South End Scoop: Books & More from KCLS — July 2024

The King County Library System (KCLS) and the South Seattle Emerald are teaming up to bring you the "South End Scoop." Dig into this community-centered column each month for great book, music, movie, and event recommendations from your local librarians.

Explore the unique mental health experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities during BIPOC Mental Health Month in July. Get started with the following reading recommendations below, and find more titles at KCLS' reading list.

And KCLS' Summer Reading Program is still going strong. Join us to track minutes spent reading during the summer to help keep minds active and engaged.

Here's how to participate:

• Visit your KCLS library to pick up a reading log or sign up online.
• Set your daily reading goal — we recommend 20 minutes a day — and read anything you like from June 17 to Aug. 31.
• Join us for special events and activities throughout the summer.
• Track your time spent reading to earn prizes.

LIBRARIAN PICKS

Kids (Ages 3 to 7)

Big by Vashti Harrison

A young girl with a big personality and heart learns to accept and celebrate herself after bullies make her feel small in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Award-winning author, illustrator, and filmmaker Vashti Harrison writes about hard feelings for young children in a sweet and accessible way. This is a great read for little ones learning to accept themselves, and for others, for all of the things that make them perfectly themselves.

Kids and Tweens (Ages 8 to 13)

Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango

This powerful novel in verse takes on mental health, growing up, and finding community through difficult times. Iveliz plans on having the perfect year as a new seventh grader, but sometimes plans don't go as expected. She struggles both in school and at home as her abuela settles in after moving from Puerto Rico. Iveliz takes medication for her mental health, but her abuela doesn't believe Iveliz needs it. Iveliz finds her voice and advocates for her needs, all while realizing that those who love you will always be in your corner.

Teens (Ages 14 to 17)

Vinyl Moon by Mahogany L. Browne

After moving across the country to escape from domestic violence, Angel feels lost. She blames herself and fears that everyone knows something is wrong with her — until she finds connection and solace in Ms. G's literature class. Angel finds a home in the words of Black writers, including Toni Morrison and Sapphire. She shares her own writing with her classmates and learns from their stories as well. This beautiful and poignant novel is concise and deeply impactful. Prepare to be inspired by author Mahogany L. Browne's words.

Adult (Ages 18 and Older)

Decolonizing Therapy by Jennifer Mullan, Psy.D., Narrated by Carmen Jewel Jones

Available as a physical copy, eBook, and audiobook, this insightful guide invites both therapists and patients to examine how modern therapy has been shaped by colonial, historical, and political legacies, and to rethink the practice through a decolonial lens. Jennifer Mullan, Psy.D., discusses how modern treatments further disconnect us from our own personal histories, healing practices, and homelands — and how this impacts our mental health. Dr. Mullan both addresses the issues with Eurocentric practices and creates a path for therapy to change and evolve for the better.

Recommendations courtesy of KCLS Librarian Shel Grinstead. Shel is a teen services librarian at the Tukwila Library. When not at the library, Shel enjoys going to concerts, playing cozy games, and trying out new handicrafts. Drop by "Game On" on Wednesdays after school or check out one of their art programs throughout the year.

UPCOMING EVENTS

KCLS offers a variety of in-person and online events and activities for all ages! All events are free. Find one that interests you at KCLS.org/Events.

Author Voices with Kiku Hughes: How Comics Can Tell a Story
Saturday, July 20,3—4 p.m.
Skyway Library

Join author Kiku Hughes to learn about Japanese American incarceration during World War II, and the role of comics in social justice activism. Hughes will discuss her graphic novel, Displacement, how comics are made, their history, and how they have played a role in documenting and understanding social change.

Mid-Summer Tai Chi in the Park
Tuesday, July 23, 12—1 p.m.
Bellevue Library

Enjoy outdoor tai chi classes with Master Yijiao Hong. Students will practice warmups, meditation, silk reeling, and movements from the 18-Form Chen Style. Suitable for beginners and those with experience. Master Instructor Yijiao Hong is a 12th-generation inheritor of Chen-style tai chi and in-chamber disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.

