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A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
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Did you go to a dark park in the mountains to gaze at the skies and count the meteors in the Perseids shower? If not, there might be a few left, just not hundreds.
You've eased them into a school schedule and still the transition is having some rough spots. It's not unusual. After school, they're a little tired, even cranky, not ready to talk, even though what's inside needs to be shared. Protein helps. So does quiet downtime. Be with them. "Now shall we get that homework done so you play/read before dinner?"
As promised, I did a little research into historical fiction for youth and found many sites listing books that sound interesting. While lists seem to identify books for boys or girls, just pick quality literature with a topic or era that interests your readers. Mix it up!
We saved the sweetest (bees) and most thrilling (roller coaster) for last! Scroll to the end of the newsletter!
Happy reading, Parmalee
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Love Children? Volunteer at MOD
Where Fun and Learning go hand in hand!
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The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery is bringing Potter the Otter: a Healthy Adventure Traveling Exhibit to town August 23- November 11!
Created by the San Jose Discovery Museum, Potter the Otter: a Healthy Adventure brings the beloved First Five children's books to life!
Discover the joy of volunteering and join MOD as an exhibit docent this fall!
Shifts Fridays & Saturdays 10:00-2:00 pm
Please visit www.sccmod.com/volunteer to learn more.
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Historical Fiction for Boys | |
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I've not found a A Mighty Boy website equivalent to A Mighty Girl, however, searching for historical fiction for boys brings up many websites that offer lists of books that will appeal to boys. Here are a few books for readers that stood out. Talk to a librarian. Ask for help finding historical fiction for all ages, even the youngest children.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - Two young boys encounter the best and worst of humanity during the Holocaust in this powerful read.
Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two - Joseph Bruchac brings their stories to life for young adults through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker.
The Hero Two Doors Down: Based on the True Story of Friendship Between a Boy and a Baseball Legend - Based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson.
True Grit - True Grit is essential reading. Not just a classic Western, but an undeniable classic of American literature as eccentric, cool, funny, and unflinching as protagonists Mattie Ross and the sheriff.
An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story - An Elephant in the Garden is inspired by historical truths, and by his admiration for elephants, "the noblest and wisest and most sensitive of all creatures." Here is a story that brings together an unlikely group of survivors whose faith in kindness and love proves the best weapon of all.
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Historical Fiction for Girls | |
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Historical Fiction for Girls from A Mighty Girl
“The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. In this heartfelt Newbery Honor Book, 10-year-old Ada has never left her family's one-bedroom apartment; her abusive mother considers her clubbed foot a humiliation and has kept her from public view her entire life. But when Ada’s little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the dangers of World War II, Ada takes the greatest risk of her life and sneaks out to join him. Susan Smith, the recluse who’s forced to take the siblings in, doesn’t know anything about children -- especially girls who flinch at every mistake. But as the pair grow closer, perhaps Ada has finally found someone that she can trust to love her just as she is.
This uplifting historical novel combines adventure and the search for family and identity. Ada is beautifully characterized, desperate for acceptance but fearful of getting her hopes up only to have them crushed yet again. Kids will cheer for Ada as she finally gets to experience the life of a loved child -- like when she celebrates her birthday for the first time ever -- and tear through the pages as they wait to find out whether Ada finally allows herself to experience that great gift -- hope. Highly recommended for ages 9 to 13.
“The War That Saved My Life.” Ada's story continues in the sequel "The War I Finally Won"
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is also the author of the newly released "The Night War" for ages 9 and up.
For more books about girls and women living through the WWII period, visit our "WWII & Holocaust" section at http://amgrl.co/2ry9Ccu
For more books of historical fiction starring Mighty Girls, visit our blog post "An Adventure in Time: 60 Mighty Girl Historical Fiction Novels for Tweens and Teens" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=23426
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Santa Cruz Animal Shelter is in need of donations of clean used towels, sheets and non-electric blankets.
These will help us in our regular shelter operations AND with our big spay/neuter event August 16-18!
Drop off donations:
Santa Cruz every day from 11am to 6pm at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue.
Watsonville Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-12, 1-5pm at 580 Airport Blvd.
Thanks to our remarkable community for your support!
