Special Collections
District List: NYC Reads 365 - Second 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 2 and is updated each school year.
- Table View
- List View
Trouble At School For Marvin & James
by Elise BroachMarvin the beetle finds adventure when his human friend James takes him to school.
Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny
by John HimmelmanAlthough she can throw farther, kick higher, and hit harder than anyone else at school, Isabel, aka Bunjitsu Bunny, never hurts another creature, unless she has to.
The Secret Subway
by Shana CoreyFrom an acclaimed author and a New York Times Best Illustrated artist comes the fascinating, little-known—and true!—story of New York City’s first subway.
New York City in the 1860s was a mess: crowded, disgusting, filled with garbage. You see, way back in 1860, there were no subways, just cobblestone streets. That is, until Alfred Ely Beach had the idea for a fan-powered train that would travel underground. On February 26, 1870, after fifty-eight days of drilling and painting and plastering, Beach unveiled his masterpiece—and throngs of visitors took turns swooshing down the track.
The Secret Subway will wow readers, just as Beach’s underground train wowed riders over a century ago.
Rivers of Sunlight
by Molly Bang and Penny ChisholmA stunning, accessible explanation of the Earth's water cycle and its global effects. In this brightly illustrated narrative, readers will learn about the constant movement of water as it flows around the Earth and the sun's important role as water changes between liquid, vapor, and ice. From sea to sky, the sun both heats and cools water, ensuring that life can exist on Earth. How does the sun keep ocean currents moving, and lift fresh water from the seas? And what can we do to conserve one of our planet's most precious resources? Perfect for any young reader eager to learn more about his or her world, this is an invaluable addition to any classroom, library, or at-home collection. With stunning artwork and compelling scientific explanation, Bang and Chisholm have brought forth a masterpiece that is critically relevant in this environmentally tumultuous time. The newest book in the award-winning Sunlight Series is an important and beautiful exploration one of our planet's delicate geological cycles, clearly and simply presented for young readers.
Rabbi Benjamin's Buttons
by Alice B. McGintyRabbi Benjamin's congregation presents him with a special holiday vest--and cooks him so much food that soon its buttons pop off. Includes glossary, notes on Jewish holidays, and recipes for special foods associated with them.
The Princess In Black
by Shannon Hale and Dean HaleThe monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats!
Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret--she’s also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her!
Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret.
One Plastic Bag
by Miranda Paul and Elizabeth ZunonPlastic bags are cheap and easy to use. But what happens when a bag breaks or is no longer needed? In Njau, Gambia, people simply dropped the bags and went on their way. One plastic bag became two. Then ten. Then a hundred.
Nerdy Birdy
by Aaron ReynoldsA picture book about a nerdy birdy who just wants to hang out with the cool birds.
The Miniature World Of Marvin And James (The Masterpiece Adventure Book One)
by Elise BroachIn this Masterpiece Adventure, the first in a companion series for younger readers from bestselling author Elise Broach, James is going on vacation for a week. His best friend, Marvin the beetle, has to stay at home. Without James to keep him company, Marvin has to play with his annoying cousin, Elaine. Marvin and Elaine quickly find themselves getting into all sorts of trouble--even getting trapped inside a pencil sharpener! Marvin misses James and starts to worry about their friendship. Will James still be Marvin's friend when he gets home or will James have found a new best friend? The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach, with illustrations by Kelly Murphy, is the first in a series of chapter books set in the world of the acclaimed middle-grade novel Masterpiece. A Christy Ottaviano Book
Keeping in Touch in American History
by Dana RauThis book traces the history of delivering news and messages over the years.
The Journey
by Francesca SannaThis book depicts the flight of a mother and her two children from a conflict zone to safety in another country.
James To The Rescue
by Elise Broach and Kelly MurphyIn this Masterpiece Adventure, the second in a chapter book series for younger readers from Elise Broach, bestselling author of Masterpiece, Marvin the beetle is going collecting with his family. All is good and well until Uncle Albert gets hurt. Marvin needs James's help to save Uncle Albert before it's too late. James to the Rescue captures the miniature world of Marvin the beetle and his special friendship with James.
I (don't) Like Snakes
by Nicola Davies and Luciano LozanoThis little girl has a problem. Her family doesn't have dogs, or cats, or birds--they have snakes! And she really, really, really really doesn't like snakes.
Her family can't understand her dislike, but they can help her understand why snakes do the things they do and look the way they look. And maybe once she knows more, she will start to like snakes a little . . . or even a lot.
Packed with snake trivia, this clever story includes realistic illustrations and simple explanations of snake behavior sure to make even slither-phobic readers shed their misconceptions about these fascinating reptiles. Back matter includes a note about snakes, a bibliography, and an index.
