Category Archives: Children

Yoto Cards and Players are here!

Tuesday, July 22, 2025Children

Introducing a New Addition to Our Collection: Lendable Yoto Player and Cards!
Thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library

We’re excited to share a new addition to our Youth Services collection: Yoto Players and Yoto Cards! These screen-free, kid-friendly audio players are now available to borrow—opening up a world of stories, music, and learning in a whole new way.

What Is a Yoto Player?

The Yoto Player is an innovative audio device designed especially for children. It plays Yoto Cards, which are similar to audiobooks—but with a twist. There’s no screen, no ads, and no complicated setup. Kids simply insert a card, and the story begins!

It’s the perfect way to enjoy books, music, and educational content in a hands-on, distraction-free format.

What Are Yoto Cards?

Yoto Cards are small, durable cards that hold audio content such as popular children’s books, bedtime stories, songs, and more. Once a card is inserted into a Yoto Player—or activated via the Yoto App—the content begins to play.

Some of the titles we currently offer include favorites from series like The Boxcar Children, Dragon Masters, and more!

How Does It Work?

Borrowing and using a Yoto Card is easy:

Download the free Yoto App and create an account.
Insert the Yoto Card into a Yoto Player, or tap the card to your phone to activate it.
The audio content will automatically appear in your app’s library and begin playing.
Listen through the app or the Yoto Player.
Return the card to the library when you’re done—your app will retain the content until it’s activated again on another account.

Borrowing a Yoto Player

Don’t have a Yoto Player at home? No problem! You can now borrow one from our library, just like any other device or book. Pair it with a few Yoto Cards to create a fun, screen-free experience for car rides, bedtime routines, or quiet afternoons.

Our Yoto Player is linked to the Library’s account, so there’s no need to download the app when borrowing it from us!

Please note: Yoto Players and Yoto Cards are available to adult Scotch Plains Library cardholders only. Items must be checked out from and returned directly to the Youth Services Department.

A Huge Thank You

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library for funding this exciting new addition to our collection. Their continued support helps us bring valuable and engaging resources to the children and families in our community.

Want to Try It?

Stop by the Youth Services desk to browse our Yoto Cards and check out a Yoto Player. Our staff will be happy to walk you through how to use it.

Happy listening!

Eight Grade – Summer Reading

Friday, June 20, 2025Children Teens

Summer Reading – Middle School – Eight

Eight Grade (Fiction)

From SPF Summer Reading Hub: All incoming 8th grade students must read one fiction book and one nonfiction book from the choices below. As they read, students should take notes in the style of their choice in order to prepare for an assessment in the fall. (From School District: Titles that contain content that may be considered mature for the grade level are indicated with an asterisk (*).)

Patron Saint of Nothing by Randy Ribay*

Place a hold today

Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Place a hold today.

Enders’ Game by Orson Scott Card

Place a hold today.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Geimenhart

Place a hold today.

Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King

Place a hold today.

Eigth Grade – Non-Fiction

(From School District: Titles that contain content that may be considered mature for the grade level are indicated with an asterisk (*).)

*The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers’ Edition)* by William Kamkwamba

*Reaching for the Moon* by Katherine Johnson

*White Bird: A Wonder Story* by R.J. Palacio

Seventh Grade – Summer Reading

Friday, June 20, 2025Children Teens

Summer Reading – Middle School – Seventh

Seventh Grade (Fiction)

From SPF Summer Reading Hub: All incoming 7th grade students must read at least one book from the list of fiction titles below and one nonfiction book of their choice. As they read their fiction book, students must complete this graphic organizer. (From School District: Titles that contain content that may be considered mature for the grade level are indicated with an asterisk (*).)

The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ten-year-old Ada has never been outside—her mother is too ashamed of her twisted foot. But when her brother Jamie is sent out of London during World War II, Ada escapes to join him. Taken in by the reluctant Susan Smith, Ada begins to experience freedom for the first time—learning to ride a pony, read, and trust. As war rages on, Ada discovers strength and love—but fears it could all be taken away if she and Jamie are forced to return to their mother. Place a hold today

Alone by Megan E. Freeman

Twelve-year-old Maddie plans a secret sleepover—but wakes to find her town mysteriously abandoned. With no power, no internet, and no one around, she must learn to survive alone. Her only companions are a loyal dog named George and the books she reads. As she faces disasters, danger, and deep loneliness, Maddie discovers just how strong and resourceful she can be. Place a hold today.

Legend by Marie Lu

In a war-torn future where the western U.S. has become the Republic, June is a military prodigy from a wealthy family, and Day is the nation’s most wanted criminal from the slums. When June’s brother is murdered and Day is named the suspect, their paths collide. But as June hunts Day and he fights to protect his family, they uncover dark truths about their government—and the real reason their lives are connected. Place a hold today.

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes*

Donte feels out of place at Middlefield Prep, where he’s one of the only Black students and constantly compared to his lighter-skinned brother, Trey. After an incident with popular student “King” Alan leads to Donte’s arrest, he decides to fight back—by beating Alan at fencing. With help from a former Olympic fencer, Donte trains hard, hoping to earn respect, reclaim his identity, and find where he truly belongs. Place a hold today.

