Midwest Adventure Booklist – fiction & nonfiction books for some Midwestern states!

Title: Illinois
By: Ann Heinrichs
Published: 2018

From New Salem Village to the historic Lock 14 on the Michigan Canal, there's lots to see and do in Illinois! Additional features include maps on each spread, state symbols, famous people, fact bubbles, and informative captions that highlight some of the things that make Illinois special! Age Range: 7-10 years

Call Number: x917.73 Heinr.A

Title: Scritch Scratch (Illinois Novel)
By: Lindsay Currie
Published: 2020

Claire has absolutely no interest in the paranormal. She’s a scientist, which is why she can’t think of anything worse than having to help out her dad on one of his ghost-themed Chicago bus tours. She thinks she’s made it through when she sees a boy with a sad face and dark eyes at the back of the bus. There’s something off about his presence, especially because when she checks at the end of the tour…he’s gone.Age Range: 8-11 years

Call Number: J Curri.L

Title: Michigan
By: Josh Gregory
Published: 2018

Travel across this large state and find out what life is like in Michigan. Unlike most other states, Michigan is divided into two main pieces of land. To the north is the long, narrow Upper Peninsula. To the south, lies the mitten-shaped Lower Peninsula. Readers will learn about the local history and government, sample the local cuisine, spot wildlife, and more. Age Range: 7-10 years

Call Number: x977.4 Grego.J

Title: Cupcake Cousins (Michigan Novel)
By: Kate Hannigan
Published: 2014

Cousins Willow and Delia can't wait to spend a week vacationing together with their families. Their aunt is getting married, and Willow and Delia are hoping their tasty baked goods will be enough to get them out of being flower girls in the wedding. When a real emergency threatens to ruin the wedding, will their baking skills be enough to save the day? Age Range: 8-11 years

Call Number: J Hanni.K

Title: Indiana
By: Tamra Orr
Published: 2018

Indiana is a land of green rolling hills, flat plains, and thick forests. It is also home to towns and cities with rich local culture. They will also explore its history, from how people first settled there to how it became a state and what role it plays in the national economy today. They will also see how Indianans live and what sets the state apart from others. Age Range: 7-10 years

Call Number: x977.2 Orr. T

Title: Hoops (Indiana Graphic Novel)
By: Matt Tavares
Published: 2023

It is 1975 in Indiana, and the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team is in their rookie season. Despite being undefeated, they practice at night in the elementary school and play to empty bleachers. Illustrated in full color, this story about the ongoing battle of women striving for equality in sports rings with honesty, bravery, and heart. Age Range: 7-10 years

Call Number: J Graphic Tavar.M

Title: Iowa
By: Ann Squire
Published: 2019

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Iowa is filled with sprawling farms and welcoming communities. Readers will see what makes the state so great, from its local cuisine to its unique celebrations. They will also find out how Iowa's government works, what role the state has played in U.S. history, and more. Age Range: 7-10 years

Call Number: x977.7

Title: Ten Beautiful Things (Iowa Picture Book)
By: Molly Beth Griffin
Published: 2021

Lily and her grandmother search for ten beautiful things as they take a long car ride to Iowa and Lily's new home with Gran. The exact cause of Lily's move ambiguous, making it perfect for anyone helping a child navigate change, whether it be the loss of a parent, entering or leaving a foster home, or moving. Age Range: 4-8 years

Call Number: J Picture Griff.M

Title: Any Which Wall (Iowa Novel)
By: Laurel Snyder
Published: 2009

If you had a magic wall that could take you to any place and any time, where would you go? You don't have to be an orphan, know a dragon, or even be a child to get a taste of magic. And when you do find magic, you also find out new things about your friends, family, and maybe even a little bit about who you really want to be. Age Range: 8-11 years

Call Number: J Snyde.L

Title: Wisconsin
By: Vicky Franchino
Published: 2018

Famous for its rich farmland, Wisconsin sits in the heart of the Midwest. Readers will get a close look at dairy farms, green hills, big cities, and more. They will see how the people live, from what sports they play to what annual events they celebrate. They will also learn about Wisconsin's history, government, economy, and more. Age Range: 7-10 years

Call Number: x977.5

Title: Restoring Prairie, Woods, and Pond: How a Small Trail Can Make a Big Difference (Wisconsin Nonfiction)
By: Laurie Lawlor
Published: 2023

Centering on activism at the community level, this story portrays how a small town with few resources transformed a city-owned dumping ground into a flourishing nature trail. With three distinct ecosystems, the trail now runs through the town and serves as a hub for community engagement. Age Range: 10 years and up, Parents

Call Number: x333.72 Lawlo.L

Title: The Year of Billy Miller (Wisconsin Novel)
By: Kevin Henkes
Published: 2013

When Billy Miller has a mishap at the statue of the Jolly Green Giant at the end of summer vacation, he ends up with a big lump on his head. As the year goes by, though, Billy figures out how to navigate elementary school, how to appreciate his little sister, and how to be a more grown up and responsible member of the family. Age Range: 7-10 years

Call Number: J Henke.K

Title: Ohio
By: Marty Gitlin
Published: 2019

All across Ohio, there are incredible sights to behold, from skyscrapers that tower high above the ground to beautiful fall foliage in stunning shades of red, yellow, and green. Readers will get a chance to see all this and more as they get an overview of Ohioan culture, history, and wildlife. Age Range: 7-10 years

Call Number: x977.1 Gitli.M (Crown Branch)

Title: The Day the River Caught Fire (Ohio Nonfiction Picture Book)
By: Barry Wittenstein
Published: 2023

After the Industrial Revolution in the 1880s, the Cuyuhoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, caught fire almost twenty times, earning Cleveland the nickname “The Mistake on the Lake.” But when the river ignited again in June 1969, national media picked up on the story. It was a celebration, it was a protest, and it was the beginning of a movement to save our planet. Age Range: 4-8 years

Call Number: x363.7382 Witte.B

Title: Watercress (Ohio Picture Book)
By: Andrea Wang
Published: 2021

Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing in a ditch on the side of the road. After collecting as much of it as they can, the girl is embarrassed. But when her mother shares a story of her family's time in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food and makes a new memory of watercress. Age Range: 4-8 years

Call Number: J Picture Wang.A