Travel back in time and learn about some of the most memorable days in world history:

America's jubilee by Andrew Burstein — July 4, 1826

D-Day, June 6, 1944: the climactic battle of World War II by Stephen E. Ambrose — June 6, 1944

The day Kennedy was shot by Jim Bishop — November 22, 1963

The day Lincoln was shot by Jim Bishop — April 14, 1865

Day of infamy by Walter Lord — December 7, 1941

The day the American Revolution began: 19 April 1775 by William H. Hallahan — April 19, 1775

Tennis: steps to success by Jim Brown, Camille Soulier

Table tennis: steps to success by Richard McAfee

Field hockey: steps to success by Elizabeth Anders with Sue Myers

Softball: steps to success by Diane Potter, Lynn V. Johnson

Archery: steps to success by Kathleen M. Haywood, Catherine F. Lewis

Swimming: steps to success by David Thomas

Basketball: steps to success by Hal Wissel

Travel through time to real and imagined places.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's court by written by Mark Twain ; illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

From time to time: a novel by Jack Finney

The house on the strand by Du Maurier, Daphne, Dame, 1907-1989

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Life, the universe, and everything by Douglas Adams

Lightning by Dean R. Koontz

Making history: a novel by Stephen Fry

The games bible: over 300 games— the rules, the gear, the strategies by Leigh Anderson

365 unplugged family fun activities: a year's worth of ideas for TV-free, video-free, and computer game-free entertainment by Steve Bennett, Ruth Bennett

The family manager's guide to summer survival by Kathy Peel

I'm bored!: inspiring and imaginative ideas for hours of fun by Suzy Barratt and Polly Beard ; illustrated by Sam Holland

Fun on the run: 324 instant family activities by Cynthia L. Copeland ; illustrations by Sanford Hoffman

1001 more things to do with your kids by Caryl Waller Krueger

The Big Game of Everything by Chris Lynch

Swim the fly by Don Calame

Whale talk by Chris Crutcher

Winger by Andrew Smith

Rush for the gold: mystery at the Olympics by John Feinstein

Vanishing act by John Feinstein

Summer ball by Mike Lupica

The batboy by Mike Lupica

Detroit turns 312 this year! The city was founded on July 24, 1701 by the French explorer Antoine Laumet de Lamothe Cadillac. Originally named Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit, its name was shortened by the British after they had gained control of the settlement during the French and Indian War. The city is known throughout the world as both an automotive center and the birthplace of some of the world's best known musical talent. Several nicknames have been attached to Detroit throughout its long history: Motown, Hockeytown, the Motor City, the City of Champions, and the Arsenal of Democracy all reflect the city's acheivements. Although the city has undergone some tough times in recent years, Detroit can be proud of its contributions to both the country - and the world. Several new books and films have been produced recently about the city's current problems, but there is much to celebrate as well. For a taste of the city's history, as well as a picture of its present, check out some of the titles below:

Check out some of these interesting documentaries on all things Michigan.

Michigan's lumbering days & camp life [videodisc]: when the big trees fell by Program Source International

The Kellogg brothers [videodisc]: corn flake kings by A & E Television Networks

Mackinac Island [videodisc]: a 600 year history by Program Source International

Model T [videodisc] by The History Channel ; Motor Car Co. Inc

The city of Magic [videodisc] by Equity Studios

Borderline [videodisc]: the story of 8 Mile Road by an Urban Garlic production ; presented by Public Benefit Corporation and Oakland County Cable Communications Corporation

Henry Ford [videodisc]

Wondering what special events are going on in Michigan this summer? If so, check out Pure Michigan's Special Events Calendar. This interactive calendar lets you search by date and event type (Fairs & Festivals, Exhibits & Shows, etc.) to find an event in Michigan that's just right for you! Find an event and earn your My Mitten badge by attending.

Looking for a way to get some exercise, see some beautiful scenery and earn your My Michigan badge? Then go to MichiganTrailMaps.com and check out the almost 170 trails in the Lower Peninsula which have been mapped out for potential hikers.

Hiking Michigan by Roger E. Storm, Susan M. Wedzel

Comic Book Superheroes have hit Hollywood in a big way! Check out these action-packed films full of our favorite heroes.

Marvel's the Avengers [videodisc] by Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures, a Marvel Studios production ; written and directed by Joss Whedon

Superman returns [videodisc] by Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Legendary Pictures in association with Bad Hat Harry

Thor [videodisc)] by Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present ; a Marvel Studios production

Spider-Man [videodisc] by Columbia Pictures presents a Marvel Enterprises/Laura Ziskin production

Captain America. The first avenger [videodisc] by Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present ; a Marvel Studios production

Many new books have been written to help spark creativity.

Historical mysteries let the reader be picked up and be transported to different times and places. A good story is a painless way to get into the period, and, if it features a unsolved crime or two, gives a look at history’s darker underside.

As if by magic by Dolores Gordon-Smith

Everybody kills somebody sometime by Robert J. Randisi

The reeve's tale by Margaret Frazer

Blood alone by James R. Benn

India Black by Carol K.

Looking for a novel that takes place in our very own great state? Check out these novels set throughout Michigan, from Detroit to Flint to the shores of Lake Michigan.

Albatross by Josie Bloss

Queen of secrets by Jenny Meyerhoff

Cheated by Patrick Jones

The goddess test by Aimée Carter

The morgue and me by John C. Ford

Belle by Beverly Jenkins

Chasing tail lights by Patrick Jones

From history to sports to music to biography, try some of these recent titles about the great state of Michigan!

The boy governor: Stevens T. Mason and the birth of Michigan politics by Don Faber

Driving Detroit: the quest for respect in Motown by George Galster

Hockeytown doc: a half-century of Red Wings stories from Howe to Yzerman by John "Jack" Finley ; [foreword by Gordie Howe]

The glory years of the Detroit Tigers: 1920-1950 by William M. Anderson ; with a foreword by Dan Dickerson

Detroit's historic places of worship by compiled and edited by Marla O. Collum, Barbara E. Krueger, Dorothy Kostuch ; photographs by Dirk Bakker ; with a foreword by John Gallagher

Planning a vacation or camping trip in Michigan this summer? Make sure you check out these great, simple tips from 'The Awesome Mitten' blog for making your trip more eco-friendly. Do your part in keeping our state clean and beautiful!

Check out the Michigan Radio article, '5 Natural Gems Even Native Michiganders Don't Know About', and learn about some lesser-known attractions to visit during your travels around the state this summer. Visit one of those places, or tell us about another hidden gem you know about, and earn your My Mitten badge!

Center field by Robert Lipsyte

Heat by Mike Lupica

Curveball: the year I lost my grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

The boy who saved baseball by John H. Ritter

Alex Rodriguez by Michael V. Uschan

The big field by Mike Lupica

Center field by Robert Lipsyte

Gone are the visions of pencil protectors and computer nerds. These days, the term "Geek" is used to describe those who are passionate about a particular hobby or interest. Perhaps one of these titles will inspire you to Geek Out!

Geek girls unite: how fangirls, bookworms, indie chicks, and other misfits are taking over the world by Leslie Simon; illustrations by Nan Lawson

Record collecting for girls: unleashing your inner music nerd, one album at a time by Courtney E. Smith