Archives for November 6, 2026

Books of the Week: November 6, 2026

Fun for kids of all ages who love football!

Do you have a young football fan in your life? They may think they know the game… but do they really know all the greatest of the NFL? Help them become an expert with the newest addition to the widely successful middle-grade WHO GOT GAME? series, WHO GOT GAME? FOOTBALL by New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Honor winner Derrick Barnes!

Welcome to the Super Bowl of sports history books, the G.O.A.T. of the storytelling shelf, the most entertaining football book you’ll ever read. If you consider yourself a football fan, get ready for the names, games, stats, records, and far-out facts that you couldn’t possibly get anywhere else. Have you ever heard of Fritz Pollard or Anthony Muñoz? Did you know that one of the greatest defensive backs of all time is part of the reason the passing game expanded in the NFL? And can you believe that the biggest comeback in NFL history was led by a backup quarterback?

I even learned a thing or two from this book!

Multi award-winning author Derrick Barnes brings his comprehensive research and signature energy to a fascinating and entertaining account of antics and achievements from the field, complete with lively illustrations by John John Bajet.

A great book for middle-school- aged kids!

The Bond Street Detectives by Leah Witman Moore follows three fifth-grade friends who set out to solve a missing school fundraiser—only to uncover how quickly assumptions can take hold, and how important it is to stand up for one another. It is a fast-paced mystery that will keep readers engaged!

It has a relatable school setting that resonates with everyday experiences and themes that kids can relate to such as friendship and fairness.

It shares a portrayal of disability that feels authentic and age-appropriate, encouraging empathy without feeling heavy.

At 132 pages, it’s an ideal length for ages 8–12—perfect for independent reading, family read-alongs, or discussion after reading.

It’s the kind of book that not only keeps kids reading but also helps families talk about kindness, perspective, and doing the right thing in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Great for high school- age kids!

You are invisible in your own family. Your parents spend all their care and attention on your brother, who is addicted to drugs. Your dreams don’t matter to anyone but you.
Your only ticket out is a college fund left by your grandfather—until your parents use it to pay for your brother’s drug rehab.
Just when your future seems about to collapse, you are offered a lifeline: a scholarship to become an exchange student in a remote part of Norway. It’s an invitation to begin a new life in a new place with new people…a place where you might finally feel like you belong.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan E. Freeman attended an elementary school where poets visited her classroom every week, and she has been a writer ever since. She writes middle grade and young adult fiction. Megan is also a Pushcart Prize–nominated poet. An award-winning teacher with decades of classroom experience, Megan taught multiple subjects across the arts and humanities to students of all ages. She lives near Boulder, Colorado. Visit her online at MeganEFreeman.com.

Great for midde-school-aged kids!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eve and Andrew’s friendship barely survived a disastrous attempt at dating at the beginning of eighth grade. Now, one year, one ruined school event, and one grand gesture later, their friendship is solid thanks to the Rules for the Friendzone, which include:

No longing looks.
No hugs lasting longer than three seconds.
No kissing. Ever.

But when Eve impulsively breaks a rule just before the start of their freshman year, the delicate balance of being best friends who kind of dated is thrown completely off. The only thing to do as far as Eve is concerned is to rebuild the Friendzone stronger than ever. That would work perfectly if Andrew hadn’t suddenly realized that being just friends with Eve will never be enough for him…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

G. F. Miller absolutely insists on a happy ending. Everything else is negotiable. She is living her Happily Ever After with the love of her life, three kids, two puppies, and some chickens. She cries at random times. She makes faces at herself in the mirror. She believes in the Oxford comma. And she’s always here for a dance party.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature for this week. I only feature books that I recommend. Cover images were also provided.

ArtCenter to Host National Portfolio Day in Pasadena on Nov. 15

Free Event Brings Together 36 Leading Art and Design Colleges and Universities for Portfolio Reviews and Undergraduate Admissions Guidance.

Sunday, November 15, 2026 | Noon–4 p.m.

ArtCenter College of Design will host Los Angeles National Portfolio Day on Sunday, November 15, 2026, welcoming aspiring artists and designers from across Southern California to its iconic Hillside Campus for a free event dedicated to exploring educational opportunities and creative careers.

The event brings together admissions representatives from 36 leading art and design colleges and universities from across the United States and internationally, offering prospective undergraduate students the opportunity to receive personalized feedback on their creative portfolios, learn about academic programs and admissions requirements, and explore pathways to careers in art and design.

ArtCenter will also offer guided campus tours and special information sessions introducing visitors to its undergraduate programs, distinguished faculty, industry connections, scholarships and career opportunities.

