21st Century Kids: Travel America

Mona Gilbert, Children's Librarian, Northridge Branch Library,
Photo illustration/composite of  US map and computer desk. Computer screen has title Travel America
Technology and free resources from the Los Angeles Public Library make both virtual and armchair travel possible

“Don’t tell me the sky's the limit when there are footsteps on the moon.”—Paul Brandt

In challenging times, travel may be the last thing on a family's mind; however, physical travel is only one of the many ways to see the United States. Technology and free resources from the Los Angeles Public Library make both virtual and armchair travel possible. Museums, national parks, zoos, and aquariums are accessible via virtual tours and experiences. For example, live cams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, in Monterey, California, provide viewers with real-time observations of marine animals. Additionally, the San Diego Zoo offers virtual field trips for families. E-books and print collections are available with a current library card, where adventurers can explore all 50 states and territories of the United States. This is just a small sampling of many opportunities available to kids and families seeking to expand their knowledge and experiences.


A Road Trip Through America

Family Road Trip
A girl and her father, residents of Pacific Palisades, on a family trip to Monterey Bay, [ca.1995], Shades of L.A. Collection

Explore the United States of America without leaving home! This collection of fun and informative books illuminates the journey from sea to shining sea. Readers will learn about useful travel tips, landmarks, and interesting places to visit.


Book cover for Travel Guide for Monsters
Travel Guide for Monsters
Degman, Lori

Book cover for Mr. Men: Road Trip!
Mr. Men: Road Trip!
Hargreaves, Adam

Book cover for A is for America: An American Alphabet
A is for America: An American Alphabet
Scillian, Devin

Book cover for No Way...Way!—USA
No Way...Way!—USA
West, Tracey

Book cover for America’s National Parks
America’s National Parks
Lonely Planet Kids


Songs of America

boy playing a guitar

Songs that stand the test of time become ingrained in the American culture. Here are the stories of two important patriotic songs.


Book cover for For Spacious Skies: Katharine Lee Bates and America the Beautiful
For Spacious Skies: Katharine Lee Bates and "America the Beautiful"
Churnin, Nancy

Book cover for The Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner
Chang, Kirsten


Travel Tales Across America

William Gropper’s America, it’s Folklore, 1946 map
William Gropper’s America, it’s Folklore, [1946] Date: LAPL Map Collection

Throughout America’s history, the invention of many ways to cross the vast U.S.A. landscape are part of the American story. As America expanded, the desire to extend access to the entire country became the dream of many.


Book cover for Running Across America
Running Across America
McGillivray, Dave

Book cover for Alice Across America: The Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Road Trip
Alice Across America: The Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Road Trip
Marsh, Sarah Glenn

Book cover for Pony Express
Pony Express
Hall, Peg


 

 

 

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