By Gwen Glazer, recommendations librarian in the Readers Services unit of the New York Public Library.

Fred Rogers’ famous advice to "always look for the helpers" has never seemed more important. In the wake of recent events in Charlottesville and beyond, parents may be looking for ways to engage their children with the social justice efforts—and also to talk about positive examples of activism and leadership.

We put together a list of 13 books for a wide range of children, from picture books for toddlers to nonfiction series for middle schoolers. These books address some of the most familiar human- and civil-rights leaders, like Malala and Gandhi, as well as some lesser-known activists who deserve more attention. All of them inspired others to create change in the world around them.

Fall is a great time of year for families to spend time together outdoors enjoying the brisk weather and beautiful foliage in Hartford County. The autumn season is filled with so many activities like pumpkin picking, spooky Halloween events, fairs and you can’t forget corn mazes! Why not get together with another family and have a "Family Corn Maze Challenge"? Which family will get out of the maze fastest?  Here's a list of places to do just that in the Hartford area.

For many kids, learning to ride a horse is a distant dream. The good news? That dream could become a reality with several stables and farms offering lessons within easy driving distance of Boston. Some cater to beginners, and others only to committed equestrians, but they all offer lessons to kids dreaming of riding into the sunset. Find more interesting, out-of-box athletic programs in our class guide.

My son loves to visit museums, and frequently requests repeat visits to the butterfly museum, the "museum with the dinosaurs," and the Children's Museum - all of which we've been to many times in his short three years of life. As a result, I'm always on the lookout for new ones to visit, particularly those that fall into the category of being lesser-known museums that offer a little something extra. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum landed on my radar a few months ago, and when we found ourselves with an open morning on a beautiful day, checking it out became a top priority. 

Is there a reason for why every Halloween movie is set in New England? YES! Because Halloween in New England is AWESOME!

With its creaky floorboards, leaning gravestones and dank forests, what better place to enjoy the absolute BEST holiday of the year? From the thrill of corn mazes to the terror of haunted houses, there is NO better place in the world than autumn right here! So I say: let's start celebrating starting RIGHT NOW with one of these over-the-top Halloween excursions that take the world's greatest holiday to the next level. For even MORE fun in the autumn sun, check out our complete Halloween and Fall Fun Guide.

Want to thrill your kid or wow an out-of-towner? The New England Aquarium, just maybe the crown jewel of our many awesome downtown attractions, seems to produce more oohs and aahs than just about any other tourist spot in town. That may be because its regular highlights are living creatures who age, change, and shift positions depending on the day; or perhaps because the scientists there are regularly adding new, interesting species into the mix. Case in point: the new, exceedingly rare yellow American Lobster, whose arrival makes for a seasonally appropriate cornucopia of crustaceans in the suddenly colorful Northern Waters Gallery on the Aquariums third floor.

As the air has started to cool, the humidity has lifted, leaves are changing colors, and we are surrounded everywhere by the flavors of pumpkin spice, fall is certainly in full swing. There's plenty for Philly preschoolers to do from fall festivals to apple picking, corn mazes, and Halloween fun. Pick your perfect pumpkin, take a scenic train ride, or enjoy some fall-themed treats. Whether your child enjoys ghosts and ghouls, gentle haunts, or a not-so-scary Halloween, you're sure to find something to please everyone in your family. We've rounded up some of our favorite fall-themed fun specifically for preschoolers.

Connecticut is many things to many people. For some, the amazing local food scene whets the appetite and keeps them coming back for more. Others like to get out in nature on one of our states many trails. But if you're someone who just loves to while away an afternoon taking in great works of art, and maybe you're thinking it's time to get the kids involved, too, have I got news for you. The Connecticut Art Trail not only houses some of the most spectacular treasures but with the new and improved Connecticut Art Trail Passport it is also right at your fingertips.