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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How You Got So Smart
by David MilgrimEvery stage in growing up has its own fun and challenges, and the adorable star of this book faces each one with gusto. As a baby, there's the taste-everything phase--whether it is meant to be eaten or not! And as a toddler, there's the question-everything phase. But all the while baby is growing up and becoming a curious kid whose exploration of the world leads to amazing places and discoveries. He's come so far and learned so much, and now everyone is so proud of him! This celebration of curiosity and creativity, with its funny, joyful illustrations full of kid-friendly details, is a great gift for any major milestone.
If the World Were a Village
by David J. Smith.This is the new paperback edition of a beautiful and unique book, which explains facts about the world's population in a simple and fascinating way. Instead of unimaginable billions, it presents the whole world as a village of just 100 people. We soon find out that 22 speak a Chinese dialect and that 17 cannot read or write. We also discover the people's religions, their education, their standard of living, and much much more...This book provokes thought and elicits questions. It cannot fail to inspire children's interest in world geography, citizenship and different customs and cultures, whether they read it at home or at school.
Ron's Big Mission
by Don Tate and Rose Blue and Corrine J NadenNine-year-old Ron loves going to the Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flight. Today, Ron is ready to take out books by himself.
But in the segregated world of South Carolina in the 1950s, Ron's obtaining his own library card is not just a small rite of passage; it is a young man's first courageous mission.
Here is an inspiring story, based on Ron McNair's life, of how a little boy, future scientist, and Challenger astronaut desegregated his library through peaceful resistance.
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.
Hope For Winter
by Isabella Hatkoff and Juliana Hatkoff and Craig Hatkoff and David YatesThe true story of a baby dolphin named Hope who was rescued against all odds. Exactly 5 years and 1 day after Winter, the tailless dolphin who inspired a major motion picture featuring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Harry Conick Jr. , was rescued, something pretty amazing happened. Just feet from where Winter was found, appeared another injured dolphin, orphaned from her mother and struggling to survive. The Clearwater Marine team quickly went to work, attempting to nurse this new dolphin back to health. After a tough fight fought by the little dolphin and by the Clearwater team, the dolphin grew strong and healthy. She now lives with Winter and crowds flock to the aquarium to see them play. Her tale is one of courage and triumph. She was named Hope and this book tells her story.
Clever Trevor
by Sarah AlbeeTrevor outsmarts a group of schoolyard bullies by using some very handy science knowledge.
Roadrunner's Dance
by Rudolfo AnayaIn this original Southwestern folk tale, Desert Woman creates an odd bird who can defeat the menacing Rattlesnake.
No Dogs Allowed!
by Sonia ManzanoIris, her huge family and her dog, El Exigente, are all excited to go to the lake... but will they EVER get there?
Long Shot
by Chris PaulNBA star Chris Paul tells of being one of the shortest 8-year-olds trying out for the team, and how he didn't let that adversity stop him.
Tito Puente
by Monica Brown and Rafael LopezMeet Tito Puente--the King of Mambo. Tum Tica! From musical prodigy on the streets of Harlem to five-time Grammy Award winner, Tito's life was full of rhythm. Drums and claves, saxophones and tambourines were all part of the fun. Tac Tic! Monica Brown and Rafael López, the award-winning creators of the Pura Belpré Honor Book "My Name is Celia/Me Llamo Celia," team up once again for another spectacular collaboration in this upbeat tribute to a musical legend. Tum Tic! Tom Tom! Conoce a Tito Puente, el Rey del Mambo. ¡Tum Tica! De prodigio musical en las calles de Harlem a ganador de cinco premios Grammy, la vida de Tito fue muy rítmica. Tambores y claves, saxófonos y panderetas siempre formaron parte de la diversión. ¡Tac Tic! Monica Brown y Rafael López, los creadores del libro "My Name is Celia/Me Llamo Celia," el cual fue galardonado con el Honor Pura Belpré, se reúnen una vez más para crear otra colaboración espectacular en este alegre homenaje a una leyenda musical. ¡Tum Tic! ¡Tom Tom!
