Lower School summer reading

above and below: the medals on this page were designed by second graders as part of their work defining, judging and awarding the 2021 Gordon School Multicultural Picture Book Award

 

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students,

This is a list of suggested books for your summer reading pleasure. We hope that you will discover some old favorites on the list as well as make the acquaintance of titles that you may not know.

The highlights of our library year included the Karla Harry Visiting Author residency of Grace Lin who by virtue of her robust virtual offerings brought her work to Early Childhood and Lower School in presentations that involved her beloved characters, Pacy, Ling, Ting and Minli and even her chickens from home! At the forefront of diverse publishing for many years, Grace Lin’s ongoing commitment to creating stories that show the everyday experience of Asian Americans families has been inspirational to many of us. She has also been a truly supportive and encouraging mentor of new talent in the field and according to librarian Travis Jonker she is the only children's author to have been recognized by the Newbery, the Caldecott, The Geisel and the National Book Award Committees.

During our first ever Virtual Book Fair, fourth and third graders participated in a workshop led by Jeanette Bradley, Keila V.Dawson and Lyndsay H. Metcalf on their celebrated Social Justice Picture Book Biography No Voice Too Small Fourteen Young Americans Making History. This marked the first time in the library’s history that three authors of the same book in different parts of the country came together (virtually) to present one workshop for students and their teachers.

Our fourth graders worked together with their teachers Rebecca Zakin, Rosemary Colt, Rebecca Boswell and assistant teacher Emily Elder as librarians from four schools in Rhode Island retooled the Battle of the Books into a Virtual Battle. Presented on May 20th and hosted by Dr. Noni Thomas López, the event marked the culmination of Gordon fourth graders’ reading and documentation of over four hundred novels and works of non-fiction and their thoughtful creation of many, many BOB-Logs . One student even participated in the Battle of the Books from Georgia!

Our library year ends this year with the announcement of the winners of the 2021 Gordon School Multicultural Picture Book Award which is Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker and April Harrison. Led by Cendhi Arias, Kate Mecurio and supporting teachers, second graders read from a list of twenty-three multicultural picture books throughout the year which were narrowed down to fifteen nominees and voted on in very early June. If you have ever wondered about the best definition of a multicultural book, you will find it in our second grader’s thoughtful criteria which is expressed on their GSMPBA pages in this online booklet.

We have amplified parts of the booklet that suggest taking books outside to read and getting connected with the natural world. First and second graders have led the charge on this in reading so many books this year with their teachers that have to do with animals, ecosystems and with people protecting our natural resources.

Lastly, please do visit the following website for the Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, a committee which Lower School teacher Amber Bennett is serving on and which offers a wonderful array of books to read with your family and extended family members:

https://olis.ri.gov/youth/ricba/lists/nominees/ricba2022nominees.pdf

Have a splendid summer of reading. For your convenience, details on accessing our catalog of ebooks and audiobooks are at www.gordonschool.org/onlineborrowing. Please do reach out to me at fmartindale@gordonschool.org or Marlon Henry at mhenry@gordonschool.org if you need help with this.

Best,
Frances Martindale,
Gordon School Librarian

*You may also note the use of the asterix in the booklet and this denotes novels that may offer some wonderful read aloud experiences.

 

Required summer reading

Incoming first graders should share books with family members and read them a variety of picture books and or from the “I Can Read” or emergent reader books for at least fifteen minutes three times a week.

Incoming second graders should read for at least twenty minutes, three times a week in a book at their level, along with sharing books with their family.

Incoming third graders should read for at least twenty minutes, four times a week in a book at their level and share the reading with their family. They should aim to read at least two chapter books of their choosing and a picture book biography title from the list or from their home or public library.

Rising fourth graders should read for at least thirty minutes ideally every day in a book at their level.

In addition to their recreational reading from the booklet all rising fourth graders should read or listen to these four Battle of the Books titles:

Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Ellliott
The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come by Susan Macy
Jasmine Toguchi Mochi Queen by Florence Debbie Mochiko
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

The full Battle of the Books list of thirty books will be officially announced in October of 2021.

N.B. As part of a special cross divisional reading experience with Middle School, in the fall, fourth graders will also be asked to read the following title:

Becoming Muhammad Ali: A Novel (in verse form) by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson

 

 

 

Emergent Reader Series

(Available in paperbacks in many instances)
Level One: Generally one line of text per page
Level Two: Generally one to two lines of text per page
Level Three: Generally three to four lines of text per page
 
National Geographic Level One Readers
Marsh, L. Storms
Quattlebaum, M. Hedgehogs
 
National Geographic Level One Readers Spanish
Marsh, L. Los Koalas
 
National Geographic Level Two Readers
Carney, E. Animals in the City
Carney, E. Planets
Drimmer, S.D. Ancient Egypt
Rattini, K.B. Coral Reefs
Romero, L. Animals that Change Color
Schrieber, A. Volcanoes
Stewart, M. Dolphins
 
National Geographic Level two Readers Spanish
Stewart, M. Los Delfines
Zoehfeld, .K. Rocas y minerales
 
National Geographic Level One and Two Readers
Marsh, L. Ocean Animals Collection
Marsh, L. & Schrieber, A. Cutest Animals Collection
 
National Geographic Level Three Readers
Davidson, R. Squeak! 100 Fun Facts About Hamsters, Mice, Guinea Pigs and More
Romero, L. Animal Architects
 
Penguin Young Readers Level Two
Bader, B. Hedge, Hedgey, Hedgehogs
 
Green Light Readers Level 2
Eaton, D. My Wild Woolly
Suen, A. Test Drive; A Rico and Robot Story
 
Green Light Readers/Bilingual Stone Arc Readers
Anderson, P.P. Joe quiere jugar
Meister, C. Moopy el monstruo subterraneo (series)
Parks, C. Farmers Market
Suen, A. La noche de terror un ciento sobre robot Robot y Rico
 
Green Light Readers Level 3
Bechtold, L. Buster the Very Shy Dog: More Adventures with Phoebe
 
Step into Reading Level 1
Pierce, T. Tae Kwon Do!
 
Beginning Readers Spanish
Alcantara, R. Los tres deseos
Climent, P. Poton el gato no quiere pato
Ganges, M. Pequeno coco
Jacque, M. Daniel tiene un casa (series)
Roca, E. Esto e mio!
 
