventor who is afraid of the outside. Charlie is a crack pilot who isn’t afraid of anything. Together these pals save lives every day. They also happen to be cats who pilot a powerful, mechanical dog suit! 

Great for Kids who 

  • Are secretly cats in disguise
Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce

Title: Max and the Midknights

Author & Illustrator: Lincoln Peirce

Summary

Max wants to be a knight! Too bad that dream is about as likely as finding a friendly dragon. But when Max’s uncle Budrick is kidnapped by the cruel King Gastley, Max has to act…and fast! Joined by a band of brave adventurers–the Midknights–Max sets out on a thrilling quest: to save Uncle Budrick and restore the realm of Byjovia to its former high spirits!

Great for Kids who 

  • Want to be a knight
  • Have a Lawful Good alignment
  • Roll a 20 for initiative
Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel

Title: Bad Kitty Gets a Bath

Author & Illustrator: Nick Bruel

Series: 12 books +

Summary

Pet owners beware!

Bad Kitty really needs a bath, and she is forced to take one in this hysterical new illustrated how-to for young readers. The following are some items you will need for Kitty’s bath: one bathtub, plenty of water, dry towels, a suit of armor, a letter to your loved ones, clean underwear (because stressful situations can cause “accidents”), an ambulance in your driveway with the engine running, and, oh, yeah, you’ll also need Kitty . . . but good luck with that! Kitty is at her worst in this riotous how-to guide filled with bad smells, cautionary tales of horror, and hopefully by the end . . . some soap.

Great for Kids who 

  • Are mischief makers
  • Try to hug cranky kitties

Mallory, Library Assistant


Woodstock Remembered: 50 Years of Music & Memories

Woodstock Mural featuring Hendrix, american flag, and photos from Woodstock

Did you know that it has been fifty years since the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, better known simply as Woodstock?  In August 1969, one of the most iconic live music events in history began on a dairy farm in upstate New York outside of a small town named Bethel.  The list of legendary rock and folk musicians who played at Woodstock is truly remarkable: Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Santana, The Grateful Dead, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane, Crosby, Still, Nash, & Young, and Jimi Hendrix are just a few on that list. 

Fifty years later we remember those defining days of music and memory through these free community programs at the Dover Public Library:

1969: 365 Days of Transformation

Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 PM

It was a year of extremes, violence and madness as well as achievement and success.  It started with The Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl and ended with Jimi Hendrix in New York.  Along the way, we saw man walk on the moon, Woodstock, the Cuyahoga River catch on fire, John Wayne in True Grit, Vietnam, and so much more. Join Chris Hart for an examination of twelve months that is unparalleled in American history.  

Should I Just Go Back to Being a Dairy Farmer?

Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 PM

Woodstock was the ultimate music festival in 1969, perhaps of all time.  After two area villages declined to provide venues, dairy farmer Mas Yasgur leases his daily farm to festival promoters.  One year later, Max has been asked to rent his property again. But is he ready to endure the anger of his neighbors, the threatening phone calls and the boycott of his milk, not to mention the damage to his land? Or does his belief in freedom of expression (not to mention the fee) dictate that he adopt the cause once again?  Join Max at his kitchen table as he recalls those three days in August and ponders his decision. Presented by Chris Hart.  

-Jim Gill

 Director