Wrexham Library Service: reading recommendations for young people

Tickets are now on sale for one of the leading literary festivals in Wales, being held again in Wrexham. Wrexham Carnival of Words, now in its seventh year, will be held online from April 17-24 and has over 30 different events to enjoy. Once again the Carnival welcomes some of the UK's greatest writers, including Sir Michael Morpurgo and Vicki Berwick; Clare Mackintosh; Anthony Riches; Jasper Fforde; Neil Spring; Matt Hilton; Matthew Harffy; Elizabeth Buchan; Barbara Erskine; Amanda Prowse & Josiah Hartley; Peter Doyle and many more. Supported by writing workshops, music and song, this year's festival promises to be memorable and all for the price of just £15 for a Festival ticket. For more details please visit www.wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com

Children's Author of the Month

Titles by author Zanib Mian.

Zanib Mian grew up in London and still lives there today. She graduated from university as a science teacher but her passion was always writing stories and poetry. She has released several picture books for younger children but her Planet Omar series is the first time she has written for older readers. Planet Omar was first released under the title The Muslims, and won the Little Rebels Award 2018, as well as being shortlisted for the UKLA Award and nominated for the CILIP Carneige Medal. You can add any of Zanib's books to your next Order and Collect list, visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraires

'No Queue' titles from BorrowBox

Did you know Wrexham Libraries offer a service where you can download 10 eBooks and 10 eAudiobooks for free for 21 days via the BorrowBox App? Borrowing digital content has never been simpler, smarter or more convenient. BorrowBox digital content is available any time from work, home or anywhere 24/7. You can reserve or borrow up to 10 eAudiobooks and 10 eBooks at a time. This month's featured 'No Queue' titles include Need You Dead by Peter James, City of Friends by Joanna Trollope and Hitler's Secret by Rory Clements. To try one of these books or to chose any other e-book/e-audio books please visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and follow the online services link.

Hidden disabilities

Hidden disabilities don't have physical signs and include learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments. Living with these conditions can make daily life more demanding for many people. They affect each person in different ways and can be painful, exhausting, and isolating. To support people living with disabilities all libraries hold collections of the Books on Prescription scheme for adults and children in Welsh and English, which includes titles such as Awtistiaeth by Louise Spilsbury; Through the Eyes of Us by Jon Roberts and Can I Tell You About ADHD: A guide for Friends, Family and Professional by Susan Yarney and Autism. Libraries also hold collections of the Reading Well for Mental Health initiative which include books on CBT, coping with grief, improving sleep and controlling stress. If you would like to add any of these books to your next Order and Collect list why not give us a call?

Reading for fun

A love for reading can be hugely valuable for children. The benefits of leisure reading include increased general knowledge, a positive impact on academic achievement, enhanced reading ability and vocabulary growth. Research suggests that time spent reading for pleasure could be a key indicator for the future success of a child. Reading aloud too fosters a love of books in children, and helps children associate reading with pleasure. If you would like to support your children's reading with fun and accessible books to read why not give your local library a call and have a chat with the staff to find the right books for your children? Contact details can be found on www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries

Book reviews

I'm a Girl by Yasmeen Ismail and Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.

Looking for children's books which challenge the usual gender stereotypes of girls being pretty, sensitive and meek and boys being loud, messy and rowdy? Here at Wrexham Libraries we are proud of our diverse selection of picture books for younger readers, especially those which help to demonstrate that children can be themselves in whatever way they feel comfortable. Our two current favourites are below. Find them at your local library today. Remember that you can order online or over the phone for our order and collect service.

I'm a Girl by Yasmeen Ismail demonstrates how being spontaneous, fast, noisy and strong isn't just for boys. The main character, blue donkey, is perfectly comfortable in her own skin and knows who she wants to be - perfectly, unashamedly, herself! A fun, fast-paced book with exciting illustrations which celebrates a strong female lead following her own path in life, while making sure everyone knows that she is most definitely a girl.

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love is the tender story of a little boy who loves dressing up as a mermaid... and how his Nana reacts. Guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye, this book is truly heart-warming and will leave you feeling happy for a long time afterwards. The beautiful and colourful illustrations really make the characters come to life and it is refreshing to see a male protagonist in a children's book who is sensitive and flamboyant. We are looking forward to reading Jessica Love's next book, Julian at the Wedding, which is due out in June 2021.