I Can Read Books Level 1
Anderson, D. The Shark Report: Benny McGee and the Shark
Garton, S. Otter, Otter in Space (series)
Driscoll, L I Want to Be a Doctor (series)
Heller, A. After School Sports Club: Time for T-Ball (series)
Horvath, J. Work Dogs, Work! A Highway Tail
Kim, D. Pete the Cat’s Trip to the Supermarket
Lobel, A. Frog and Toad are Friends (series)
Lehrhaupt, A. Chicken in Charge (series)
Weeks, S. Mac and Cheese and the Perfect Plan (series)
 
I Can Read Books Green Light Readers Level 2
Bourne, B.B. Everything Goes: Henry Goes Skating (series)
Brown, J. Flat Stanley (series)
Dussling, J. Long, Tall Lincoln
Finnegan, D. Guinness World Records Remarkable Robots
Hapka, C. The Trail Ride (series)
Meister, C. Moopy on the Beach (series)
Silverman, E. Let’s Go Fishing
Skolfield Detective Dinosaur Undercover (series)
 
I Can Read Books Level 3
Derting, K. Cece Loves Science Push and Pull (series)
 
Puffin Easy to Read Level 1
Adler, D. Young Cam Jansen and the Speedy Car Mystery (series)
Maitland, B. The Bookstore Burglar (series)
Marshall, E. & Marshall, J. Fox All Week (series)
Van Leuven, J. Amanda Pig and Her Big Brother (series)
 
Elephant and Piggie Like Reading series
Collier, B. & Willems, M. It’s Shoe Time!
Mericle Harper, C. & Willems, M. The Good for Nothing Button
Higgins, R.T. What About Worms!?
Santat, D. Harold and Hog Pretend for Real
 
I Like to Read series
Peot, M. Crow Made a Friend
Rotner, S. I Like the Farm
 
Beginning Readers Bambu Spanish grades 2-4
Fernandez Garcia, C. Un Hogar parra Dog
Fernandez, Garcia, C. No, y, No
Lairla, S. El camino mas corto
Ramon, E. S.O.S. Rata Rubinata
Reese, E. La cuadrilla “Manada de lobos” esta fuera de vista
Roca, E. Nos somos los 3 cerditos
 
Ready to Read
Milgrim, D. See, Pip, Flap
 
Dive Into Reading series
Hooks, G. The Garden
Hooks, G. Music Time
 
Stone Arch Readers: Level 2
Hooks, G. Pet Costume Party (series)
 
Stone Arch Reader: Level 3
Meister, C. Ora at the Monster Contest (series)
 
Green Light Readers Level 3
Bechtold, L. Buster the Very Shy Dog: More Adventures with Phoebe
 
Magic Window Imprint ABDO books
McDonald, K. Carlos and Carmen (series)
 
Dive Into Reading series           
Hooks, G. Block Party
Yoo, P. The Perfect Gift
 
Candlewick Sparks
Haas, J. Bramble and Maggie Give and Take (series)
O’Neill, C. Annie and Simon: The Sneeze and Other Stories
 
Penguin Young Readers Level 2
Adler, D. Pass the Ball Mo! (series)
 
Penguin Young Readers Level 3
Byars, B. Ant Plays Bear
Byars, B, My Brother Ant
Corduroy’s Garden
Corduroy’s Hike
Corduroy Makes A Cake
Corduroy Writes A Letter
 
Read Level 2: Ready to Read
Cronin, D. Duck Stays in the Truck.                 
Cronin, D. Pool Party
Feldman, T. A Pony with her Writer
Godwin, L. Happy and Honey
Hastings, X. Space Traveler Sally Brown (Peanuts series)      
Howe, J. Pinky and Rex (series)
Howe, J. Bunnicula (series)
McNamara, M. If you Love Robots You Could Be...
McNamara, M. Summer Treasure
Rylant, C. Henry and Mudge (series)
Sbino, D. Jump Shot
Sabino, D. Match Point
Sadar, A. Hamster Homes: A Mystery Comes Knocking
Suen, A. Dino Hunt: A Robot and Rico story (series)
 
Independent, DK, Hello or Stepping Stone Readers, Step into Readers
Adler, D. Young Cam Jansen (series)
Beecroft, S. Star Wars Epic Battles (series)
Burnell, H.A. Sparkly New Friends Unicorn and Yeti (series)
Depken, K. Jurassic World Dinosaur Rescue
DiPaola, T. and Lewis, J. When Andy Met Sandy
Mara, W. I’m an Activist
McMullan, K. One Funny Day (series)
Weiss, E. and Friedman, M. The Stinky Giant
Willems, M. Elephant and Piggie: Let’s Go For a Drive (series)
 
Illustrated early chapter book mystery from Peachtree readers
Hillestad Butler, D. King and Kayla and the Case of The Missin(series)
 
Feiwel and Friends Readers
Applegate Doggo and Puppers Book 1
 
Graphic Novels
Fenske, J. Hello Crabby!
 

 

 

 

What is a Multicultural Picture Book?

Gordon School Multicultural Picture Book Award winners are selected and voted on by Gordon’s second graders. When asked "What is a Multicultural Picture Book?" this is what second graders determined::
 
  • It is about identity, like gender, culture and skin color
     
  • It’s about being brave and shows us what brave looks like and feels like
     
  • It teaches us that names are important and so is culture
     
  • The big idea is that all abilities are welcome
     
  • It teaches us to value family traditions and celebrate them
     
  • We can see ourselves in books and we can celebrate what is important to us and we can learn about people who are different from us and celebrate them
     
  • Multicultural books teach us that we matter!
     
  • A book tells you, you matter! You can be proud of who you are and have allies who celebrate you
     
  • It’s about standing up for others, you fight for those who cannot fight
     
  • It is where cultures come together and diversity is important
     
  • It is okay to be different and ask for help from friends and family
     
  • A story that shows us it’s important to protect the environment, animals and our land
     
  • It’s a book where you can learn how to solve a problem in multiple and creative ways. It reminds you not to give up.
 
 
2021 Gordon School Multicultural Picture Book Award winner
 Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker, illustrated by April Harris
 
2021 Gordon School Multicultural Picture Book Award Honor Book winners 
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Euka Holmes 
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompson-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
Love is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer, illustrated by Pham LeUyen
We are the Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
  
2021 Gordon School Multicultural Picture Book Award nominee reviews
Unless specified, all of the reviews are adapted from Booklist
 
Kai and the Bee by Maribeth Boelts
While Kaia boasts that she’s brave, even “furry-spider-in-the-basement brave,” she is afraid of bees. Though her father reads about bees, talks about them, and keeps hives on their apartment building’s roof, Kaia screams when a bee lands on her arm. Determined to overcome her fear, she suits up as a beekeeper and helps Dad locate the queen bee in a hive. When Kaia is stung, it’s a setback. Still, when it’s time to harvest the honey, she helps in the kitchen. And when two bees find their way indoors, she lifts the window to let them escape and waves goodbye. Now she’s ready to brave the hives again. The colored-pencil illustrations, digitally enhanced, portray a biracial family in a friendly urban neighborhood and highlight Kaia's feelings. Kids will relate to Kaia’s fear and her determination to be brave. Although she understands bees’ importance in the environment and knows that she has her father’s support, she finds courage only when she begins to consider the bees’ viewpoint. An introduction to bees emerges through the natural-sounding dialogue in this expressive picture book.
 
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris illustrated by Ana Ramirez
Before she was the first biracial, Black and South Asian female vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris was a little girl with big dreams. One morning, Kamala and her sister, Maya, look out the window of their apartment and realize that their building is missing something essential: a playground! Following their mother’s advice, Kamala writes (and Maya illustrates) a letter to the landlord asking for one in their building’s courtyard. When they deliver their letter, the landlord immediately says no—but Kamala and Maya won’t take that for an answer. After getting permission to build the playground themselves, Kamala, Maya, and the other kids in their building get organized. At first, most of the adults are too busy or too distracted to help them, and all they hear is no. But then Mr. Green says that maybe he could get materials for a sandbox—and, as far as Kamala and Maya are concerned, maybes can become yeses. By the end of the book, through ingenuity, perseverance, and cooperation, Maya and Kamala don’t just have their playground: They also have the confidence they need to become lifelong public servants. In this sunnily illustrated picture book, author Harris—Vice President Harris’ niece and Maya Harris’ daughter—imagines the details of a true story her mother told her growing up. The clear and readable storyline deftly balances optimism with the challenges of community organizing. The perfect text for both budding activists and children interested in what Vice President Harris was like as a child.
 
Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker illustrated by April Harris
One day in Zura’s classroom, the children’s grandparents visit and share things that make them special. Zura worries that her classmates might laugh at her grandmother because of the traditional marks on her face, placed there in childhood to designate her tribal family in Ghana and to symbolize beauty and confidence. Nana Akua, Zura’s grandmother and “favorite person in the whole universe,” finds the perfect solution. On Grandparents Day, after explaining her facial marks and their meanings, Nana Akua invites everyone to choose one of the fifty traditional Adinkra symbols on Zura’s quilt. Intrigued, the children and grandparents make their choices, and Nana Akua paints one on each person’s face while Zura looks on proudly. Fine for reading aloud to groups, this large-format book provides ample space for the richly colorful mixed-media collages by Harrison, the 2020 John Steptoe New Talent Award winner for illustration. Her attractive depictions of 20 Adinkra symbols, accompanied by their meanings, appear on the endpapers. The book’s well-constructed, graceful narrative, rooted in Ghanaian tradition, will engage the many children who can relate to Zura’s worries, her grandmother's warmth and wisdom, and the story’s reassuring ending. This beautiful picture book offers a helpful perspective on cultural differences within a heartening family story. 2021 GSMPBA Medal and 2021 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner.
 
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy illustrated by Euka Holmes
A beautifully told and illustrated celebration of African American people and ethnology, Black Is a Rainbow Color thoughtfully explores what the Black experience means to a child. Starting with the young narrator’s personal experience with the color black (“Black is the braid in my best friend’s hair / Black are the bottoms of summertime feet”), then moving toward historical and cultural events (“Black was the man / who gave the world his dream”), each line emphasizes the positive connotations of the word. Accentuating these efforts are Holmes’ (Voice of Freedom, 2015) gorgeous illustrations, which are reminiscent of stained-glass church windows and manifest the many ways people of African descent can be beautiful. After the rhyming text, Joy supplies historical and cultural notes (including descriptions of how each page spread relates to a specific segment of Black history and a timeline of the words used to describe Black people since the first enslaved people arrived in colonial America), a song list featuring deliberately chosen celebratory music from throughout the decades, and three poems. All provide context for the people depicted within and for the mores of each era. A must-have for children’s collections. 2021 Jane Addams Honor.

We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom illustrated by Michaela Goade
An Indigenous girl explains why water is sacred, before she speaks of the foretold “black snake that will destroy the land,” referring to the polluting oil pipelines that course through the earth. The girl then casts fear aside, crying, “Take courage!” as she marches forward, rallying her people to defend their village and their planet. Goade’s watercolor illustrations fill the spreads with streaming ribbons of water, cosmic backdrops, and lush natural landscapes, sometimes intercut by the harsh red that comes with the black snake—depicted literally, towering over people of many nations, who link hands in solidarity. Lindstrom’s spare, poetic text flows with the “river’s rhythm,” periodically stopping to beat out the refrain, “We stand / With our songs / And our drums. / We are still here.” Written in response to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, famously protested by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others, these pages carry grief, but it is overshadowed by hope in what is an unapologetic call to action. While the text draws on specific cultural beliefs, its argument is universal: “We are stewards of the Earth.” Back matter includes notes from both author and illustrator, and the final page offers a pledge that readers may choose to recite, sign, and date to affirm their commitment to the cause. A beautiful tribute and powerful manifesto. 2021 Caldecott Winner.

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina illustrated by Sonia Sanchez
Medina approaches the difficulty of best friends separated by a move from the perspective of the child left behind. Here young Daniela crosses the street to play with Evelyn, her "mejor amiga, my numero uno best friend," on the day the moving truck arrives to take away all Evelyn's things. Together, the girls greet neighbors, play in all their special places, and hide from the grown-ups when it is time to say goodbye. They agree to talk on the phone, although both realize their relationship won't be the same. Medina's simple, straightforward text never sugarcoats the pain of parting from a best friend; and while Mami assures her daughter that she will make new friends, Daniela knows Evelyn will always be her bestie. Sánchez's digital illustrations depict these two brown girls living in nearly identical inner-city brownstones, connected by a pulley the girls have rigged so they can trade toys. Vivid colors keep the overall tone upbeat, and a final illustration depicts an older Daniela enjoying letters from her friend. Realistic and quietly satisfying. An ALA Notable Children’s Book.

How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi illustrated by Yao Xiao
Free solo climbers refer to boulders as “problems,” and in this book, rock climbing serves as a metaphor for solving any problem that confronts you. Fifteen-year-old Shiraishi, regarded as one of the world’s most skilled climbers, is the author, narrator, and main character here. Her experience makes her statement—that solving boulders is similar to solving real-life problems—both arresting and credible. She sticks to the metaphor throughout, focusing on how, at 13, she solved a boulder problem that was the largest and most challenging she ever encountered. Xiao’s digital illustrations are full of movement and bold color, juxtaposing small Shiraishi with a boulder whose contours stretch off the page. One spread, oriented sideways, in which Shiraishi loses her grip and falls, is spine-tingling in itself. While the focus on cognitive mapping may be beyond younger children, the author’s beliefs in learning from each fall and that learning from failure is a superpower are sure to empower any person facing a problem. Engrossing and inspiring.
 
Love is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer illustrated by Pham LeUyen
A child prepares for the Women’s March. City-dwelling Mari is excited to march (a plethora of pussyhats indicates it’s the Women’s March). Crayons ready, she asks her mother what they’re coloring. The reply: “A message for the world.” But how will the whole world hear their message? The answer: “because love is powerful.” This titular refrain is repeated throughout the story as the pair joins the march. Though Mari doesn’t think anyone will hear in the crowd of thousands, she shouts out the message on her poster: “Love is powerful!” Pham’s bright, cheery art shows hearts emanating from Mari and drifting into the multiracial crowd (especially helpful for younger readers to understand the concept of a far-reaching message). Other marchers take up Mari’s call until the hearts expand farther and farther out into the city. Though the signs they and others carry seem disconnected from some important social justice issues, particularly for a book focusing on a Black child (there are no obvious Black Lives Matter signs, for instance), this feel-good tale can serve as an accessible starting place or to augment such books as Shane Evans’ We March (2012) and other stories that delve deeper into the reasons why people march and protest. The prose is somewhat unpolished, but a note from and photograph of the real Mari at book’s end charmingly grounds it. Lots of heart. Kirkus Reviews
 
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles illustrated by Bryan Collier
In an era where the worth of Black lives is constantly questioned, it only makes sense to affirm and reify the importance, necessity, and inheritance of Black children. That’s exactly what this book does, reaching back to generations alive before we were born, reminding Black people that our very existence is the manifestation of our ancestors’ dreams. Following the life of a young Black boy from his mother’s pregnancy to birth and through childhood, this story is a reminder that even when the world says otherwise—Black lives matter. Beautifully textured collage illustrations reveal both the sacred and difficult moments of growing up Black, while lyrical poetry envelops readers in a soft cadence sure to lull the most active of young readers. Full of potential for use beyond its recommended years, this is a title sure to be frequented by not only Black children but any child looking for a kind word and confidence boost. A natural companion for Grace Byers' I Am Enough (2018) and Derrick Barnes' I Am Every Good Thing (2020).
 
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompson-Bigelow illustrated by Luisa Uribe
Roll call can be difficult for a child with an unusual name. A young girl describes how her name "got stuck" in her teacher's mouth and kids "pretended to choke" or "seemed afraid" while hearing it or attempting to pronounce it. As they walk home, Mom reminds her that her "name is a song" and many other names are as well: "Olumide is a melody...Mamadou is a beat." She also imparts a lesson about descendants of enslaved Africans in the U.S.: "Their real names were stolen long ago so they dream up new ones." When the girl returns to school, she sings the names of her teacher and classmates, then her own name: Kora-Jalimuso. Throughout the story all names are followed by phonetic spelling. Names are represented visually as colorful swirls and air currents, stars, or fiery sparks through which the girl's mother lovingly leads her. A glossary of names, meanings, and pronunciations is included, by which we learn that the girl is named for a "harp of a female griot," a person who "passes on oral history through song." A bighearted, reassuring book that imparts a simple yet important message: we all deserve to have our names pronounced correctly. An ALA Notable Children’s Book
 
Sincerely, Emerson: A Girl, Her Letter, and the Helpers All Around Us by Emerson Webber illustrated by Jacklyn Sinquett
An inveterate young correspondent relates the true story of how a thank-you note to her postal carrier went viral. Writing in third person, the preteen author introduces herself as a lover of silly jokes, Taylor Swift, and, particularly, hand-decorated missives. She produces them in such profusion that she writes a letter of appreciation to Doug, her letter carrier: “I make people happy with my letters, but you do too. You make it possible!” Shortly thereafter, she learns that Doug had shared her letter with his colleagues, because grateful responses from postal workers all over the country begin arriving by the boxload…each one “a connection,” she writes, with “a piece of someone’s life in it.” The unforeseen reaction prompts thoughts that many others, from farmers to trash collectors, are likewise out there working hard and with love. Inset views of workers of diverse occupations and races accompany these ruminations in Sinquett’s brightly hued watercolors. (Weber, her parents, and Doug all present white.) Elsewhere, the illustrator also tucks in calligraphic flourishes, colorfully ornamented envelopes, and handwritten letters with chatty or plaintive phrases. The author closes with a joke but just before that poses a question that serves nicely as a rhetorical kick in the pants: “Why was my saying thank you such a big deal?” Perhaps because there’s not quite enough of that going around? An ode to the pleasures of real mail and the value of seeing and appreciating those who keep our society ticking.
 
I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood illustrated by Julia Swaney
A girl who uses a motorized wheelchair longs to dance. The 10-year-old narrator can’t blow out the candles on her birthday cake, but she has one wish: to dance. But how can she “swirl, leap, twirl” when she can move only her head, arms, and fingers? Pretending isn’t enough. At breakfast one morning (a spill-proof cup at the child’s place adds cozy realism), one of her moms reads that the real-life company Young Dance is auditioning dancers of “all abilities, all ages.” Though apprehensive, she needs to try. At the instructor’s balletic welcome, she “swirl[s]” her fingers, joining a multiracial circle of dancers. Some dance unaided; some use “canes and crutches, / walkers and wheels.” One wears a prosthesis. Their dancing is emphatically “not pretend”—neither imaginary nor relegated to a form of therapy. Eva’s narration brims with elation as together they “create space, / create shape, / create dance,” culminating in a triumphant performance. The text itself dances across the page, lines tiptoeing phrase by phrase and echoing the shapes of dancers’ movements. Swaney’s simply drawn dancers are rosy-cheeked and cheerful; magic shimmers from their fingers, proudly joining them “[a]s one, / as us.” An author’s note explains that Eva is based on a real dancer; a note from Young Dance’s executive director describes the company. Eva presents as a child of color and wears glasses; her moms present white. A gorgeous, immersive celebration of dancing and the grace within all bodies.
 
If Dominican Were a Color by Sili Recio illustrated by Brianna McCarthy
This book about self-love and the importance of accepting others is a delightful celebration of the differences contained within the vibrant, vivid world and cultures of the Dominican Republic. Recio’s often-rhyming lines tell the story of a multilayered and multifaceted land, its flora and fauna and people, describing colors through sensory details of the cuisine and the music and the architecture. McCarthy’s illustrations breathe life into these words through works of art that, like Recio’s statements about confidence in being oneself, unabashedly showcase the beauty and uniqueness of this place. The message, as in the concluding author’s note, is that “Black is beautiful,” showcasing the diversity and individuality of the Dominican Republic’s people, from varying skin tones to hair textures and the dances and games enjoyed among friends. Also interspersed into the text are various words in Spanish, and as McCarthy utilizes an unrestrained palette to convey the natural as well as the traditional and cultural beauty of this island nation, young readers will be educated and encouraged to see the wonder in varied cultures and experiences.
 
My Rainbow by Trinity and DeShanna Neal illustrated by Art Twink
A loving mother helps her daughter express herself and feel like a rainbow. Trinity, an autistic, Black, transgender girl wishes she had long hair. But growing it out is a struggle because she hates hair touching her neck. Seeing her daughter’s sadness, Trinity’s mom, a Black cisgender woman with natural hair cropped close, listens to Trinity’s concerns. At first, she tries to reassure Trinity that girls can wear their hair short, but Trinity still doesn’t feel happy. Honoring the truth that Trinity knows herself best, Trinity’s mom puts her love and devotion into creating a curly, teal, pink, and purple wig for Trinity, with some help from Trinity’s older sibling. Richly colored and invitingly detailed full-spread illustrations that complement the story’s title and theme accompany the text. The narrative centers a Black family whose members are depicted in the illustrations with skin that is a range of rich browns. In the midst of Trinity’s struggle with her gender expression, her mom models listening and affirmation. She acknowledges that her own experiences with societal expectations of gender expression as a cisgender woman are different from Trinity’s. Even as the story shifts to show Trinity’s cisgender mother’s perspective, Trinity’s feelings remain the focus and her happiness the motivation. Apart from the use of person-first language (“kids with autism”) instead of identity-first language, Neal and Neal emphasize that all aspects of Trinity’s identity deserve celebration and make her a masterpiece. A revolutionary representation of joy and self-expression. Kirkus Reviews Starred.
 
The Old Truck by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey
Featuring spare, simply rendered prose and illuminated by bright, lovely art, this endearing picture book follows a beloved farm truck over the years, alongside the experiences of the daughter of the farm family. “On a small farm, an old truck worked hard,” the story opens, as a Black family loads up the cheery red truck with produce on a spring morning and unpacks empty bushels as fall rolls in. Nightfall brings sleep and dreams, as the truck and the girl embark on fanciful adventures together, exploring ocean, sky, and beyond. However, gradually, the truck falls into disrepair, and the detailed illustrations progressively show time passing—snowy bare-branch trees bloom in spring; the girl grows taller; the barn fades from red to sandy brown. Eventually, “on a small farm, a new farmer worked hard,” and readers see the girl, now an adult, working the farm independently—and successfully restoring the truck. Then, recalling the opening scene, the Pumphreys depict the truck again being filled with produce by the woman, alongside her own daughter. The blocky, bright, folk art–style illustrations, composed of prints made from handmade stamps, judiciously use color and composition to deepen and extend the narrative, emphasizing both a sense of change as well as continuity and interconnectedness. This affectionate, pithy, and eloquent homage to farm life—and, quietly, Black families running farms, a rare sight in picture books—is uncommonly charming and rewards repeat readings.
 