King of the Dragon Flies by Kacen Callender*

Twelve-year-old Kingston James believes his brother Khalid became a dragonfly after he died—shedding his first skin to live by the bayou. As grief changes King’s family, he hides his dreams of Khalid and the pain of losing his best friend, Sandy, after Khalid warned him to stay away—worried people might think King is gay too. But when Sandy runs away from his abusive father and hides in King’s backyard, the boys rekindle their friendship and create a secret refuge by the bayou. Together, they face hard truths about identity, friendship, and loss. Place a hold today.

Two Degrees by Alan Gratz

Fire, ice, and flood—three disasters, four kids fighting to survive. Akira faces a fast-moving wildfire in California. Owen and George confront a polar bear on the Canadian tundra. Natalie is swept away by hurricane floodwaters in Miami. As climate change turns their worlds upside down, these kids are connected in surprising ways that could change their lives forever. Place a hold today.

Seventh Grade – Suggested Non-Fiction – From School District

(From School District: Titles that contain content that may be considered mature for the grade level are indicated with an asterisk (*).)

*I Am Malala (Young Readers)* by Malala Yousafzai

*Hidden Figures* by Margot Lee Shetterly

Sixth Grade – Summer Reading

Monday, June 16, 2025Children Teens

Summer Reading – Middle School – Sixth Grade

Sixth Grade

From SPF Summer Reading Hub: All incoming 6th grade students must read at least one of the titles below. As they read, students must complete the summer notes document found here.

Crash by Jerry Spinelli

Cocky seventh-grade super-jock Crash Coogan got his nickname the day he used his first football helmet to knock his cousin Bridget flat on her backside. And he has been running over people ever since, especially Penn Webb, the dweeby, vegetarian Quaker kid who lives down the block. Through the eyes of Crash, readers get a rare glimpse into the life of a bully in this unforgettable and beloved story about stereotypes and the surprises life can bring. Place a hold today

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Unfortunately, Roy’s first acquaintance in Florida is Dana Matherson, a well-known bully. Then again, if Dana hadn’t been sinking his thumbs into Roy’s temples and mashing his face against the school-bus window, Roy might never have spotted the running boy. And the running boy is he was running away from the school bus, carried no books, and–here’s the odd part–wore no shoes. Sensing a mystery, Roy sets himself on the boy’s trail. The chase introduces him to potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes with unnaturally sparkling tails. Place a hold today.

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

In an old attic in Lambert, South Carolina, a letter waits for Candice Miller. It’s addressed to her grandmother, who left town in disgrace, and tells of a buried injustice, a mysterious puzzle, and a hidden fortune. With help from Brandon, the quiet boy across the street, Candice sets out to solve the mystery her grandmother couldn’t—uncovering secrets from Lambert’s past and their own families along the way. Place a hold today.

Wish by Barbara O’Connor

Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish for years, hoping it will finally come true. But when she’s sent to live with relatives in the Blue Ridge Mountains, everything feels uncertain—until she meets Wishbone, a stray dog, and Howard, an unexpected new friend. As her world begins to shift, Charlie starts to realize that what she truly needs might be very different from what she wished for. Place a hold today.

The Thing I’m Most Afraid of by Kristen Levine

Twelve-year-old Becca isn’t thrilled to spend the summer in Austria with her dad—especially with her severe anxiety. Armed with her Doomsday Journal to manage her fears, she braces for the worst. But unexpected friendships with Felix, her dad’s girlfriend’s son, and Sara, a young Bosnian refugee, help Becca navigate a new city and her own worries. As she explores Vienna, she discovers she’s not alone—and that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but what you do in spite of it. Place a hold today.

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

For generations, the city of Ember has survived underground—until now. Supplies are running low, the lights are beginning to fail, and darkness looms. When two kids, Lina and Doon, discover a mysterious parchment, they believe it may hold the key to saving their city. But can they decode its message in time—and convince others to follow them before it’s too late? Place a hold today.

Slacker by Gordon Korman

Cameron Boxer would rather game than do just about anything else—until one session goes too far and nearly burns his house down. To cover it up, he creates a fake school club to look responsible, but things spiral when others believe it’s real and name him president. Suddenly, Cameron is leading a mission to save a beaver, making unexpected friends—and enemies—along the way. For a kid who never cared, he’s now at the center of it all, and it’ll take every bit of his slacker genius to keep it together. Place a hold today.

Shark Week

Saturday, August 17, 2024Children

Contact-Free pick up is here! How it works: Click on “request this item” and place the item on hold with your library card. You will be notified when your item is available for pickup. For Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents only at this time. Questions? Contact us at kids@scotlib.org.

Misunderstood Shark : starring Shark! by Ame Dyckman

This super silly story is about a shark who just wants to show everyone who he is.

Dude! by Aaron Reynolds

This hilarious book shows the complex and silly ways to tell a story only using one word!

