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 Famous Story of Mookie and Gorbit
by Rupa MehtaMookie the ant and Gorbit the elephant are best friends. They eat together, they play together, and they both weigh 20,000 pounds! How can this be? Well, that's the Weight of Words mystery! Mookie and Gorbit have a lot to learn about what makes us feel heavy and light, both in our bodies and in our minds. Join these best buds on their journey to understanding emotional weight and how the words we use can weigh us down OR lift us up. As part of the Connect Collection, this book is intended to be illustrated by you-the reader! As a parent and/or teacher, encourage your child and/or student to imagine what the characters in the story look like and bring them to life. Through illustrating the book, your child and/ or student will personally understand the book's valuable lesson and have a keepsake forever. We encourage you to check out more books in the Connect Collection at connectcollection.com.
Connect to Your One Magic Word
by Rupa MehtaThe effervescent character Oopa takes readers on an upbeat journey to find their magic word. As Oopa says, "The best magic word for you = your heart's favorite thing to do". A magic word has so much power. It can help strengthen your daily life and help you achieve your goals. Join Oopa and her friends and connect to your magic word! As part of the Connect Collection, this book is intended to be illustrated by you--the reader! As a parent and/or teacher, encourage your child and/or student to imagine what the characters in the story look like and bring them to life. Through illustrating the book, your child and/ or student will personally understand the book's valuable lesson and have a keepsake forever. We encourage you to check out more books in the Connect Collection at connectcollection.com.
Connect To Your One (NaliniKids)
by Rupa MehtaHow can so many people in our society be physically light and fit, but emotionally heavy and out-of-shape? We think about the food we digest into our bodies, but do we think about the words we digest into our spirits? Could one word have the power to weigh more than a gallon of ice cream? Connect to Your One is about acknowledging the weight of words and the impact words have on shaping our identity. In her first book, Rupa Mehta motivates us to start a word detox, lose the weight of words, and connect to the One Word that represents our core identity. With her signature style, Rupa is a generous guide as she shares the journey to her ONE WORD through vivid life lessons from her childhood and present life. These lessons, garnered from her parents, present unconventional wisdom about living healthy, loving successfully, dealing with issues, understanding happiness, and letting go and moving on.
Doctor De Soto
by William Steig"Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work." With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain.
Since he's a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat "dangerous" animals--that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn't give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way.
Doctor De Soto is a 1982 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1983 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books, and a 1983 Newbery Honor Book.
Looking Like Me
by Walter Dean MyersJeremy notices that everyone sees him differently: to his sister, he's a little brother; to his teacher, he's a writer; to his mother, he's a dreamer. With hip-hop verse that resonates with urban verve, this extraordinary tribute to oneself will resonate with children and adults of all ages and backgrounds.
My Name is Yoon
by Helen RecorvitsYoon's name means "shining wisdom," and when she writes it in Korean, it looks happy, like dancing figures. But her father tells her that she must learn to write it in English. In English, all the lines and circles stand alone, which is just how Yoon feels in the United States. Yoon isn't sure that she wants to be YOON. At her new school, she tries out different names―maybe CAT or BIRD. Maybe CUPCAKE!
Boy Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs!
by Kathleen V. KudlinskiThe ancient Chinese thought they were magical dragons. Some old-time scientists thought that because they were so big, all they could do was float in water. Boy, were they wrong! Even today, once-common notions about dinosaurs are being revised as new discoveries are made. This lively book about the perennially popular subject of dinosaurs offers fascinating insight into how certain theories were formed, and then how those theories were proved or disproved. It demonstrates that scientific thought is as creative as it is logical and invites budding scientists to come up with their own ideas. This book offers a lively account of theories from the past about dinosaurs and how these theories changed as new discoveries were made.
The Secret Shortcut
by Mark TeagueWendell and Floyd can't seem to get to school on time. Wendell discovers a shortcut so secret that only he knows about it. Soon, both boys are lost in a wild jungle full of quicksand, monkeys, and crocodiles. Who would have thought that getting to school could be such an adventure. Color illustrations throughout.
Mice and Beans
by Joe Cepeda and Pam Munoz RyanRosa Maria loves to cook big meals for her big family. "When there's room in the heart, there's room in the house, Except for a mouse". That's what her mother always said, so for one week, as she meticulously prepares for her youngest grandchild's birthday party, she takes extra care in tidying her kitchen. But strangely, important items -- like her wooden spoon, her big bolsa for grocery shopping, and even her mousetraps -- keep disappearing!
Zen Ties
by Jon J MuthSummer has arrived -- and so has Koo, Stillwater's haiku-speaking young nephew. And when Stillwater encourages Koo, and his friends Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy old neighbor in need, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways. Zen Ties is a disarming story of compassion and friendship that reaffirms the importance of our ties to one another.
