Biblio File

Summer of STEAM

Last week, we brought you “Summer of STEM,” so this week, we’re adding the arts into the mix.

Here’s some new nonfiction for kids who want to get creative this summer.

Her Idea by Rilla Alexander
This graphic novel explains the creative processand the difficulties of staying focusedthrough a personal, visual lens. (Ages 37; it’s a follow-up to Alexander’s great debut, The Best Book in the World.)

The Death of the Hat: A Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects, compiled by Paul B. Janeczko
Poems and stories about their origins are paired with whimsical, vivid drawings in this new anthology. (Ages 8 and up.)

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle
When a Chinese-African-Cuban girl in the 1930s announces she wants to be a drummer, she’s told that only boys can play the drums. (Ages 48.)

Extraordinary People: A Semi-Comprehensive Guide to the World’s Most Fascinating Individuals by Michael Hearst
Short-and-sweet illustrated biographies of 50 different magicians, activists, sports figures, and more. (Ages 812.)

Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art by J. H. Shapiro
This biography tells the story of an artist-activist who took to the streets of his hometown, Detroit, to help rebuild the community. (Ages 58; newly published in paperback.)

Ballet Spectacular by Lisa Miles
Lush photos of ballet productions stand next to overviews about steps, historical facts about ballet, and first-person accounts from dancers. (Ages 5 and up.)  

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your picks! Leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend.