Special Collections
District List: NYC Reads 365 - Fourth Grade
Description: NYC Reads 365 is a literacy initiative of the New York City Department of Education to create a new generation of readers. This list of high-interest titles is curated by NYC school librarians for students in Grade 4 and is updated each school year.
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Funny Bones
by Duncan Tonatiuh
Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras--skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities--came to be.
They are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913).
In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians.
He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings.
They have become synonymous with Mexico's Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival.
Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe's, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity. The book includes an author's note, bibliography, glossary, and index.
A 2016 Sibert Award Winner and Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Honor Book,
Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan and Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan
by Jeanette WinterMeet two heroes of Pakistan who stood up for the rights to freedom and education in these inspirational nonfiction tales from acclaimed author-illustrator Jeanette Winter. Two stories of bravery in one beautiful book—including the story of Malala Yousafzai, a winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize!
Rising Above
by Elijah Zuckerman and Gabriel Zuckerman and Gregory ZuckermanDiscover the inspirational real-life stories of superstar athletes like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Tim Howard, and more! Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in 6th grade. He went on to become a national treasure after single-handedly keeping America competitive in the 2014 World Cup. Stephen Curry was told he was too small, too weak, and too slow to even receive a scholarship to play college basketball. He outworked everyone and went on to become MVP of the National Basketball Association. Jim Abbott was born without his right hand, yet he refused to be defined by what he lacked. He went on to pitch a no-hitter in the Major Leagues.Athlete after athlete in this book found discipline, hope, and inspiration on the playing field, rising above their circumstances. Filled with first-hand accounts from stars who exemplify the idea of enduring at all costs, Rising Above will serve as a must-read source of inspiration for kids and sports fans of all ages.Praise for Rising Above"An easy pitch for middle school sports lovers."--School Library Journal"So many of the obstacles that these athletes share are retold using personal interviews and primary source material that young readers will find very relatable. Though the people chronicled are all athletes, their stories have morals that are easily transferred to life off the court or the field. The highly relevant message is that no situation is too dire or insurmountable with the right attitude and that young people shouldn't allow setbacks to define them."--BooklistFrom the Hardcover edition.