 

 

 

Many more titles to explore


Wonderful World of the Picture Book
Bell, C. You Loves Ewe! (Yam and Donkey series)
Barnett, M. Square
Birdsong, B. I Will Be Fierce
Bradbury, J. Rock by Rock The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chand
Brantley-Newton, V. Just Like Me
Bram, E. Rufus the Writer
Brown, D. The Truly Brave Princesses
Charles, T. All Because You Matter
Cherry, M.A. Hair Love
Chin, L. Bodega Cat
Cole, H. Nesting
Cooper, E. Yes and No
Copeland. M. Bunheads (Misty Copeland author of Firebird)
Eggers, D. Abner and Ian Get Right Side Up
Fox, J. Friday Night Wrestlefest
Freedman, D. Carl and the Meaning of Life
Gonzales, D. Girls With Guts! The Road to Breaking Barriers and Bashing Records
Guidone, T. Drum City
Harshman, M. One Big Family
Horowitz, R. Saving Eli’s library
Hubbard, L. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
Khorram, A. Seven Special Somethings A Nowruz Story
Kraulis, J. An Armadillo in New York
Lanthier, J. Hurry Up, Henry
Love, J. Julián at the Wedding
Lee, M. What Kind of a Car Does T. Rex Drive?
Meng, C. World Pizza
Messner, K. Over and Under the Rainforest
Messner, K. Rolling Thunder
Middleton Elya, S. The Princess and the Pea
Miyakoshi, A. The Way Home in the Night
Menchin, S. Goodnight, Selfie
Mora, O. Saturday
Morris, R.T. Bear Came Along
Na’ima, R. Ramadan Moon
Nelson, M. Lubaya’s Quiet Roar
Parsons, G. Llama Glammarama
Pumphrey, J & J. Pumphrey The Old Truck/ The Old Boat
Quintero, I. My Papi Has a Motorcycle             
Roundtree Johnson, D. and McCabe, K We Want for the Sun
Schwartz, A. 13 Stories About Harris
Smith, L.J. I am a Peaceful Goldfish
Scott, J. I Talk Like A River
Spires, A. The Most Magnificent Thing
Stone., T. Knot Cannot
Taccone, J. Little Fox and the Wild Imagination
Thompson, J. Faraway Fox
Tamakai, J. They Say Blue               
Underwood, D. Part-Time Mermaid
Wang, A. Watercress
Wahl, P. Sonya’s Chickens
Watts, J. A Piece of Home
Wheeler, L. and Long, L. Someone Builds The Dream
Wood, A. Spot the Mistake: Lands of Long Ago
Woodward Sheffield Brick By Brick
Yucksel, M.O. In My Mosque
 
A Box of Delights / Nonfiction / STEAM resources
Aronson, S. Just Like Rube Goldberg The Incredibly True Story of the Man Behind the Machines
Beaty, A. Ada Twist’s Big Project Book For Stellar Scientists
Beaty, A. Iggy Peck’s Big Project Book for Amazing Architects
D.K. Children’s Book of Mythical Creatures and Magical Monsters
Doudna, K. Super Simple Twig Projects: Fun and Easy Crafts Inspired by Nature
Goldstone, L. Higher, Steeper, Faster: The Daredevils Who Conquered the Skies
George, A. Origami Dinosaurs
Heinecke Lee, L. Kitchen Science Lab for Kids
Kershaw, S. & Topping, V. Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters, and mortals from Ancient Greece
Martin, S.W. The Trouble with Time Travel
Mercer, B. Junk Drawer Engineering: Construction Challenges That Don’t Cost a Thing.
Sidman, J. Dear Treefrog
Singh, K. Ara the Star Engineer
Stabler, D. Kid Athletes
Mulder, M. Home Sweet Neighborhood Transforming City Blocks One at a Time
 
Poetry
Donald, R.L. Deep in the Desert
Gifford, P. The Great Big Green
Grahame, K. Duck’s Ditty
Hood, S. Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed The World
Hopkins, L. Jumping Off the Library Shelves
Lewis, J.P. If You Were a Chocolate Mustache
Lewis, J.P. National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry: More than 200 Poems that Float, Zoom and Bloom!
Lin, Grace & Ranida McKneally Our Food A Healthy Serving of Science and Poems
Medina, T. Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy
Robillard, E. A Portrait in Poems: The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein & Alice B.Tolkas
Rosen, M.J. The Cuckoo’s Haiku and other Birding Poems
Ruddell, D. The Popcorn Astronauts and Other Biteable Rhymes
Tuttle, S.G. Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife
Yolen, J. & Kai Dotlich, R. Grumbles From the Forest: Fairy Tale Voices with a Twist
Zolotow, C. Changes: A Child’s First Poetry Collection
 
Stories that Rhyme
Taback, S. There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
Taback. S. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
White, S. Green on Green
 
Bilingual Picture Books
Argueta, J. Somo
Brown, M. Marisol McDonald and the Monster: Marisol McDonald y el monstruo
Delacre, L. Olinguito, de La A a la Z! / Olinguito. From A to Z!
Durango, J. La casa de algun dia/The One Day House
Haughton, C. No tengas miedo, Cangrejita / Don’t Worry Little Crab
Lacamara, L. Dalia’s Wondrous Hair / El cabello maravilloso de Dalia
Liniers El Globo Grande y Mojado
Lujan, J. Gallo / Rooster
Manrique, M.E. La caimana / The Caiman
Lujan, J. Accident celeste / Sky Blue Accident
 
Bilingual Intermediate
Hanlon, A. Dori esta en las nubes
Le Guin, U. Catwings: Las adventuras de los gatos alados / Catwings Adventures of the Winged Cats
Zemke, D. Mi vida en dibujos (series)
 
Monolingual Picture Books in Spanish
Andrae, G. Te Quiero, Mama
Brown, D. Las Princesas Mas Valientes
Beaty, A. Ada Magnifica Cientifica
Cofer, O. La Poeta del piso de arriba
Crow, K. & Idel, M. Zombilina
Cuvellier, V. Emilio (series)
Daly, N. Sorpresa! Sorpres!
Dios, O. Monstruo Rosa
Faria, R. Arepita De Manteca
Gomes, R. El Dia Que Saida Llego
Gormley, G. & Lenton S. Los Cuentos de Hadas, Laura y La Bruja Tramposa
Guilbert M. & Duchense, S. Diario de a Bordo de Un Cazador de Dinosaurios
Herrera, J. F. Imagina
Jenkins, S. Nunca Sonrias A Un Mono
Horacek, P. El rayon que se comio la Luna
Morales, Y. Rudas: Nino’s Horrendous Hermanitas
Quintero, I. Mi Papi tiene una moto
Spiegelman, N & Sanchez, Sergio Garcia Peridos en NYC
Willems, M. El Conejito Knuffle
Valverde, M. El Mundo de Rita (series)
Valverde, M. Antologica de cuentos con musica
 
