T his summer, you don’t have to leave New Orleans to go on an unforgettable adventure; just grab a book or a Culture Pass! With stories that bring the city to life through the eyes of lizards, witches, and ghost-hunting teens, and free access to top local attractions through the New Orleans Public Library, families can explore the magic of the Crescent City without ever packing a bag.
from the bookshelf
CHILDREN In ¿Qué vola, NOLA? What’s up, NOLA? by Abigail Isaacoff and Ramiro Diaz, a lizard from Havana winds up in New Orleans, and since it is so similar, he thinks he is just in a different part of Havana. Madi Hannan captured one little dog’s big adventure in her new book, Scrim on the Run! Known for his wiry fur and mischievous antics, Scrim has become a beloved figure in the city, darting through neighborhoods, dodging potholes, and leaving a trail of smiles wherever he goes. MIDDLE GRADE Wildseed Witch by Marti Dumas adds a little more magic to our already magical city, making it a great summer escape for middle-grade readers staying in New Orleans this summer. The book follows Hasani, a girl excited to spend her summer working on her YouTube channel and scheming to get her parents back together. Her plans change when she realizes she’s actually magic and is carted off to an ultra- private witch camp in New Orleans.
In Tristan Strong Keeps Punching by Kwame Mbalia, 12-year-old Tristan is supposed to be keeping an eye on his younger cousin during a family reunion in New Orleans. But, he gets a bit distracted when he sees his archenemy, King Cotton, and a mysterious girl grabs his magic cellphone, bringing him on an unexpected mission. TEEN Ghost Roast by Shawnelle Gibbs, Shawnee Gibbs, and Emily Cannon follows Chelsea Grant when she is forced to work with her dad at Paranormal Removal Services after a night out with the popular crowd. Along the way, she discovers she can actually see ghosts–including Oliver, a friendly spirit who convinces her to help save his afterlife. Set in New Orleans, That Summer Night on Frenchmen Street by Chris Clarkson follows two teens from vastly different worlds as they discover that sharing their strengths, including the love of their friends and family, may just be the path to
finding wholeness within themselves.
This summer, your family can travel in your own city for free, using the New Orleans Public Library’s Culture Pass program. This service allows Orleans Parish residents and Library cardholders to visit a variety of attractions across the city for free. Visit iconic spots like the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, Insectarium, the National WWII Museum, NOMA, Ogden Museum, Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, and more—all for free with a Culture Pass. Passes are available for 2–7 people depending on the location. Just make sure to reserve your tickets in advance at culturepass.nolalibrary.org or get assistance from your local Library. You can even catch select Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performances through the program! While planning your adventure, be sure to check out the Library’s collection of books about New Orleans for the perfect staycation read.
Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian for the New Orleans Public Library’s collections and acquisitions department. Marie Simoneaux is the media and communications coordinator for the New Orleans Public Library.
10 JUNE 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
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