Children’s Books to Read In Honor of the “1619: The Journey of a People” Stage Musical

Kids , Book List

Read these books in honor of this summer’s production of 1619: The Journey of a People–The Musical.

1619: The Journey of a People runs Saturdays and Sundays June 15th-30th, 2024

From the 1619 Musical website: Written in August of 2019, 1619: The Journey of a People commemorates the 400-year anniversary of the date when the first enslaved Africans were brought to the shores of this nation. The theater experience of 1619: The Journey of a People is expressed through three modern characters in a series of performance pieces that will audiences both inspired and challenged about the progress of America’s African sons and daughters. The production of 1619…features a dynamic cast of singers, actors, spoken word artists, and dancers who reflect on the past while tackling critical contemporary social issues. With an appeal for all ages, this production reminds us that on the other side of the trial lies greatness.

Play written and directed by Ted Williams III. Check out 1619musical.com for additional information.

This iteration of 1619: The Journey of a People is directed by Ted Williams III and Tim Rhoze.

For tickets visit https://www.cityofevanston.org/about-evanston/arts-and-culture/theatre/fleetwood-jourdain-theatre#ad-image-6.

Watch the library’s webpage and social media for promotions starting May 20th for a chance at tickets.

A partnership between Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Northwestern University’s Office of Neighborhood & Community Relations, and Evanston Public Library.


Monarch List 2024-25

Awards , Kids

Illinois Grades K-3 Readers’ Choice Award. Suggested ages are from the publisher or each item’s library catalog record.





Great Adult Books, selected by the Blueberry Committee

Kids , Book List , Adults

The Blueberry Committee selects the best climate and nature books for kids 3 – 10+. BUT we love to read adult books too! Here are some great 2023 adult books with nature and climate themes that we truly enjoyed this year: six thoughtful and amazing nonfiction books and one incredible novel


Blueberry Educator Resources 2023

Kids , Book List

The Blueberry Committee selected 8 excellent books this year that support teachers and nature center staff who work with kids in the STEM areas of nature and climate. Nature Crafts and Eco STEM projects! Seaweed science! Milkweed!


2024 Award Winners and Honor Titles

Awards , Kids , Book List

Enjoy these titles that received recent awards attention from various committees: Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Pura Belpré, Geisel, Sibert, Asian/Pacific Award for Literature, Schneider, the Sydney Taylor Award, American Indian Youth Award, Stonewall, Batchelder, the Children’s Literature Legacy Award and Children’s Literature Lecture Award. Age recommendations are from the catalog or publisher’s website.


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