Monolingual Intermediate Books in Spanish
Perret, D. Bjorn y el ancho mundo
Perret, D. Bjorn: seis historias de un oso
 
Fiction for Older Readers
Applegate, K. The One and Only Bob (series)*
Arnold, E.K. The House That Wasn’t There
Barrows, A. Magic in the Mix (series)
Birdsall, J. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits... (series)*
Birney, B.G. The World According to Humphrey (series)*
Blakemore Frazer, M. The Story Web
Bowling, D. Aven Green Sleuthing Machine
Bradley, F.T. Midnight at the Barclay Hotel
Bradley, Brubraker, K. The War That Saved My Life *
Bradley, Brubraker, K. The War I Finally Won (series)
Brown, J. Star Wars Jedi Academy (series)
Brown, P. The Wild Robot Escapes (series)*
Busby, C. The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs
Cervantes, A. Me, Frida and the Secret of the Peacock Ring*
Chokshi, R. Aru Shah and the End of Time
Clarke, E.J. Oakwing A Fairy’s Tale
Collins, S. Gregor the Overlander (series)
Creech, S. Saving Winslow*
Crowell, C. The Wizards of Once Twice Magic (series)
Davies, N. Manatee Rescue (series)
DiCamillo, K. Tale of Desperaux*
Durst, S.B. Spark
Egan, K. & Magician Mike Lane, The Disappearing Magician (series)
Erdrich, L. Makoons (series)
Fan Brothers, The Barnabus Project
Fagan, C. The Hollow Under the Tree
Frazier, S.T. Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything (series)*
George Day, J. Dragon Slippers (series)
George, J. Craighead, My Side of the Mountain*
Gibbs, S. Belly Up
Giff, Reilly P. Genevieve’s War
Grabstein, C. Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics (series)*
Gratz, A. Ban This Book*
Green, T. Left Out (series)
Hannigan, K. The Detective’s Assistant
Hannigan, K. Cupcake Cousins (series)
Hapka, C. Junior Ninja Fastest Champion (series)
Hapka, C. Lost in the Storm (Dolphin Island (series)
Hapka, C. Free Rein (series)
Harper, J. Uh-Oh, Cleo (series)
Harris, N.P. The Magic Misfits (series)
Hect, T. The Nocturnala Book I. The Mysterious Abductions
Holt, K.A. Gnome-A-Geddon
Hunter, E. The Warriors (series)
Jacques, B. Redwall (series)
Khan, H. Amina’s Song
Konigsburg, E.L. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler
Klise, K. Over My Dead Body (series)
Kurtis, J. Anna was Here
Lieb, J. Ratscalibur*
Lin, G. When the Sea Turned to Silver (series)*
Lloyd, N. The Problim Children
Lord, C. A Handful of Stars
Lord, C. Because of the Rabbit
Lunn, J. The Root Cellar
Luper, E. The Wizard’s War
Maas, W. and Stead, R. Bob
Maas, M. & Michael Brawler Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight
Mair, S. J. The Great Race to Sycamore Street
Machado, A.M. Me in the Middle
Marks, J. From the Desk of Zoey Washington*
Marsh, K. The Door By the Suitcase
Martin, Martin, E. Snow and Rose
Martin, A. Rain Reign
Mazer, A. & Potter, E. Spilling Ink
McKay, H. Binny For Short
Meloy, M. The Apothecary
Messner, K. Ranger in Time (series)
McDonald, M. Judy Moody (series)
Mills, C. Vera Vance: Comics Star After-School Superstars
Milla, C. Lucy Lopez Coding Star After-School Superstars
McAnulty, S. The Miscalculations of a Lightning Girl*
Murphy, J. The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star (series)
Mull, B. Sky Raiders (Book 1 of Five Kingdoms)
Mlynowski, S. Dragon Overnight Upside Down Magic (series)*
Nash, S. Shrunken Treasures Literary Classics Short and Sweet
Nesbet, A. Daring Darleen Queen of the Screen
O’Brien Siblley, A. In the Shadow of the Sun
Pakkala, C. Last-But-Not-Least Lola and the Wild Chicken (series)
Patterson, J. Word of Mouse
Pennypacker, S. Pax*
Pflugfelder, B. Nick and Tesla’s Super Secret Gadget Battle: A Mystery Spy Camera You Can Build Yourself… (series)
Priebe, G. The Misadventures of Henry Whiskers
Pullman, P. The Golden Compass (series)
Ransome Cline, L. Finding Langston
Reiche, D. I, Freddy (series)
Resnick, J. Raffie on the Run
Riley, J. Story Thieves (series)
Riley, J. Half Upon A Time
Ringwald, W. The Secret Box
Rundell, C. Rooftoppers (series)
Schrerefer, E. The Animal Rescue Agency Case File: Little Claws
Sheth, K. Nina Soni Former Best Friend
Smith, C.L. Ancestors Approved Intertribal Stories for Kids
Starling Lyons, K. Jada Jones (series)*
Stone, N. Clean Getaway
Seidler, T. Firstborn
Soontornvat, C. The Changelings
Spalding, E. Lookout for the Fitzgerald-Trouts (series)
Spencer, O. Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective: The Case of the Time Capsule Bandits
Starr, D. Golden Game
Stead, R. The List of Things That Will Not Change
Sternberg, J. The Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine/Secrets Out (series)
Stokes, J.W. Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas
Strange, Our Castle By the Sea
Tan, S. Cilla Lee-Jenkins Future Author Extraordinaire
Tarpley, N. The Harlem Charade*
Tarshis, L. I Survived (series)
Truett-Strain, T. Explorer Academy (series)
Stewart, T.L. The Mysterious Benedict Society Riddle of Ages (series)*
Sutherland, T. The Menagerie: Dragon on Trial
Vernon, U. Castle Hangnail
Warner, S. Ellray Jakes Stands Tall (series)*
Watson, R. Some Places More Than Others
Watson, R. Ways to Make Sunshine (series)
Wood, M. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place (series)*
Wolk, L. Beyond the Bright Sea
Williams Garcia, R. Clayton Bird Goes Underground*
 
Maker Space Connections/Inclusion in STEM Fields
Adolph, J. Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy Super-Cool Experiments
Aronson, S, Just Lie Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines
Bernhardt, C. Engineer It! Skyscraper
Becker, H. Counting on Katherine: how Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
Berne, J. Look Up WIth Me: Neil DeGrasse Tyson: A Life Among the Stars
Butterfield, M. How Animals Build
Derting & Johannes, S.R. Cece Loves Science
Funk, J. How to Code a Sandcastle
Gall, C. Jumbo The Making of the Boeing 747
Green, J.P. Investigators
Griffith, T. The Magnificent Makers How to Test a Friendship
Girffith, T. Riding Sound Waves
Griffith, T. Brain Trouble
Harrington, J. N. Buzzing With Questions : The Mind of Charles Henry Turner
Heinecke, L.L. Kitchen Science Lab for Kids-52 Family-Friendly Experiments From Around the House
James J. Marie’s Ocean: Marie Tharp Maps the Mountains Under the Sea
Keller, S. Fly, Firefly
Kirkfield, V. Sweet Dreams, Sarah
Meisel, P. My Awesome Summer
Mone, G. Strange Nature The Insect Portraits of Levon Bliss
Perea, S. Madam C.J.Walker Builds A Business
Riley, S. The Floating Field How A Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field illustrated by Nguyen Quang
Robeson, T. Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom illustrated by Rebecca Huang
Shetterly, M. Hidden Figures The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Sanchez, C. DIY Box Creations fun and Creative Projects to Make Out of Really Big Boxes
Yoder, E & Yoder, N. One Minute Mysteries, Short Mysteries You Solve with Math /Misterios de un minute: iMisterios cortos que resuelves con matematicas!
 