The event is free and open to prospective students and their families.

DATE AND TIME

Los Angeles National Portfolio Day

Sunday, November 15, 2026

Noon–4 p.m.

SPECIAL ARTCENTER PROGRAMMING AND ACTIVITIES

ArtCenter Campus Tours
10:30–11:30 a.m.

Student-led tours of ArtCenter’s Hillside Campus, offering a firsthand look at the College’s facilities and creative learning environment.

Creative Careers via an ArtCenter Education
10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Special information sessions led by Tim Campos, Vice President of Admissions, highlighting ArtCenter’s undergraduate programs, faculty, industry partnerships, admissions process and scholarships.

LOCATION

ArtCenter College of Design (Hillside Campus)
1700 Lida Street
Pasadena, CA 91103

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION

Admission is free. Prospective students and families can find event registration details, participating institutions and additional visitor information on ArtCenter’s Los Angeles National Portfolio Day website.

Free Children’s Storytime & Book Signing in Calabasas on Nov. 7

Debut children’s author Michelle Grace will host a free storytime and book signing at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, November 7, at 11 AM. The event will also feature giveaways, complimentary essential oil samples, and more.

Her debut book, I’m Right Here, is written for children ages 4–8 and follows a mother’s love across the universe as she searches for her shining star.

Saturday, November 7 at 11 AM – Barnes & Noble Calabasas
4735 Commons Way, Calabasas, CA 91302
Free story time and book signing – Event Details

P.F. Chang’s Launches New Children’s Book Supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation

yummy!

P.F. Chang’s has released a new digital children’s book, Meet Bao: The Spirit of Strength, written by Jenny Liao and illustrated by Adriane Tsai. The heartwarming story follows Bao, the Horse of Strength, as he teaches young readers about courage, kindness and compassion. Created in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, the book aims to bring comfort and joy to children facing hospital stays while encouraging families to have meaningful conversations about bravery and helping others.

Families can read the book for free on P.F. Chang’s website.

Credit: P.F. Chang’s.

Sunday, 11/15 | Opening Community Celebration for The Alta, New Arts Space in Montebello

AltaMed Health Services will welcome the community to The Alta with ¡HOLA ALTA! a free celebration on Sunday, November 15 marking the public opening of the new cultural art space in Montebello. Rooted in AltaMed’s belief that health and well-being extend beyond the walls of a medical exam room, The Alta celebrates the power of art and culture to inspire, connect and strengthen communities.  

The opening celebration will allow visitors the opportunity to be among the first to explore the new space, including The Alta’s inaugural exhibition LA LA LA by acclaimed Chicana artist Patssi Valdez in her first solo presentation in more than a decade. Guests of all ages can enjoy music performances and creative wellness activations and experiences that celebrate the connection between art and well-being while enjoying delicious food from local vendors.

Family-friendly programming highlights include:

  • Live performances by DJ Bsyde, Las Chorizeras, Very Be Careful, Danza Azteca by Indigital Productions, and more
  • Food from BLVD MRKT, VCHS PUPUSAS, Perro Tacos, and others
  • Activities like FlutterBy butterfly garden exhibit, live screen printing with Self-Help Graphics, interactive puppeteering with Viva La Puppet, bounce houses, face painting, and an art scavenger hunt

The new 30,000-square-foot home for the AltaMed Art Collection features approximately 4,000 Chicano and Mexican artworks spanning from the early 20th century to the present. The Alta builds on AltaMed Health Services’ longstanding commitment to integrating art into its health care environments and community programs, recognizing that cultural identity, creativity, and a sense of belonging are important elements of overall health and well-being. 

*Programming and schedule subject to change

WHEN

Sunday, November 15
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

WHERE

The Alta
1401 N. Montebello Blvd.
Montebello, CA 90640

Free parking will be available on site.

PUBLIC RESERVATIONS

Advance registration is required. Reserve your spot today at the below link.

REGISTER HERE

Bentley, Nov. 6 Pet of the Week

Bentley is a dream to drive! Her volunteer friends said that she’s super-mellow, knows “sit” and “stay” commands, and is easy to walk. During the Halloween parade at the shelter, Bentley watched all the doggies go by, and there was no reactivity whatsoever on her part. All her gears work great! Bentley came to our shelter with a leg problem but behaved beautifully and patiently when the vet took care of her. Other than a slight limp, she has absolutely no performance or behavioral issues — she’s just one big expression of love, be it treats or people, which she loves more. Bentley’s a mastiff, only 2 years old, and would be a great couch companion or a gardening buddy! Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Bentley or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID#A766983.