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9781623546472.tiff

A Family of Readers

By Rob Sanders

Illustrated by Gabbie Benda

Charlesbridge

ISBN-10: ‎ 1623546478
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1623546472

Reviews:

The library is central to a family’s day. The titular characters enter the building and begin browsing. Meanwhile, staffers shelve books, French students work on their
pronunciation, chefs find titles on baking bread, actors in costume perform an elaborate story time, a group of moms convenes for a book club, preteen members of a robotics club gather, and gardeners outside harvest tomatoes. Eagle-eyed youngsters will spot a tan-skinned child clad in green overalls who appears throughout, silently observing from the sidelines. As the day winds down and everyone leaves, the little one walks out, accompanied by a parent and holding a book, and the story closes with the youngster
reading at last. Sanders has crafted an invitingly alliterative ode to libraries; this isn’t the
stuffy, silent place of yesteryear, but a space that’s vibrant, welcoming, and wholly alive.
Benda’s crowded, crisp illustrations feature people of varying skin tones, hairstyles,
abilities, and ages. Some are tattooed; one wears a hijab. A Pride flag sits on the librarian’s desk—this is truly a place for every member of the community. The book is both a lovely way to convince newcomers to visit their local library and a comforting read for those who already feel at home there. A hopeful and joyful
love letter to the public library.

—Kirkus Reviews

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About

 

One sunny day at the local library, a family of readers rushed in the front door. To read and enjoy. To search and explore.


A Family of Readers celebrates the library as a vibrant community hub where every visitor—young and old—can explore, learn, and connect.

At first, the family members choose their favorite books and begin to read and read and read. But soon, Dad is distracted by a group of chefs who are working together to master bread making, Mom finds a group of auto mechanics who can help her solve her dilemma with the family car, and the older sister and brother have their heads in the clouds and their eyes on the stars as they join their friends.
 

But the youngest family member continues to be absorbed in his book and reads and reads and reads. The family members discover that the library has something for everyone—including friendship, camaraderie, opportunities to learn, and—of course—books!


As increasing book bans threaten access, this story invites families to embrace libraries as powerful, welcoming spaces for learning and community. Young readers are encouraged to explore, discover, and celebrate all libraries have to offer.

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