Urban Ecology
Boelts, M. Kaia and the Bees
Curtis, A. A Forest in the City
Earley, C. Falcons in the City
Hillery, T. Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed A Neighborhood
Root, P. Anywhere Farm
Ritchie, S. Follow That Bee! A First Book of Bees in the City
Sandri, B, Giubbilini, F & Pintonato, C. Chickenology
Samuels, B. The Chickens Are Coming
Singer, M. Wild in the Streets
Ritchie, S. Follow That Bee! A First Book of Bees in the City
Wagner Llyod, M. Finding Wild
Yadzani Benham, A. A Green Place to Be
 
Environment and Sustainability
Curtis, A. City of Water
Hood, S. The Last Straw, Kids vs. Plastics
King, H.T. Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch
Lumbers, F. Clem and Crab
Offsay, C. The Big Beach Cleanup
Mangal, M. Jayden’s Impossible Garden
 
First Chapter Books
Applegate, K. Doggo and Pupper
Arnold, E. Which Came First: The Chicken or the Friendship?
Arnold, E.K. Bat and the Waiting Game (series)*
Alter Sprout Street Neighbors: Five Stories
Beaty, A. Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants (The Questioneers series)
Beaty, A. Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion
Butler, D.H. The Treasure Troop The Hidden Room (series)
Atunike, L. Anna Hibiscus (series)*
Barrows, A. Ivy and Bean (series)
Brown, M. Lola Levine and the Vacation Dream (series)*
Cattalanotto, P. More of Monkey and Robot (series)
Christopher, M. The Extreme Team (series)
Citro, A. Zoey and Sassafras (series)*
Cronin, D. The Chicken Squad (series)
DiCamillo, K. Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon Tales of Deckawoo Drive
DePaola, T. Andy and Sandy and the Big Talent Show
Elliott, R. Owl Diaries (series)
English, K. Nikki and The Newsy News Newsletter (series)
English, K. Skateboard (series)
English, K. Carver Chronicles: The New Kid (series)*
Entrada, E. Kelly, Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey*
Goldberg, W. Sugar Plum Ballerinas (series)
Haas, J. Bramble and Maggie Give and Take (series)
Hale, S. & Hale, D. The Princess in Black Takes A Vacation (series)
Hamburg, J. Hazy Bloom and the Pet Project
Harper, C.M. Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel
Harrison, P. Kitty and the Sky Garden Adventure
Hanlon, A. Dory Fantasmagory Head in the Clouds (series)*
Hepperman, C. and Koertge, R. Backyard Witch Sadie’s Story
Himmelman, J. Albert Hopper Science Hero Worming to the Center of the Earth
Himmelman, J. Albert Hopper Science Hero Blasting Through the Solar System
Hughes, S. Digby O’Day and the Great Diamond Robbery (series)
Humphrey, A. Megabat (series)*
Hurwitz, J. Mighty Monty (series)
Jennings, Catasus, T. Definitely Dominguita Captain Dom’s Treasure (series)*
Kelly, J. Calpurnia Tate Girl Vet: A Prickly Problem (series)
Kirby, S. Captain Awesome to the Rescue (series)
Kessler, L. Emily Windsnap Two Magical Mermaid Tales (series)
Kraegel, K. Wild Honey From the Moon
Kulper, A. Polly Diamond and the Magic Book
LaRocca, R. Seven Golden Rings A Tale of Music and Math
Lester, A. The Circus Horse (series)
Lin, G. The Year of the Rat (series)
Look, L. Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything (series)
Maas, W. Time Jumpers (series)
Marsden, C. The Quail Club (series)
McDonald, M. Judy Moody and Friends (series)
McDonald. M. Judy Moody Mood Martian (series)
McKay, H. Lulu and the Hamster in the Night (series)
MIlls, C. Nixie Ness Cooking Star: After School Superstars (series)
Mills, C. Lucy Lopez After-School Superstars
Michicko. F.D. Apple and Annie the Hamster Duo (series)*
Michiko, F.D. Jasmine Toguchi Mochi Queen (series)*
Miedoso, A. Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol*
Montgomery, L.B. The Milo and Jazz Mysteries (series)
Napoli, D.J. Sly the Sleuth (series)
Norris, A. I Don’t Believe It, Archie!
Nilsson, U. Detective Gordon: The First Case
Osborne, M.P. The Magic Tree House (series)
Ostow, M. Louise Trapeze is Totally 100% Fearless
Perret, D. A Bear Named Bjorn*
Peters, H. Jasmine Green Rescues A Foal Called Storm(series)*
Peters, H. A Piglet Called Truffle: Jasmine Green Rescues (series)
Potter, E. Piper Green and the Fairy Tree (series)
Pennypacker, S. The Talented Clementine (series)
Peters, H. A Piglet Called Truffle: Jasmine Green Rescues (series)
Quinn, J. The Kingdom of Wrenly (series)
Roy, R. A to Z Mysteries (series)
Schlitz, L.A. Princess Cora and the Crocodile
Schrerefer, E. The Animal Rescue Agency Case File: Little Claws
Shields, G. Amber’s First Clue (series)
Silverman, E. Cowgirl Kate (series)
Smith, A. T. Mr. Penguin and The Lost Treasure (series)
Smith, A.T. Claude at the Beach (series)*
Snyder, L. Charlie and Mouse Outdoors (series)
Sobol, D. J. Encyclopedia Brown (series)
Stark, U. Can You Whistle Johanna?
Starling Lyons, K. Jada Jones (series)
Tashjian, J. Marty Fryre (series)
Michiko Florence, D. Jasmine Toguchi Mochi Queen (series)
Todd-Stanton, J. Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx
Thompson, M. Keena Ford and the Secret Journal Mix Up (series)
Viorst, J. Lulu Walks the Dogs (series)
Voake, S. Hooey Higgins and the Shark
Voake, S, Daisy Dawson is on Her Way (series)
Urban, Linda Weekends with Max and his Dad (series)        
Vernon, U. Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible (series)
Wallis, Q. & Ohlin, N. Shai and Emmie Star in Break an Egg! (series)
West, T. Rise of the Earth Dragon (series)
Widmark, M. The Whodunit Detective Agency (series)
 
Spanish Titles
Martinez-Neal, J. La Selva de Zonia
Nikola-Lisi, La Alegria de ser tu y yo
Soto, G. Chato y su cena
Steptoe, J. Las Bellas Hijas de Mufaro
Valverde, M. El Mundo de Rita (series)
Valverde, M. Antología de cuentos con música
Titanosaurio: El descubrimiento del Dinosauria más grande (Titanosaur; Discovering the World’s Largest Dinosaur

