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One Book For Nebraska Kids
or One Book For Nebraska Teens

Wouldn't it be great if kids all over Nebraska were talking about books? The Nebraska Library Commission & the Regional Library Systems have a program where kids can all read and discuss the same book.

The Nebraska Library Commission and the Regional Library Systems have book bags for many, but not all, of the selected titles. To borrow the book bags, contact the Commission Reference Services, 402-471-2045, 800-307-2665, e-mail, or the Regional Library System offices. For more information contact Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, 402-471-4003, 800-307-2665. Guidelines can be found here. These are thought-provoking books to read anytime and librarians may borrow the book sets whenever they are available and fit into their library or school's schedule. The Library Commission has many other book bags available - check them out here.

Hear about this program from the 2021 NCompass Live archived recording of the One Book For Nebraska Kids & One Book For Nebraska Teens, Recorded Online Session.

Beginning in 2013 we select both a One Book for Nebraska Kids and a One Book for Nebraska Teens every year. Prior to 2013 we alternated choosing titles. The "Kids" book is aimed at grades 4-6 or so and the "Teens" title is often aimed at high school age readers.

Looking for past selections? Jump to: 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08


Current Year: One Book For Nebraska Kids and Teens 2023

Kids: The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich

Omakayas, or Little Frog, lives with her Ojibwe family near Lake Superior, where their traditional way of life is being evermore disrupted by the encroachment of settlers. Over the course of a year, she helps with seasonal activities such as building the summer birchbark house, defending the crops from crows, and scraping hides to make new garments. Omakayas also gets into plenty of mischief, including stumbling upon a couple of bear cubs while picking berries! The rhythm of life in her village is dramatically altered when a stranger visits, bringing illness.

Links Activities 
Author Information
Alphabet Soup  
Discussion Prompts from Scholastics Snowball Fight
Book Club Kit
Indigenous Tribes of Nebraska
Sounds of The Birchbark House Mini Book Review Sheet

Birchbark House Book Cover

Teens: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

Maddie lives a quiet life in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness with her father. But the arrival of her childhood friend shatters her solitude and she finds herself on the run from foreign mercenaries... and her feelings about her friend. Can she save both their lives and her heart?

Links Activities 
Book Website
Mad Libs  
Author Information
Headbands Game  
Discussion Guide from The Little By Little Home Snowball Fight
Book Club Kit
Mini Book Review Sheet
How to Make an Axe Throwing Game from I Like To Make Stuff

Not If I Save You First Book Cover

Coming Soon: One Book For Nebraska Kids and Teens 2024

Watch this space for more information.

Sponsored by the Nebraska Library Commission & the Regional Library Systems