Flowering at home By the LJ and SLJ editors While some counties and states begin ramping up their reopening, many families are still sheltering at home or choosing to limit outside interaction to help keep the curve of COVID-19 cases flat. For folks looking for multigenerational activities, this summer could be an ideal time to start exploring your family tree. We offer a handful of excellent—and mostly free— resources to get started. As evidenced by the many individuals proudly showing off the green onions they've cultivated on kitchen countertops, gardening is on the rise—even in densely populated city centers where outdoor spaces are a rarity. We suggest several gardening books—some to read aloud to little ones, others to inspire kids and teens, and a guide for parents on helping children connect with nature. This Friday is Juneteenth, a holiday that dates back to 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, TX, were finally told they were free―more than two years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday and its history are not taught in most schools, and while many planned live events are canceled this year, libraries and other organizations are offering online celebrations and resources to learn more. |