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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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.
Pablo Neruda
by Monica BrownOnce there was a little boy named Neftalí who loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly. From the moment he could talk, he surrounded himself with words. Neftalí discovered the magic between the pages of books. When he was sixteen, he began publishing his poems as Pablo Neruda. Pablo wrote poems about the things he loved―things made by his friends in the café, things found at the marketplace, and things he saw in nature. He wrote about the people of Chile and their stories of struggle. Because above all things and above all words, Pablo Neruda loved people.
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.
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.
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.
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...!
Planting the Trees of Kenya
by Claire A. NivolaWith glowing watercolor illustrations and lyrical prose, Claire Nivola tells the remarkable story of one woman's effort to change the fate of her land by teaching many to care for it. An author's note provides further information about Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement. In keeping with the theme of the story, the book is printed on recycled paper.
The Rainbow Mystery
by Jennifer DusslingTwo curious kids conduct experiments and build a prism in order to figure out how rainbows form.
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).
Roadrunner's Dance
by Rudolfo AnayaIn this original Southwestern folk tale, Desert Woman creates an odd bird who can defeat the menacing Rattlesnake.
Ron's Big Mission
by Rose Blue and Corrine J Naden and Don TateNine-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.
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.
Ruby's Wish
by Shirin Yim BridgesRuby 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's full of ambition and the family who rewards her hard work and courage.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sonia Sotomayor
by Jonah WinterBefore Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor took her seat in our nation's highest court, she was just a little girl in the South Bronx. Justice Sotomayor didn't have a lot growing up, but she had what she needed -- her mother's love, a will to learn, and her own determination. With bravery she became the person she wanted to be. With hard work she succeeded. With little sunlight and only a modest plot from which to grow, Justice Sotomayor bloomed for the whole world to see.
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.
Stone Soup
by Jon J MuthIn this inspiring story about the strength people possess when they work together, Muth takes a simple, beloved tale and adds his own fresh twist.
Suki's Kimono
by Chieri UegakiSuki's favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. A gift from her obachan, it holds special memories of her grandmother's visit last summer. And Suki is going to wear it on her first day back to school -- no matter what anyone says.
When it's Suki's turn to share with her classmates what she did during the summer, she tells them about the street festival she attended with her obachan and the circle dance that they took part in. In fact, she gets so carried away reminiscing that she's soon humming the music and dancing away, much to the delight of her entire class! Filled with gentle enthusiasm and a touch of whimsy, Suki's Kimono is the joyful story of a little girl whose spirit leads her to march -- and dance -- to her own drumbeat.
Testing the Ice
by Sharon RobinsonAs a testament to his courage, Jackie Robinson's daughter shares memories of him, from his baseball career to the day he tests the ice for her, her brothers, and their friends.
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.
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.