Chomp : a shark romp by Michael Paul

Learn all about different species of sharks – great for children in grades 2 and under!

Slickety quick : poems about sharks by Skila Brown

Creative poems about sharks from rare sharks like camouflaged wobbegong and the elusive frilled shark – and more common ones.

Super shark encyclopedia and other creatures of the deep by Derek Harvey

Everything you need to know about sharks and other creatures! Great for any shark lover.

I survived the shark attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis

Based on True Events and the Jersey Shore!

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Read about how these bad guys are doing good deeds – humorous mixed media book for those that love fast paced books.

Looking for more Shark books? Click here to view additional titles (does not work in Firefox and on certain mobile devices).

Graphic Novels

Thursday, June 27, 2024Children

Does your child love graphic novels? Check out some of these titles we have at the library!

The witch boy by Molly Ostertag

When a boy goes missing during a night of shapeshifting, thirteen-year-old Astor risks going against family tradition by using his magic to help locate him.

When stars are scattered by Victoria Jamieson

Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, have spent most of their lives in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Life is hard there: never enough food, achingly dull, and without access to the medical care Omar knows his nonverbal brother needs. So when Omar has the opportunity to go to school, he knows it might be a chance to change their future . . . but it would also mean leaving his brother, the only family member he has left, every day.

Twins by Varian Johnson

Maureen and Francine Carter are twins and best friends. They participate in the same clubs, enjoy the same foods, and are partners on all their school projects. But just before the girls start sixth grade, Francine becomes Fran — a girl who wants to join the chorus, run for class president, and dress in fashionable outfits that set her apart from Maureen. A girl who seems happy to share only two classes with her sister! Maureen and Francine are growing apart and there’s nothing Maureen can do to stop it. Are sisters really forever? Or will middle school change things for good?

Super Turbo saves the day! by Edgar J. Powers

Super Turbo learns he is not the only superhero pet at Sunnyview Elementary.

Spy School : the graphic novel by Stuart Gibbs

Ben Ripley is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science–but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior C.I.A. academy. Ben becomes an undercover agent and goes on his first assignment

Sunny side up by Jennifer L. Holm

Sunny Lewin has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather for the summer. At first she thought Florida might be fun — it is the home of Disney World, after all. But the place where Gramps lives is no amusement park. It’s full of . . . old people. Really old people. But the question remains — why is Sunny down in Florida in the first place? The answer lies in a family secret that won’t be secret to Sunny much longer. . .

The sand warrior by Mark Siegel

A story that explores new worlds packed with amazing adventures; ancient mysteries; the unlikely bond of a clumsy dancer, a boy from the poorest slums, and a superstar athlete–and their quest to save one small, distant galaxy from the forces…

Realm of the blue mist by Amy Kim Kibuishi

While searching for the truth surrounding her father’s death, Tabby Simon is unexpectedly led to Rema, a distant world of magic and beauty, where she discovers she is destined for something far greater than she ever could have imagined.

Planetary-yum by Drew Brockington

Future CatStronaut Waffles and his younger sister Pancake are kittens who enjoy visiting the science museum with Dad-Cat.

Pea, Bee, & Jay. 1, Stuck together by Brian Smith

Like all peas, Pea loves to roll. So when a no-good strawberry dares him to roll all the way off the farm, he swears he can do it–eazy me-zee! But along the way, a powerful thunderstorm strikes and bounces Pea off course…and right into two unlikely newbuds: a bee named Bee who thinks she knows it all, and a bird named Jay who can’t figure out how to fly. On their own they may not look like much, but if this trio can stick together, they just might help Pea find his way back home!

Owl and Penguin by Vikram Madan

The okay witch by Emma Steinkellner

Narwhal : unicorn of the sea by Ben Clanton

Meet the Super Duper Seven by Tim Hamilton

Jukebox by Nidhi Chanani

The invisible whale by Beth Ferry

I’m ogre it by Jeffrey Ebbeler

Housecat trouble by Mason Dickerson

Hoggy went-a-courtin’ by Ethan Long

Donut feed the squirrels by Mika Song

Cucumber quest. 1, The doughnut kingdom by D.G. Gigi

The cardboard kingdom by Chad Sell

Benny and Penny in The big no-no! : a Toon Book by Geoffrey Hayes

Aru Shah and the end of time by Joe Caramagna

First in a Series

Thursday, June 27, 2024Children

Looking for a new series? Check out our recommended list

I Am A Super Girl! by Kelly Greenwalt

Pug Blasts Off by Kyla May

Azmina The Gold Glitter Dragon by Maddy Mara

The Adventures Of Captain Underpants : The First Epic Novel by Dav Pilkey

The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui Sutherland

The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Nettingham Middle School

Tuesday, June 18, 2024Children Teens

Summer Reading – Middle School – Nettingham

Nettingham Middle School

*Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy* (non-fiction)

These are recommended Titles from the SPF School District. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are indicated by the school are titles that contain content that may be considered mature for the grade level. View the School’s Summer Reading Hub Online.