Special Collections
District List: NYC Summer in the City Reading List
Description: A list of books from New York City's summer reading for #kids
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The Rose that Grew from Concrete
by Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur's most intimate and honest thoughts were uncovered only after his death with the instant classic The Rose That Grew from Concrete. For the first time in paperback, this collection of deeply personal poetry is a mirror into the legendary artist's enigmatic world and its many contradictions. Written in his own hand from the time he was nineteen, these seventy-two poems embrace his spirit, his energy -- and his ultimate message of hope.
Rebel in a Dress
by Melissa Sweet and Sylvia BranzeiFor the rebel in every girl's heart, this series presents the achievements of extraordinary, relevant, and inspiring women throughout history. Through quotes, narratives, photographs, illustrations, and fact-filled side-bars, each book tells the story of twelve bold and courageous women. When the world told them to stay put, these twelve adventurers took to the skies, slopes, and seas. From the daring aviator Amelia Earhart to the relentless photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White, these brave women will dare you to follow your dreams. Featured adventurers include Gudridur Thorbjarnarsdottir (Viking traveler), Susan Butcher (dog sled racer), Kit DesLauriers (skier), Valentina Tereshkova (astronaut), Bessie Coleman (pilot), Janet Guthrie (racecar driver), Sophie Blanchard (balloonist), Nellie Bly (journalist), Gertrude Ederle (English Channel swimmer), and Dr. Diana Hoff (Atlantic Ocean rower).
A Kick in the Head
by Paul B. JaneczkoFrom the book: Lively examples of 29 poetic forms, demonstrating not only the (sometimes bendable) rules of poetry, but also the spirit that brings these forms so wonderfully to life.
The Great Greene Heist
by Varian JohnsonSaving the school -- one con at a time. Jackson Greene swears he's given up scheming. Then school bully Keith Sinclair announces he's running for Student Council president, against Jackson's former friend Gaby de la Cruz. Gaby wants Jackson to stay out of it -- but he knows Keith has "connections" to the principal, which could win him the presidency no matter the vote count. So Jackson assembles a crack team: Hashemi Larijani, tech genius. Victor Cho, bankroll. Megan Feldman, science goddess. Charlie de la Cruz, reporter. Together they devise a plan that will take down Keith, win Gaby's respect, and make sure the election is done right. If they can pull it off, it will be remembered as the school's greatest con ever -- one worthy of the name THE GREAT GREENE HEIST.
An Angel For Solomon Singer
by Cynthia Rylant and Peter CatalanottoSolomon Singer is a middle-aged man who lives in a hotel for men in New York City. One night his solitary wanderings take him into a restaurant where he reads these words on the menu: ``The Westway Cafe -- where all your dreams come true. '' A soft-voiced waiter (metaphorically named Angel) welcomes him and invites him back. Each night Singer returns, ordering food and, silently, ordering his wishes for the things he remembers from an Indiana boyhood.
The Adventures of Marco Polo
by Russell FreedmanWas he the worlds greatest explorer? Or was he the worlds biggest liar? Who was Marco Polo a heroic explorer or a charlatan? The author shares Marco Polos extraordinary tale with todays readers.
Not a Box
by Antoinette PortisDon't miss this wholly original celebration of the power of imagination, winner of a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award
A box is just a box...unless it's not a box. From mountain to rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows.
Inspired by a memory of sitting in a box on her driveway with her sister, Antoinette Portis captures the thrill when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real—when the imagination takes over inside a cardboard box, and through play, a child is transported to a world where anything is possible.
The simple text makes the book appropriate for toddlers, but the message and retro feel of the book also lead to it being an original and compelling gift to mark an occasion such as a graduation.
Tiger in My Soup
by Kashmira ShethSometimes it's almost impossible to get your big sister to read your favorite book to you. Sometimes you have to go to great lengths even to get her attention! But if you're really creative and use your imagination, you might just get what you want. Take care, though, not to go too far. Once you conjure up a tiger, there's no telling where it might lead...
Sing
by Joe Raposo"Sing! Sing a song. Sing out loud, sing out strong." So begins a song first made popular on Sesame Street, then interpreted by singers of every style, from Gloria Estefan to the Dixie Chicks to R.E.M., as well as famous personalities such as Conan O'Brien, Katie Couric, Nathan Lane, and Liam Neeson. Now, bestselling children's book illustrator Tom Lichtenheld has put a visual story to this timeless and universal song that celebrates perseverance, self-expression, and the power of music to help each of us find our voice.