Jackie Robinson
by Wil MaraBrief text chronicles the life of the Hall of Fame baseball player who, in 1947, became the first African American to play for a major league team.
Not Norman
by Kelly Bennett and Noah Z JonesNorman the goldfish isn’t what this little boy had in mind. He wanted a different kind of pet - one that could run and catch, or chase string and climb trees, a soft furry pet to sleep on his bed at night. Definitely not Norman. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things don’t go as he planned. Could it be that Norman is a better pet than he thought? With wry humor and lighthearted affection, author Kelly Bennett and illustrator Noah Z. Jones tell an unexpected - and positively fishy - tale about finding the good in something you didn’t know you wanted.
Sky Color
by Peter H ReynoldsMarisol loves to paint. So when her teacher asks her to help make a mural for the school library, she can’t wait to begin! But how can Marisol make a sky without blue paint? After gazing out the bus window and watching from her porch as day turns into night, she closes her eyes and starts to dream. . . . From the award-winning Peter H. Reynolds comes a gentle, playful reminder that if we keep our hearts open and look beyond the expected, creative inspiration will come.
The Rainbow Mystery
by Jennifer DusslingTwo curious kids conduct experiments and build a prism in order to figure out how rainbows form.
For You are a Kenyan Child
by Kelly CunnaneIn this lyrical story, rich in detail, the reader is asked to imagine that he or she is a child living in a small Kenyan village who must take his grandfather's cows out to pasture. Although life in the boy's African village is very different from life in America in some ways, in other ways this Kenyan child is like children you know.
Max Found Two Sticks
by Brian PinkneyIt was a day when Max didn't feel like talking to anyone. He just sat on his front steps and watched the clouds gather in the sky. A strong breeze shook the tree in front of his house, and Max saw two heavy twigs fall to the ground.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
by Judith Viorst and Ray CruzAlexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair. And it got worse... His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV! Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages. Images and image descriptions available.
A Chair For My Mother
by Vera B. WilliamsThe jar of coins is full. The day has come to buy the chair--the big, fat, comfortable, wonderful chair they have been saving for. The chair that will replace the one that was burned up--along with everything else--in the terrible fire. A book of love and tenderness filled with the affirmation of life.
On a Beam of Light
by Vladimir Radunsky and Jennifer BerneA boy rides a bicycle down a dusty road. But in his mind, he envisions himself traveling at a speed beyond imagining, on a beam of light. This brilliant mind will one day offer up some of the most revolutionary ideas ever conceived. From a boy endlessly fascinated by the wonders around him, Albert Einstein ultimately grows into a man of genius recognized the world over for profoundly illuminating our understanding of the universe. Jennifer Berne and Vladimir Radunsky invite the reader to travel along with Einstein on a journey full of curiosity, laughter, and scientific discovery. Parents and children alike will appreciate this moving story of the powerful difference imagination can make in any life.
Those Shoes
by Maribeth Boelts and Noah Z. JonesAll Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy's grandma says they don't have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren't much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has -- warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend -- are worth more than the things he wants.
Big Red Lollipop
by Rukhsana KhanAges 4 and up. RUBINA IS INVITED to her first ever birthday party! She can't wait for the games, cake, fun . . . and party favors. But her mom doesn't know what a birthday party is--it's new to her--and she insists that Rubina bring her little sister along. That isn't the way it's supposed to work, but Rubina has no choice. And it turns out that having pesky Sana at the party isn't nearly as bad as what she does afterward!
Owen and Mzee
by Isabella Hatkoff and Graig Hatkoff and Paula KahumbuThe inspiring true story of two great friends, a baby hippo named Owen and a 130-yr-old giant tortoise named Mzee (Mm-ZAY). When Owen was stranded after the Dec 2004 tsunami, villagers in Kenya worked tirelessly to rescue him. Then, to everyone's amazement, the orphan hippo and the elderly tortoise adopted each other. Now they are inseparable, swimming, eating, and playing together. Adorable photos e-mailed from friend to friend quickly made them worldwide celebrities. Here is a joyous reminder that in times of trouble, friendship is stronger than the differences that too often pull us apart.
The Dot
by Peter H. ReynoldsWith a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark - and follow where it takes us. Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you. " Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw - she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. "There!" she says. That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti’s journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds’s delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.
Whoosh!
by Chris Barton and Don TateA cool idea with a big splash. You know the Super Soaker. It's one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson's life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.
Rules (Scholastic Gold)
by Cynthia LordThis Newbery Honor Book is a heartfelt and witty story about feeling different and finding acceptance--beyond the rules.Rules joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public" -- in order to head off David's embarrassing behaviors.But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?