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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Abe Lincoln's Dream
by Lane SmithWhen a schoolgirl gets separated from her tour of the White House and finds herself in the Lincoln bedroom, she also discovers the ghost of the great man himself. Together they embark on a journey across the country to answer Lincoln's questions and quiet his concerns about the nation for which he gave his life. This wholly original tale is signature Lane Smith; Abe Lincoln's Dream is funny, touching, and surprising in a way only possible from this master picture book creator.
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.
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.
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.
Anything But Typical
by Nora Raleigh BaskinJason Blake is an autistic 12-year-old living in a neurotypical world. Most days it's just a matter of time before something goes wrong. But Jason finds a glimmer of understanding when he comes across PhoenixBird, who posts stories to the same online site as he does. Jason can be himself when he writes and he thinks that PhoneixBird-her name is Rebecca-could be his first real friend. But as desperate as Jason is to met her, he's terrified that if they do meet, Rebecca wil only see his autism and not who Jason really is. By acclaimed writer Nora Raleigh Baskin, this is the breathtaking depiction of an autistic boy's struggles-and a story for anyone who has ever worried about fitting in.
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
Bearwalker
by Joseph Bruchac and Sally Wern ComportAs a member of the Mohawk Bear Clan, Baron has always been fascinated by bears--their gentle strength and untamed power. But the Bearwalker legend, passed down by his ancestors, tells of a different kind of creature--a terrible mix of human and animal that looks like a bear but is really a bloodthirsty monster. The tale never seemed to be more than a scary story. Until now. During a class camping trip deep in the Adirondacks, Baron comes face-to-face with an evil being that is all too real. Although he knows how the story ends in the legend, Baron must overcome this Bearwalker on his own terms.
Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamilloRecalling the fiction of Harper Lee and Carson McCullers, here is a funny, poignant, and utterly genuine first novel from a major new talent.
The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket--and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she dubs Winn-Dixie. Because of Winn-Dixie, the preacher tells Opal ten things about her absent mother, one for each year Opal has been alive. Winn-Dixie is better at making friends than anyone Opal has ever known, and together they meet the local librarian, Miss Franny Block, who once fought off a bear with a copy of WAR AND PEACE. They meet Gloria Dump, who is nearly blind but sees with her heart, and Otis, an ex-con who sets the animals in his pet shop loose after hours, then lulls them with his guitar.Opal spends all that sweet summer collecting stories about her new friends and thinking about her mother. But because of Winn-Dixie or perhaps because she has grown, Opal learns to let go, just a little, and that friendship--and forgiveness--can sneak up on you like a sudden summer storm.
Newbery Medal Honor book
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.
Big Mama's
by Donald CrewsIn his dynamic tale of family togetherness, an African American man recalls boyhood summers spent at his grandmother's rural home in Florida. Each year the vacation began with an adventurous three-day train ride to Bigmama's ("Not that she was big, but she was Mama's mama") in Cottondale. The hot, hazy months that followed were filled with relatives, fishing and good times. A backyard coop "where Sunday dinner's chicken spent its last days," the barn and pond all begged to be explored by rambunctious visitors. Even the stars shone brighter in the night sky at this wondrous place.
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!
Blackout
by John RoccoOne hot summer night in the city, all the power goes out. The TV shuts off and a boy wails, "Mommm!" His sister can no longer use the phone, Mom can't work on her computer, and Dad can't finish cooking dinner. What's a family to do? When they go up to the roof to escape the heat, they find the lights--in stars that can be seen for a change--and so many neighbors it's like a block party in the sky! On the street below, people are having just as much fun--talking, rollerblading, and eating ice cream before it melts. The boy and his family enjoy being not so busy for once. They even have time to play a board game together. When the electricity is restored, everything can go back to normal . . . but not everyone likes normal. The boy switches off the lights, and out comes the board game again. Using a combination of panels and full bleed illustrations that move from color to black-and-white and back to color, John Rocco shows that if we are willing to put our cares aside for a while, there is party potential in a summer blackout.
Bobby the Brave
by Lisa YeeFrom Lisa Yee and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, a hilarious sequel to Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally).In his last adventure, Bobby Ellis-Chan got stuck to a stinky tree, had underwear attached to his back, and faced down a whole wolfpack of girls. What could be scarier or more humiliating than that? Oh, how about playing sports with his football-hero dad ... a cat with 27 toes ... an asthma attack in public ... dancing on stage in the school musical ... And the list goes on! Bobby will have to overcome his fears if he's going to come out on top.
Book Fiesta!
by Pat MoraThis Pura Belpré Award–winning picture book is a bilingual ride through the joyous history of Children’s Day/El día de los niños. Children’s Day/Book Day; El día de los niños/El día de los libros has been observed on April 30th for over twelve years. Founder Pat Mora’s jubilant celebration of this day features imaginative text and lively illustrations by award-winning illustrator Rafael López that will turn this bilingual fiesta into a hit for story time! Toon! Toon! The book includes a letter from the author and suggestions for celebrating Children’s Day /El día de los niños.
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.
Bucket Filling From A to Z
by Carol Mccloud and Caryn Butzke and Glenn ZimmerBucket Filling from A to Z uses the letters of the alphabet to help young and old see the many, simple ways that they can fill buckets and fill their own buckets in return. When you help children become bucket fillers, you give them the key to happiness...for it is in friendship, love, and good will to others that we are truly happy. Yes, bucket filling is the moment by moment choice to be kind and caring. Teaching and encouraging children to be bucket fillers is one of the greatest gifts you can give to them.
Butterfly Boy
by Virginia KrollA young boy cares for his invalid abuelo, looking for the light in his eyes to confirm his understanding of beautiful stories and events.
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.
Chicken Sunday
by Patricia PolaccoStewart and Winston were my neighbors. They were my brothers by a solemn ceremony we had performed in their backyard one summer....Their gramma, Eula Mae Walker, was my gramma now.
More than anything in the world, the children want to buy that special Easter bonnet in Mr. Kodinski's shop window for their Miss Eula. She is always so good to them, and how they love to hear her sing - her voice is like slow thunder and sweet rain. But the hat costs money, and the children do not have enough.
Then one day, when they are mistakenly accused of throwing eggs at the shop owner's window, they discover just the right way to prove their innocence - and earn money for the hat at the same time.
With her characteristic full, vibrant colors and rich, folk-art style, author-artist Patricia Polacco once again reaches into her childhood and weaves a lasting story of acceptance, trust, and love.
Chrysanthemum
by Kevin HenkesWritten and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.
Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?
This popular picture book has sold more than a million copies and was named a Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association.
Clever Trevor
by Sarah AlbeeTrevor outsmarts a group of schoolyard bullies by using some very handy science knowledge.
Come On, Rain
by Karen Hesse"Come on, Rain!" Tess pleads to the sky as listless vines and parched plants droop in the endless heat. Then the clouds roll in and the rain pours. And Tess, her friends, and their mothers join in together in a rain dance to celebrate the shower that renews both body and spirit.
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.
Crossing Bok Chitto
by Tim TingleThere is a river called Bok Chitto that cuts through Mississippi. In the days before the War Between the States, in the days before the Trail of Tears, Bok Chitto was a boundary. On one side of the river lived the Choctaws. On the other side lived the plantation owners and their slaves. If a slave escaped and made his way across Bok Chitto, the slave was free.
Crow Call
by Lois LowryThe story of young Liz and her father, who has been away at WWII for longer than she can remember. They begin their journey of reconnection through a hunting shirt, cherry pie, tender conversation, and the crow call. This allegorical story shows how, like the birds gathering above, the relationship between the girl and her father is graced with the chance to fly.