ReadSquared Reading Program

Reading Lists

Audiobook of Verse/Poetry (YA)

Listen to an audiobook of verse or poetry? What specific BINGO card activity... but an interesting one! If you have additional suggestions, let us know by messaging ...
[view detail for full info]

Bon Appetit! Cookbooks and Food Memoirs

Take a culinary journey and learn about the lives of these famous cooks, in and out of the kitchen.

Books by an Author of Color (YA)

These are just *some* suggestions of books by authors of color that are currently in the library's collection. Most of them are available in the physical AND the dig ...
[view detail for full info]

Books by an LGBTQ Author (YA)

These are just *some* suggestions of books by LGBTQ+ authors that are currently in the library's collection. Most of them are available in the physical AND the digit ...
[view detail for full info]

Books by Authors of Color

There are times authors can mirror our experiences and others when they can provide a window into a new world. Stories about people of color are not always written b ...
[view detail for full info]

Books by Debut Authors (YA)

Here are some Debut Authors that you should definitely keep an eye on! Most of them are available in the physical AND the digital collection. If you have additional ...
[view detail for full info]

Books Featuring Characters with Disabilities (YA)

Here are a few suggestions of both fiction and non-fiction books that center or include voices of various variantly abled voices. Most of them are available in the p ...
[view detail for full info]

Books that pass the Bechdel Test

Books that pass the Bechdel test feature female characters whose interactions do not revolve around a male character. What we are looking for here are books where th ...
[view detail for full info]

Books with Animals in the Title

Hey all you cool cats and kittens! There's an animal in the title of all these books. Prowl through and choose one to complete your bingo square if you dare. Lions, and tigers and bears, oh my!

Breaking Barriers- Championing Social Justice!

This list features stories of overcoming obstacles, resisting oppression and inspiring change. Each book can encourage conversation between children and adults of al ...
[view detail for full info]

Characters Who Have Disabilities

Suggested list of books featuring characters with disability challenges.

Fairy Tales- Classics and Fractured Retellings!

These books check all the boxes for fairy tale fandom! Castles and forests, kings and queens, villains and happy endings. New versions and old, we've got 'em for you here in this list!

Flower Power! Books About Gardening or Flowers on

If only these covers were scratch 'n sniff! In this season of growth, take a stroll down the garden path of this list and see where it leads you!

Get Hooked on a Series!

What's better than a book by a great author? LOTS of books by that author! Try one of the books on this list and you know there will be more to love.

Graphic Memoirs (YA)

Graphic memoirs are a thing! Here is a list to get you started in the genre. Most of them are available in the physical AND the digital collection. If you have ...
[view detail for full info]

Great Outdoors

Overflowing with adventure and the beauty of the natural world, these stories are sure to encourage your little readers to get outside and explore!

Historical Fantasy NOT Set in WWII (YA)

Historical Fiction? Historical Fantasy? The iterations and possible narratives are endless! Most of these titles are available in both the library's physical and dig ...
[view detail for full info]

Journeys: Books Set Outside the United States!

Let's take a journey and walk a mile in someone else's shoes. These books take place in a country outside of the USA.

Let's Get Graphic! Graphic Novels for Everyone

A picture is worth a thousand words! Whether this is your first graphic novel or you're an enthusiast of the genre, there's something for everyone on this list.

Making Tracks

Books are a great way to bridge the gap of imagination and exploring. Get kids outside to explore nature with this list of books about animal tracks and signs!

Mysteries/Thrillers Where the Victim is NOT a Woma

Let's give lady victims a break here and let the fellas take the fall. A burgeoning category of thriller/mystery, this type of book can now has it's own prize. You c ...
[view detail for full info]

Nonfiction/Informational Books

[No description provided]

Once Upon a Time! Kings, Queens & Grown-up Fairy T

What makes a fairy tale? Heroes, villains, enchanted settings and magical elements...This list is fit for a king or queen! Not all will have happy endings, but ...
[view detail for full info]

Outdoor Survival

YA survival stories show the strength and resilience of the human spirit. These books center on teen characters who rise above their challenges, adapt to their envir ...
[view detail for full info]

Over the Rainbow: Books About Colors!

Brighten your child's world with books about the colors of the rainbow!

Pack Your Bags! Travel Books & Memoirs

Remember when we used to travel? Well, let the titles on this list take you away to destinations near and far. Be an armchair explorer while we are in hunker down mode!

Pandemic Tales & Medical Mysteries

What do you get when you mix true tales of medical madness and eerily prescient fictional tales of global pandemics? This list right here. Sorry- these quarantine wo ...
[view detail for full info]

Queens and Other Female Rulers, Deciders & Game Ch

A list of books featuring some serious girl power! These ladies rule their countries, kingdoms and courts both real and imagined.

Read About Racism

Can racism be defeated with a reading list? No way, but reading CAN bring awareness, create a path to understanding, and lead to a better way forward. The titles on ...
[view detail for full info]

Rhyming Books for Infants and Toddlers

It's time to rhyme! Come take a look when you need a book.

Staff Picks! Recommended Reads from your Favorite

"Hey, don't you librarians read all day?" Actually, we don't, but we read do read A LOT of books, so here are some favorites of the Old Lyme PGN Staff we'd like to share with you...

Wilderness Thrillers

In the world of thriller books, “don’t go into the woods” is an adage as old as time. Whether you’re into mystery books that will terrify you or mystery books full o ...
[view detail for full info]

Wordless Books

Children can use their imagination and interpretive skills to "read" these wordless books.

Birth to 12 Months

Start early and raise a book lover by reading to newborns. These hand-selected books are designed for babies birth to 12 months including durable board books and colorful pictures.

Fairy Tales for Little Ones

Image a world of dragons and talking animals. Take your little ones on an adventure with these must-read fairytales and Imagine Your Story!

Pre-K It's a Fantasy

Image a world of dragons and talking animals. Take your little ones on an adventure with these must-read fairytales and Imagine Your Story!

12 to 24 Months

Help young children develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Read these fun books about animals and rhymes to your young one and watch their imagination grow.

Believe in the Impossible

Take a trip to lands of incredible creatures and never-ending adventures. These books will take you to faraway places and beyond! Imagine Your Story and believe in the impossible.

Kids Believe in the Impossible

Take a trip to lands of incredible creatures and never-ending adventures. These books will take you to faraway places and beyond! Imagine Your Story and believe in the impossible.

2 to 3 Year Olds

Encourage your toddler to read with exciting books that span from simple picture books to more elaborate stories. Watch your child grow into a lifetime book lover.

4 to 5 Year Olds

Prepare your child for school by exposing them to reading at a young age. This book list is designed for 4 to 5 year olds as they prepare to enter kindergarten.

Adult Imagination Train

Fairytales and fantasy books aren't just for kids. Are you looking to discover new worlds and exciting characters to fall in love with? Check out these books and Imagine Your Story.