Public Library of Cincinnati Celebrates Dads And Father Figures

Press release from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County:

June 17, 2020

In this era of social distancing and isolation, many families are not able to be together to celebrate Father's Day this weekend as they normally would. In honor of our fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, adopted fathers, father figures, and more, check out the books for all ages below which feature the importance of these family relationships.

For a list of our favorite movies, TV shows, and documentaries that celebrate father figures, check out this blog post.

My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith

Told through the voice of a child, Anita Hope Smith's My Daddy Rules the World collection of poems celebrates everyday displays of fatherly love, from guitar lessons and wrestling matches to bedtime stories, haircuts in the kitchen, and cuddling in bed. These heartwarming poems, together with bold folk-art-inspired images, capture the strength and beauty of the relationship between father and child.

Hot, Hot Rodi for Dada-ji by F. Zia (eBook)

Overflowing with family, food, and a tall stack of fun, Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji is sure to warm the heart and tickle the tummy. A fun way for children to learn about the cultural traditions and foods of India to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Also on eVideo

Trixie, Daddy and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood laundromat, but their exciting adventure takes an unexpected turn when Trixie realizes something is missing.

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

This book relates the adventures of a family with two fathers, four adopted boys, and a variety of pets as they make their way through a school year, Kindergarten through sixth grade, and deal with a grumpy new neighbor.

The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

After her parents' divorce, Bea's life became different in many ways. But she can always look back at the list she keeps in her green notebook to remember the things that will stay the same. The first and most important: Mom and Dad will always love Bea, and each other. When Dad tells Bea that he and his boyfriend, Jesse, are getting married, Bea is thrilled. Bea loves Jesse, and when he and Dad get married, she'll finally (finally!) have what she's always wanted—a sister.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

Zoe Washington isn't sure what to write. What does a girl say to the father she's never met, hadn't heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who's been in prison for a terrible crime? A crime he says he never committed. Could Marcus really be innocent? Zoe is determined to uncover the truth. Even if it means hiding his letters and her investigation from the rest of her family."

There Will Be Bears by Ryan Gebhart

Tyson is determined to hunt an elk—even if it means sneaking his grandpa out of a nursing home—in a debut novel sparked with dry wit and wilderness adventure. Thirteen-year-old Tyson loves hanging out with his roughneck Grandpa Gene, who's a lot more fun than Tyson's ex–best friend, Brighton. These days, Bright just wants to be seen with the cool jocks who make fun of Tyson's Taylor Swift obsession and dorky ways. So when Grandpa Gene has to move to a nursing home that can manage his kidney disease, Tyson feels like he's losing his only friend.

The Most Important Thing by Avi

One of the most beloved writers of our time presents seven short stories exploring the vital ties between fathers and sons.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Fourteen-year-old twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their father ignores his declining health.

Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces by Michael Chabon

For the September 2016 issue of GQ, Michael Chabon wrote a piece about accompanying his son Abraham Chabon, then thirteen, to Paris Men's Fashion Week. Despite his own indifference, however, what gradually emerged as Chabon ferried his son to and from fashion shows was a deep respect for his son's passion. The piece quickly became a viral sensation. With the GQ story as its centerpiece, and featuring six additional essays plus an introduction, Pops illuminates the meaning, magic, and mysteries of fatherhood as only Michael Chabon can.

Missed Translations: Meeting the Immigrant Parents Who Raised Me by Sopan Deb

Approaching his 30th birthday, Sopan Deb had found comfort in his day job as a writer for the New York Times and a practicing comedian. But his stage material highlighting his South Asian culture only served to mask the insecurities borne from his family history. As it beautifully and poignantly chronicles Deb's odyssey, Missed Translations raises questions essential to us all: Is it ever too late to pick up the pieces and offer forgiveness?

Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry

Rohinton Mistry's enthralling novel is at once a domestic drama and an intently observed portrait of present-day Bombay in all its vitality and corruption. At the age of seventy-nine, Nariman Vakeel, already suffering from Parkinson's disease, breaks an ankle and finds himself wholly dependent on his family. His step-children have a spacious apartment but are too squeamish and resentful to tend to his physical needs. Nariman must now turn to his younger daughter, Roxana, her husband, Yezad, and their two sons, who share a small, crowded home.

Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

From new parents to empty nesters to Jim's twenty-something fans, everyone will recognize their own families in these hilarious takes on everything from cousins ("celebrities for little kids") to growing up in a big family ("I always assumed my father had six children so he could have a sufficient lawn crew") to changing diapers in the middle of the night ("like The Hurt Locker but much more dangerous") to bedtime (aka "Negotiating with Terrorists").

The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom

The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out. An allegory about the power of belief—and a page-turner that will touch your soul—Albom's masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected.

This press release was produced by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The views expressed here are the author’s own.