Independent bookshops across Metro Detroit typically offer a variety of titles and options for book lovers of all ages.
That’s the case at Sidetrack Bookshop in downtown Royal Oak. Staff said they stay focused on providing many popular options.
“I always love to be able to dive into a book and just disappear,” said Jenny Carney, Co-Owner of Sidetrack Bookshop.
Local 4 is preparing for the Go 4 It: The Magic of Reading Children’s Book Drive on Wednesday, March 20.
Carney and Sidetrack Bookshop offered suggestions to help community members navigate the types of books trending with kindergarten through eighth-grade children.
“We have picture books, board books, and chapter books,” Carney said. “A little bit of everything: fiction and nonfiction.”
Carney said one thing to consider is graphic novels. They are hugely popular across age groups.
“From what teachers tell me, graphic novels are great for building fluency and a love of reading,” Carney said.
Graphic novels have lots of pictures. Not as many words. Popular titles like Dog Man typically come in a series.
You can’t forget picture books. They are still hugely popular among children K-8. The illustrations on book covers and pages have evolved.
Carney said, “I think that children’s books are so popular because we all want our kids to read. And I think what publishing is doing now, perhaps better than they used to, is figuring out how to really get children’s attention.”
According to educators and bookstore owners, children want to see characters who look like them in books. They also want to read books from diverse authors who speak to different cultural experiences.
“It’s important for people to be able to tell their own stories and for people who are not of that cultural tradition to hear their stories from those people themselves,” Carney said.
You can’t forget about books that speak to different interests. Children enjoy funny stories, mysteries, books about space, tales of friendship, and so much more.
Finding a good book to donate to a child doesn’t have to be complicated. Carney said staff at any bookstore should be able to help guide you.
“Nothing makes us happier,” Carney said. “We’re always happy to talk to you and listen and come up with a really good recommendation, or 12, depending on what will work for you.”
Please consider donating new or like-new books for kindergarten through eighth-grade children. Please refrain from dropping off magazines, textbooks, and adult books, and avoid items that are torn or in poor condition.
The Go 4 It: Magic of Reading Children’s Book Drive will be held Wednesday, March 20, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The drop-off location is Masco Corporation, 17450 College Parkway, Livonia, MI.
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