Ruby's Wish
by Sophie Blackall and Shirin YimRuby is unlike most little girls in old China. Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family. Based upon the inspirational story of the author's grandmother and accompanied by richly detailed illustrations, Ruby's Wish is an engaging portrait of a young girl who strives for more and a family who rewards her hard work and courage.
The Mud Pony
by Caron Lee CohenThe Mud Pony is one of a number of ancient boy-hero stories told among the Skidi band of the Pawnee Indians of the American Plains.
The Three Questions
by Jon J. MuthWhen Jon Muth read Tolstoy's story by the same title, he wanted to find a way to introduce children to "The Three Questions." In thi beautiful book for young readers, Muth brings together children, animals, a forest, and a wild storm to help Nicolai answer his questions. This file should make an excellent embossed braille copy.
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.
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
by John SteptoeThe king is going to marry. Mufaro has two very beautiful daughters. One is kind and considerate, the other selfish and spoiled. Which daughter will be chosen "The Most Worthy and Beautiful Daughter in the Land"? Which daughter will the king choose to be his wife?
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Medal
My Brother Charlie
by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth PeeteCallie is very proud of her brother Charlie. He's good at so many things--swimming, playing the piano, running fast. And Charlie has a special way with animals, especially their dog, Harriett.
But sometimes Charlie gets very quiet.
His words get locked inside him, and he seems far away. Then, when Callie and Charlie start to play, Charlie is back to laughing, holding hands, having fun. Charlie is like any other boy--and he has autism.
In this story, told from a sister's point of view, we meet a family whose oldest son teaches them important lessons about togetherness, hope, tolerance, and love.
Two Bobbies
by Kirby Larson and Mary NetheryBobbi and Bob Cat are the best of friends. When their hometown of New Orleans was struck by Hurricane Katrina, many lost everything. But not Bobbi and Bob Cat--they still had each other. Only by staying together could they survive. This is the story of their remarkable friendship.
Frog and Toad All Year
by Arnold LobelGo sledding with Frog and Toad and see what happens when Frog tumbles off and Toad has to steer by himself. See how frog cheers Toad up on a rainy day when it feels as if spring will never come. See why Frog and Toad go to bed happy after raking yards all day even though the wind scatters the leaves all around until it looks as if the leaves were never raked up at all. Toad the ice-cream monster may be the funniest Toad you've seen yet. On Christmas Eve find out how worries can grow and grow even when there's nothing to worry about. Two of the four Frog and Toad books by Lobel have won major awards. In Frog and Toad All Year, the third book in this hilarious series of easy to read chapter books about best friends, children will laugh and cheer at the five stories: one for each season and one about Christmas Eve. The pictures are carefully and humorously described.
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.
Fire! Fuego! Brave Bomberos
by Susan Middleton ElyaAt the station, sirens sound. Corazones start to pound. "House fire!" says el capitán. "Fuego! Get your helmets on!" So begins a rollicking race to save a burning casa from the roaring flames-and these bomberos are up to the task, with hoses ready and sirens blaring. Spanish words sprinkled throughout the lively text-plus a glossary at the end-will enrich young readers as they cheer for the firefighters to save the day.
Yo! Yes?
by Chris RaschkaThis book captures the street poetry between two boys-one black, one white, one shy, one outgoing, one nerdy, one street-smart. At first the boys are shy and awkward but in the end their friendship explodes off the page.
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon
by Patty LovellBe yourself like Molly Lou Melon no matter what a bully may do. Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She doesn't mind. Her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes that advice to heart. But then Molly Lou has to start in a new school. A horrible bully picks on her on the very first day, but Molly Lou Melon knows just what to do about that.
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.
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.
Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great
by Bob SheaEver since Unicorn moved into the neighborhood, Goat has been feeling out of sorts. Goat thought his bike was cool-until he saw that Unicorn could fly to school! Goat made marshmallow squares that almost came out right, but Unicorn made it rain cupcakes! Unicorn is such a show-off, how can Goat compete? When Goat and Unicorn share a piece of pizza, Goat learns that being a unicorn might not be all it's cracked up to be. And when Unicorn shows his admiration for Goat, it looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.