Many a young reader who ventures into the library is more than a little eager to embark upon an adventure within the pages of a book. Children’s adventure stories arose in the 19th century, and included such timeless classics as “The Swiss Family Robinson” by Johann David Wyss and “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Adventures have remained of great appeal to children for over 200 years. Experts in children’s literature note that boys and girls plunge eagerly into stories in which they can join a young hero or heroine on an action-packed adventure infused with dastardly adversaries and edge-of-your-seat danger on every page. Such riveting stories keep children engaged and passionate about reading.
When the adventure is set back in time, the story is even more appealing. Children’s imagination is sparked as they fancy themselves traveling back in time to a world long past. History comes alive through vivid descriptions of people, places and lifestyles far removed from our contemporary world.
As the past becomes alive, so, too, does a child’s ability to emphasize with those different from himself. And yet, a young reader will soon see that notwithstanding the distance in decades, there are similarities from one era to the next. Humankind will forever share in fears, hopes and dreams.
Author Alda Dobbs has recently written a children’s novel that exquisitely blends adventure and history. Alda’s Bluebonnet Award nominee book, “Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna,” is based upon the experiences endured by her great-grandmother during the Mexican Revolution. Readers will find it difficult, indeed, to put down this thrilling saga of a young girl who is determined to take her remaining family from her war-torn country to the safety of the United States.
Alda’s novel is both a Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee and recipient of the Pura Belpre Honor. Additionally, she has won various awards, including the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund Award, the Joan Lowry Nixon Award and the Sustainable Arts Foundation Grant.
Alda was born in a small town in Mexico and moved to Texas when a child. After pursuing a degree in physics and engineering, Alda followed her dream of being a storyteller. As noted in her website, Alda is “as passionate about connecting children to their past, their communities, different cultures and nature as she is about writing.
Meet Alda Dobbs
Alda Dobbs will share vintage photographs, maps and clippings about her acclaimed novel “Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna” at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 18, at the library. All ages are invited to attend this special event. The first 25 families will receive a free copy of Alda’s book that she will autograph for you!
Closing Party: Luau
Monday, July 25, 10:00 a.m. Amphitheater
Luau party fever swept the nation during the 1950s. Hula back in time with us and enjoy a Hawaiian performance by Hula Halau Kaeepa, under the direction of Keito St. James, at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 25, at the amphitheater. Refreshments will be served as we close our summer programming schedule.
A reminder all reading logs are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 22, in order to be entered into the drawing to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards for $50.
Radio Storytime: Early Bird Time!
Tune in to Boerne Radio (KBRN FM 103.9) for a weekly Saturday storytime at a new early bird time of 7:45 a.m. Enjoy a dramatic reading of a quality story suitable for the whole family. This storytime is generously sponsored by Mathnasium of Boerne We are most grateful to Boerne Radio and Mathnasium of Boerne for this opportunity to bring the wonder of literature to the community.
Staying informed
You can contact us at 830-249-3053 or visit our website at www.boernelibrary.org. Email us at [email protected]. Track us down on Facebook, where you can like the library, or Boerne Library Children’s Corner. You can also follow us on Instagram.
To maintain your library account, go to www.boernelibrary.org and click on “My Account.”
“Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.”
– J.K. Rowling
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