The Indianapolis Public Library recently launched a new collection to make reading more accessible to teens and adults who are learning English as a second language or building literacy skills.
The new Quick Reads collection contains a variety of short fiction and nonfiction books written in an approachable style. The library’s goal is that adults and teenagers who are learning to read are able to consume material that’s both interesting and accessible.
“Every reader, just no matter what their skill level is, deserves to have engaging and relevant materials, and this collection really hits that,” said Jennifer Hendzlik, acquisitions and collection development manager for the Indianapolis Public Library.
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The collection contains a variety of novels in different genres, including mystery, thriller, romance and sci-fi. There are also plenty of nonfiction titles about everything from cooking to history to wildlife.
Here are some of the books in the collection:
Fiction
“Worst Date Ever” by Melodie Campbell
This rom-com follows Jennie, a widow whose son and friend convince her to join a dating website. But as Jennie goes on first date after first date, she starts to think love might have been right in front of her all along.
“The Night Thief” by Barbara Fradkin
When Cormac O’Toole notices that vegetables are going missing from his garden, he vows to find the culprit. But that’s nothing compared to his surprise when he finds a young boy in the forest behind his home who’s never been taught to read or write. Who’s the mystery boy, and where did he come from?
“The Flip Side” by Shawn Johnson
Missing the Olympics already? This young adult novel by gymnastics champion Shawn Johnson follows a young gymnast trying to make the Olympic team while keeping her sport a secret from her friends and classmates.
“The Education of Margot Sanchez” by Lilliam Rivera
Margot Sanchez, a Puerto Rican girl living in the Bronx, recently transferred to a new school and is trying to fit in. But “borrowing” her dad’s credit card to buy clothes had consequences — she’s now stuck working in the family grocery store. This summer job gives Margot an education in identity, gentrification and community.
“The Innocence Device” by William Kowalski
In a bleak future world, a young man named Chago is struggling to survive in prison. To deal with overcrowding, the prison warden brings in a new device that claims to be able to tell whether people are innocent or guilty. Innocence means freedom, guilt means death. Chago must figure out how to protect his son in a world that’s inherently unfair.
Nonfiction:
“Paying for College” by Tammy Gagne
Part of a broader series about money skills, this book goes into the different ways of funding a college education, from scholarships to loans.
“Cooking Your Own Meals/Dinner is Served” by Carrie Gwynne and P.J. Gray
What could be better than two books in one? The “Dinner is Served” side contains a fictional story about a family dinner. But flip the book over and you’ll find a nonfiction side containing tips that will help you make dinner tonight.
“Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World” by Burhana Islam
Maybe you’ve heard of activist Malala Yousafzai, but what about Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad? This illustrated book includes easy-to-read biographies and information about notable Muslim people throughout history.
“BBC Dynasties: Painted Wolves”
In 2018, the British Broadcasting Corporation filmed a documentary about a family of painted wolves in a national park in Zimbabwe. The book adaptation follows a family of wolves through their lives and the day-to-day ups and downs.
For more information
Marion County residents can borrow books from the library for free with a library card. Books from the new Quick Reads collection are available at all the Indianapolis Public Library’s 25 locations.
You can find more information about the Quick Reads collection on the library’s website.
Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact Claire at claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org or on social media @clairerafford.
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