One World One Day
by Barbara KerleyThis beautiful photo book follows the course of one day in our world. Sunrise to sunset is captured in the essential things we all do daily, wherever we live in the world, and in the different ways we do them. The first meal of the day will take on a whole new dimension for American kids as an American pancake breakfast is contrasted with porridge in North Korea and churros in Spain. At the end, each image is reprinted as a thumbnail and accompanied by a detailed caption. Selected images feature photographers’ notes that share the thoughts and methodology involved in the making of the picture and reveal fascinating behind-the-scenes information. The photographers reflect on how the pictures might resonate within the theme of the global family. Such reflections are rooted in the life experiences of these well-traveled professionals. Their global viewpoints, in tandem with Barbara Kerley’s powerful message, set an ideal example for all future world citizens.
I Got the Rhythm
by Connie Schofield-MorrisonOn a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical! She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on! Award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison, capture the beat of the street, to create a rollicking read that will get any kid in the mood to boogie.
Z is for Moose
by Kelly BinghamZebra thinks the alphabet should be simple. A is for Apple. B is for Ball. Easy! But his friend Moose is too excited to wait his turn, and when M isn't for Moose (Mouse gets the honor), the rest of the letters better run for cover. Exuberant and zany storytelling brings to life two friends and one laugh-out-loud comedy of errors that's about friendship, sharing, and compromise. The incomparable Paul O. Zelinsky's artwork is bursting at the seams—literally—with child appeal. Breaking the borders of the page, and creating the art both digitally and traditionally, Zelinsky turns convention on its head. The result is a picture book that is innovative, hilarious, and begging to be read over and over again.
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
by Eric LitwinCount down with Pete in this rocking story that makes counting fun! Pete the Cat is wearing his favorite shirt—the one with the four totally groovy buttons. But when one falls off, does Pete cry? Goodness, no! He just keeps on singing his song—after all, what could be groovier than three groovy buttons? The winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!
by Mo WillemsWould YOU let the Pigeon have a puppy? He's wanted one for ever (at least since last Tuesday). But the Pigeon is in for a shock - having his very own puppy is not quite as wonderful as he thought it would be...!
Let's Play in the Forest
by Claudia RuedaAs Duck, Bunny, Moose, Beaver, and others play between the trees, Wolf continues getting dressed: undershirt, pants, T-shirt, socks, and shoes. By the time he has combed his hair and put on his backpack, Wolf is VERY hungry, and the animals are suddenly VERY afraid. Luckily for the animals, Wolf is hungry for PANCAKES -- his favorite!
Lola Loves Stories
by Anna McquinnLola loves to go to the library with her daddy. Every night she reads a new story, and the next day, she acts it out. One day she's a fairy princess, the next day she goes on a trip to Lagos! She becomes a tiger, a farmer, a pilot. . . . what will Lola be next? Children and adults will love following along with Lola's adventures. LOLA LOVES STORIES celebrates imaginative thinking and the importance of books as a way to inspire young minds.
Perfect Square
by Michael HallA perfect square is transformed in this adventure story that will transport you far beyond the four equal sides of this square book.
Pierre the Penguin
by Jean MarzolloThis is the true story of Pierre, a small penguin in a big museum. It is also about the people at the California Academy of Sciences who worked together to help him through a hard time.
Violet's Music
by Angela JohnsonAll her life, Violet has longed for friends who share her love of music, and then one fine summer day...
Scaredy Squirrel
by Mélanie WattScaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day, his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk. But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting.
Whistle for Willie
by Ezra Jack KeatsMr. Keats boldly, colorfully captures the child, his city world, and the shimmering heat of a summer's day.
Hello Ocean
by Pam Muñoz RyanSpend a day at the beach, and take in the ocean through the senses of sight, hearing, feeling, taste, and smell in this romp through sand and waves.
My Friend Rabbit
by Eric RohmannThis Caldecott Medal Honor book is two-thirds illustrations, which are described. From the front flap: "When Mouse lets his best friend, Rabbit, play with his brand-new airplane, trouble isnt far behind. Of course, Rabbit has a solutionbut when Rabbit sets out to solve a problem, even bigger problems follow. This file should make an excellent embossed braille copy.
Big Al
by Andrew ClementsIn an age of such obsession with appearance, this simple tale of a big, gentle fish and the qualities that make friendship real will touch children and encourage them to look again.
The Hello, Goodbye Window
by Norton JusterFrom the book: The kitchen window at Nana and Poppy's house is, for one little girl, a magic gateway. Everything important happens near it, through it, or beyond it. Told in her voice, her story is both a voyage of discovery and a celebration of the commonplace wonders that define childhood. It is also a love song devoted to that special relationship between grandparents and grandchild. The illustrations in this book look like pictures colored by a child. Pictures are described. This book received the Newberry Award.