Author Voices with Justina Chen
Tuesday, July 23,6—7:30 p.m.
Online and the North Bend Library

Local author Justina Chen invites you to a delightful evening to discuss her new book, North of Beautiful, and other works. Chen has authored children's and young adult books that delight readers of all ages. Bring your family to meet the author! Freecopies ofNorth of Beautifulwill be available at the North Bend Library while supplies last.

Hopelink: Drop-In Employment Help Desk
Wednesday, July 24, 11 a.m.—1 p.m.
Bellevue Library

Drop in for one-on-one employment assistance at the Hopelink Employment Help Desk. Work on your rsum and cover letter, get assistance with job searching, learn about job skills training, practice your interview skills, and more.

Author Voices with Ken Liu
Wednesday, July 24,7:30—8:30 p.m.
Online

Join us to hear fromKen Liu, award-winning author of TheDandelion Dynasty Series, short story collection The Paper Menagerie, and many more. Liu is also a translator of works, includingLiu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem. Writer and game designerYang-Yang Wangwill moderate the evening's discussion.

Genealogy Help with South King County Genealogical Society
Thursday, July 25, 2—4 p.m.
Federal Way Library

Do you have genealogy questions? Get answers from the South King County Genealogical Society with one-on-one assistance.

Steel Drum Party
Thursday, July 25, 4—5 p.m.
Kent Library

Celebrate summer with a steel drum performance by musician Ian Dobson. All ages are welcome.

More Dumplings, Please
Sunday, July 28, 3—4 p.m.
Burien Library

Make shumai dumplings, a dim sum (Chinese tapas) with Olive Huang from Cooking Dolls. All supplies will be provided. Designed for teens.

Wisdom Caf: Dependence
Tuesday, July 30, 1—2 p.m.
Fairwood Library

Independence is an American value that doesn't acknowledge the reality of most of our lives. We will all face the dilemmas of dependency, both as caregivers and care receivers. How can we think about this differently? Where does interdependence fit on the scale? Wisdom Cafes provide space for older adults to engage in ongoing and facilitated conversations about livability issues affecting all people.

Decorate a Coping Box
Monday, Aug. 5, 3—5 p.m.
Kent Library

Create a collaged box called a "coping box" and fill it with self-care reminders to help you navigate moments full of strong emotions. Presented by Valley Cities Behavioral Health.

Fantastic Creatures Presented by MoPOP
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 4—5 p.m.
Federal Way 320th Library

Taking what we already know about animal biology and habitats, use your imagination to create and become unique creatures. Study real creature specimens to inform your creations at this fun event.

Burke Mini Museum: Dig In
Thursday, Aug. 8, 2—4 p.m.
White Center Library

Become a paleontologist! Explore the Paleozoic (sea creatures), Mesozoic (dinos), and Cenozoic (mammals) Eras. Burke Museum educators will offer hands-on learning and fun.

Community Resource Fair
Saturday, Aug. 10, 11:30 a.m.—2 p.m.
Tukwila Library

Join a day-long resource fair servingcommunity members in need. Social service providers will be available to help connect attendees withresources such as health care, education, legal clinics,and more!

Veterinary Care Presented by Washington Health Outreach
Sunday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
Renton Library

The Renton Library is partnering with Washington Health Outreach for free and low-cost veterinary care for community members in need. Washington Health Outreach will be set up in the parking lot of the library.

Author Voices with Emiko Jean
Tuesday, Aug. 6,7:30—8:30 p.m.
Online

Join a discussion with Emiko Jean,New York Times Bestselling authorof the new novel The Return of Ellie Black. Local writer and public historian Tamiko Nimura will moderate.

NEED A LIBRARY CARD?

Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the city of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a physical card to access our full collection, or a digital eCard to access our digital collection. Visit KCLS.org/Library-Cards to get started. Contact Ask KCLS at KCLS.org/Ask if you need assistance with your account, or call 425-462-9600 or 800-462-9600.

Featured Image: South Seattle Emerald and the King County Library System (KCLS) are teaming up to give you book, media, and event recommendations each month via the South End Scoop.