Emmanuel's Dream
by Sean Qualls and Laurie Ann ThompsonEmmanuel Ofosu Yeboah's inspiring true story--which was turned into a film, Emmanuel's Gift, narrated by Oprah Winfrey--is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people--but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled. Thompson's lyrical prose and Qualls's bold collage illustrations offer a powerful celebration of triumphing over adversity.Includes an author's note with more information about Emmanuel's charity.
Winner of the Scheider Family Award
Buddy and Earl Go to School
by Carey SookocheffBuddy and Earl know that with the right education they can become anything — even a dentist or a hot-dog vendor! So they eagerly gather their silly, smelly supplies and head to school.
Soon after they arrive, their teacher, Miss Meredith, is called away and Professor Earl takes charge of the classroom. Buddy works hard at lessons like Sniffing Things, Tail Chasing and Scratching Itches. And when Professor Earl announces that one very special student is going to win a major award? Buddy cannot imagine who that lucky student might be…
Buddy And Earl Go Exploring
by Maureen Fergus and Carey SookocheffBuddy and Earl are safely tucked in for the night; Buddy on his blanket and Earl in his cage. But just as Buddy settles in for a nice, long sleep, Earl says it's time to say "Bon voyage."
Soon these mismatched pals are at it again, exploring the wilds of the kitchen and defending a lovely lady hedgehog -- who may or may not be Mom's hairbrush -- from imminent danger. When they've finally vanquished the greatest monster of all -- the vacuum cleaner -- it's time for some well-earned shut-eye.
This second book in the Buddy and Earl series reunites this odd and loveable animal couple: a dog who likes to play by the rules and a hedgehog who knows no limits.
Be sure to join them on their next adventure -- Buddy and Earl and the Baby.
Buddy And Earl And The Great Big Baby
by Maureen Fergus and Carey SookocheffMom's friend Mrs. Cunningham is coming for a visit, and she's bringing her baby! While Buddy tries to explain the ins and outs of babydom to Earl, neither of them is prepared for the chaos the small and adorable creature brings with it.
Buddy And Earl
by Maureen Fergus and Carey SookocheffBuddy does not know what is in the box that Meredith carries into the living room. But when the small, prickly creature says he is a pirate — and that Buddy is a pirate too — the two mismatched friends are off on a grand adventure.
In this first book in the Buddy and Earl series, a dog who likes to play by the rules meets a hedgehog who knows no limits. Their friendship is tender and loyal, and their adventures are funny and imaginative. Maureen Fergus' text is witty and understated, and Carey Sookocheff's art emphasizes both the humor and the warmth of this odd and loveable animal couple.
Coming in 2016 —Buddy and Earl Go Exploring and Buddy and Earl and the Great Big Baby.
Arthur and the Golden Rope
by Joe Todd StantonImagine a vault so cavernous that it could contain all the world's greatest treasures and relics, from mummified remains of ancient monarchs to glistening swords brandished by legendary warriors. Who could be in charge of such a vault and how did he come into possession of such a unique collection? Who is...Professor Brownstone?
Are We There Yet?
by Dan SantatCaldecott Medalist Dan Santat takes readers on the road trip of a lifetime! "Are we there yet?" Every parent has heard this classic kid question on a long car ride--and after reading this astonishingly inventive new book (that even turns upside down for several pages!), you'll never look at being bored the same way again. Let's face it: everyone knows that car rides can be boring. And when things get boring, time slows down. In this book, a boy feels time slowing down so much that it starts going backward--into the time of pirates! Of princesses! Of dinosaurs! The boy was just trying to get to his grandmother's birthday party, but instead he's traveling through Ancient Egypt and rubbing shoulders with Ben Franklin. When time flies, who knows where--or when--he'll end up.
Anything But Ordinary Addie
by Mara RockliffBe astonished and dazzled by the true story of Adelaide Herrmann, the Queen of Magic!
Some girls are perfectly happy never doing anything out of the ordinary. But Addie was anything but ordinary. She longed for thrills and excitement! At a time when a young lady appearing onstage was considered most unusual, Addie defied convention and became a dancer. And when she married the world-famous magician Herrmann the Great, she knew she had to be part of his show. Addie wanted to shock and dazzle! She would do anything to draw the crowds, even agree to be shot out of a cannon. But when Herrmann the Great died, Addie couldn’t disappoint her loyal fans — the show had to go on. What could she do? She would perform the show all by herself! From the creators of Mesmerized, this rollicking romp tells the true story of one fearless magician’s rise to glory, featuring exquisitely lavish illustrations by Iacopo Bruno. Extensive back matter, including instructions for performing one of Addie’s original tricks, makes this a dazzling celebration of one of the first female conjurers in show business.