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If you like this exquisite painting of the magnificent Pacific Ocean, go to the 93rd California Landscape Exhibition to find out who painted it. Treat yourselves to viewing this and 59 other paintings of California landscapes Wednesdays - Fridays 1-4pm at SCAL. Details
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Though the Cotoni-Coast Dairies property is not yet open to the public, we're excited to offer private tours of this iconic landscape on August 31, September 18 and November 23. Guided by land stewards and environmental scientists from the Bureau of Land Management, participants will learn about the future of the property, current restoration projects, conservation efforts, indigenous partnerships, and all the steps required to get to where we are today. Learn more and sign up on our website: https://loom.ly/uPAqgEM
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Make a splash at the 9th Annual Parks & Rex Dog Pool Party! Saturday, August 17, 2-7pm, Join us to make a splash at the annual parks and rex dog pool party. This annual pool party raises much needed funds for animal services and youth recreation programs throughout Santa Cruz County! FUN FOR DOGS, PEOPLE, FUN FOR EVERYONE! Details
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Food Truck Friday Capitola, Friday August 16, September 13, 4:30pm, Come to Monterey Ave. Park in Capitola to enjoy local centric food and entertainment in a fun, family friendly environment. Enjoy top-notch food from some of Santa Cruz County’s best food trucks while grooving to some of the most talented musicians the central coast has to offer. Details
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Enter Contests at Santa Cruz County Fair, Entry deadlines: August 22, Don’t be shy! Make this the year you finally enter the Santa Cruz County Fair! The 2024 Exhibitor’s Entry Guide is available now!
There are so many exciting divisions… Livestock, AgHort, Amateur Wine, Fine Arts, LEGOs, Photography, Poultry, Floriculture, Collections, Home Arts and Innovation… just to name a few! Details
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Artist Joel Michael Smith Exhibit, Daily through August 29, Closing Reception, August 24, 3:30-5pm, Joel Michael Smith Art is currently on display at the Aptos Branch Library. To honor and recognize local talent, the Friend of Aptos Library are hosting a closing art reception. Join us for refreshments, stories, and an opportunity to converse with the artist on his methods and inspirations. Details
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Scrabble La Selva Beach, August 2 – November 15, Fridays, 1 – 2pm
Did you know that PACZKI is a round filled doughnut (23 points)? Come test your vocabulary in a game of Scrabble at La Selva Beach Library.
Are you a bridge player too? The LSB Bridge Club is 10:30-12:00 on Fridays (except the 1st Friday of the month). Details
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Music in the Plaza Concert Series, 1st & 3rd Fridays, beginning June 21, 6-8pm, Join us at our summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series! Come and enjoy an evening of music outdoors. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, then sit back and relax to the sounds of summer. Grab a bite at our downtown restaurants or farmers market and join us for music by D-Kovers performing all the best Rock and Español hits. Details
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Parenting Workshops August, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! July
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Blacksmith Hammer-In, Friday & Saturday, August 16-17, 8am-9pm
The California Blacksmith Association Presents – The 8th Annual Hammer-In at Roaring Camp Railroads. Watch demonstrators push the boundaries of hot metal, bring ancient techniques to life and share with the community their talent and dedication to the blacksmith craft. Details
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National Honey Bee Day Movie & Discussion La Selva Beach, Saturday, August 17, 1 – 2:30pm, Celebrate National Honey Bee Day with us. See bees like you’ve never seen them before in the PBS Nature documentary, My Garden of a Thousand Bees. Details
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Beekeeping with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, Capitola, Saturday, August 17, 10:03am, Explore the fascination of bees while celebrating the 30 year anniversary of The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, by Laurie R. King! Apiarist Emily Bondor, a full-time beekeeper and educator, will share her knowledge of bees while Laurie shares how they continue to inspire. NOTE: Live bees will be at the event, contained in an observation hive. Registration is required: Details
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National Roller Coaster Day, Saturday, August 17, 9am – 11pm, Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by taking a spin on our National Historic Landmark, the Giant Dipper. First 100 riders on the Giant Dipper will receive a Boardwalk souvenir cup. As an extra, 2,000 riders will receive 100th Anniversary Giant Dipper buttons. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply. Details
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