Books to take Outside and Read
Bulion, L. Leaf Litter Critters
Brusatte, S. The Age of Dinosaurs the Rise and Fall of the World’s Most Remarkable Animals
Buckley, J. Jr. It’s A Numbers Game! Soccer! The Math Behind the Perfect Goal. the Game-Winning Save, and So Much More!
Cole, J The Magic Schoolbus Explores Human Evolution
Cherrix, A. E. Eyes of the Storm: Nasa, Drones and the Race to Crack the Hurricane
Chin, J. Your Place in the Universe
Chin, J. Grand Canyon                 
Chin, J. Watercress
Delacroix, S. Grains of Sand
D.K. Publishing Rocks and Minerals
Elliott, D. In the Past: From Trilobites to Dinosaurs to Mammoths in More than 500 Million Years
Hobbie, A. Monarch Butterflies Explore the Life Journeys of One of the Winged Wonders of the World
Hamitlon, K. First Friends: How Dogs Evolved from Wolves to Become Our Best Friends
Hunter, A. Cricket Song
Ignoftsky, R. What’s Inside A Flower and Other Questions from Science & Nature
Keating, Jess Cute as An Axolotl: Discovering the World’s Most Adorable Animals
Kingfisher The Soccer Encyclopedia : Facts. Stats. Players Teams. Skills and Tactics. Competitions
Lebeuf, D. My Forest is Green
MacLachlan, P. Word After Word After Word
Martin, J.B. Creekfinding: A True Story
MacLeod, E. Super Cats: True Stories of Felines that Made History
McCully Arnold, E. Min Makes A Machine
Milner, C. The Bee Book
Morey, A. Hiking
Morris, S. Welcome to New Zealand A Nature Journal
Munroe, R. Rodent Rascals
Raines, N. What in the World? Numbers in Nature
Renner, B. The Big Bad Fox
Rocco, J. How We Got to the Moon. The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of Science Behind Humanity’s Greatest Adventure
Roundtree Johnson, D and McCabe K, We Want for the Sun
Sayre Pulley, A. Being Frog
Sidman, J. The Girl Who Drew Butterflies How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science
Sylvester, K. Basketballogy
Swanson, J. Astro-Naut Aqua Naut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact
Tamaki, J. They Say Blue
Van Vleet, C. & Sullivan K. To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space
Winkler, H and Oliver, L. Here’s Hank The Soggy, Foggy Campout
 
Fifteen Favorite Graphic Novels From Lower School
Bliss, H. Grace for Gus (graphic picture book format)
Brockington, D. CatStronauts (series)
Brunetti, I. Wordplay
Clanton, B. Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt (series)
Coudray, P. Benjamin Bear in “Bright Ideas!”
Eaton, M. The Flying Beaver Brothers (series)
Frech, R. Barry’s Best Buddy Toon Book (series)
Feuti, N. Beak and Ally: Unlikely Friends
Gonzalez, J Captain Barbosa and the Pirate Hat Chase (wordless but great)
Hatke, B. Little Robot
Maihack, M. Cleopatra in Space (series)
McCloskey, K. Snails Are Just My Speed (series)
Meister, C. Airplane Adventure
Runton, A. The Way Home: Owly (series)
Pearson, L. Hilda and the Troll (series)
Spires, A. Fluffy Strikes Back (series)
Terrell, B. 8-Bit Baseball (series)
Todd-Stanton, J. Arthur and the Golden Rope
 
New and Rediscovered Graphic Novels to Try
Boothby I and Matsumoto Sparks! (series)
Bowen, C. Gods and Thunder: A Graphic Novel of Old Norse Myths
Brown, D. Big Ideas that Changed the World: Rocket to the Moon
Brown, J. Once Upon A Time Space-Time! (new series)
Davis, E. Flop To the Top
Domingo, J. Pablo and Jane and the Hot Air Contraption
Fajardo, A.E. Kid Beowulf 1. The Blood-Bound Oath
Ferry, B. Fox & Rabbit
Gerstein, M. I am Hermes! Mischief Making Messenger of the Gods
Giggi The Cucumber Quest (series)
Green, J. Hippopotamister
Kibuishi, K. Amulet (series)
Kientz, C. Secret Smithsonian Adventures The Wrong Wrights
Knisley, L. Stepping Stones
Koch, F.C. Science Comics Cats
LaMotte, L. Measuring Up
McCormick, S. Mr. Pants and the Camping CATastrophe
Miller, M. Quest for the Golden Apple: An Unofficial Graphic Novel for Minecraft
Orchard, E. Bera The One headed Troll
O’Neill, K. Princess Princess Ever After
O’Neill, K. Aquicorn Cover
O’Neill, K. The Tea Dragon Society
Perreault, G. The Postman from Space
Quinn, Q. K. & D. Lunetta Anti/Hero
Sell, C. Cardboard Kingdom
Simpson, D. Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure (series)
Sturm, J. Sleepless Knight (series)
Wicks, M. Science Comics; Coral Reefs Cities of the Ocean (series)
Wong Yee, H. Hammy and Gerbee Mummies at the Museum
Zettwoch, Dan Cars: Engines That Move You Science Comics (series)
 
Power of the Picture Book Biography
Bardoe, C. Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakeable Mathematician Sophie Germain
Bryant, J. How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball
Becker. H. Counting on Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
Burgess, M. Drawing on Walls A Story of Keith Haring
Brown, M. Sharuko El Arqueólogo Peruano/Preuvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello
Bryant, J. Feed Your Mind; A Story of August Wilson
Cline-Ransome, L. Before She was Harriet
Cordell, M. Hello Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers
Denise, A. A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno, Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer
Engle, M. The Flying Girl How Aida de Costa Learned to Soar
Griffith, E. Secrets of the Sea The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary, Marine Scientist
Gholz, S.M. The Boy Who Grew a Forest : The True Story of Jadav Payeng
Hubble, E. The Boy Whose Head Was Filled with Stars: A Life of Edwin Hubble
Kerley, B. Eleanor Makes Her Mark: How Eleanor Roosevelt Reached Out, Spoke Up, and Changed the World.
Kunkel, A. Burke Jose Guitierrez and the Library He Built
Lang, H. The Leaf Detective How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest
Pimental, A. B. All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Rockliff, M. Try It! How Frieda Caplan Changed the Way We Eat
Rusch, E. The Music of Life Bartolomeo Cristofori the Inventor of the Piano
Singh, S.Jeet. Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person Ever to Run A Marathon
Singh, R. 111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Girls
Slade, Suzanne Exquisite The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Sorrell, T. Classified The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross Cherokee Aerospace Engineer
Spires, E. Kate Walker at Robbins reef Lighthouse
Turk, E. A Thousand Glass Flowers Marietta Barovier and the Invention of the Rosetta Bead
Wallace-Nea; S. Marjory Saves the Everglades
Wallace-Neal, S. Between the Line: How Ernie Barnes Went From the Football Field to the Art Gallery
  
Books for parents

During the year I have often been asked for books on parenting and educational issues. Here, please find a list of suggested titles to add to your summer reading list.

Have a wonderful summer,
Maryanne Pieri
Early Childhood and Lower School Director

For adults
Kid Confidence: Help Your Child Make Friends, Build Resilience and Develop Real Self-Esteem by Eileen Kennedy-Moore PhD
How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Turning Angst into Action by Harriet Shugarman
Nature Play At Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces That Connect Children With the Natural World by Nancy Striniste

Then, for kids
The Hike by Alison Farrell
How to Solve a Problem: The Rise and Falls of a Rock Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi
We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorrel