Special Collections
District List: NYC Core Curriculum 2nd - Social Studies
Description: The New York City Core Curriculum program aims to provide a high-quality curricula to NYC students through a seamless instructional program across grades and subjects. This list has been curated by NYCDOE for 2nd Grade Social Studies materials.
- Table View
- List View
Meet President Obama
by Mel BartlettAligned to the Common Core State Standards, these leveled, informational texts are great for individual or small group reading instruction.
Make Way for Ducklings
by Robert MccloskeyThis classic tale of the famous Mallard ducks of Boston was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1941. Make Way for Ducklings has been described as 'one of the merriest picture books ever' (The New York Times). Ideal for reading aloud, this book deserves a place of honor on every child's bookshelf. Images and image descriptions available.
Three Immigrant Communities NEW YORK CITY in 1900
by Monica HalpernMiranda has one messy desk. It's full of books, pencils, science projects and…other stuff. Too much stuff, says her teacher, Ms. Basil. On a family visit to her Uncle Aldo's one night, Miranda wonders if some of his magician's tools might offer a solution to her messy-desk problem. Sneaking off to the magic room, Miranda finds Uncle Aldo's impressive collection of top hats. Miranda knows that magic top hats can hold lots of things—why not the mess from her desk? At first, the hat seems to do the trick, but soon things start to go horribly wrong. As Uncle Aldo says, you have to be careful with magic.
Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers
by Karen B. Winnick and Boyds Mills Press StaffAbraham Lincoln was the first President of the United States to wear a beard. What gave him the idea was a letter he received from an eleven-year-old girl from Westfield, New York named Grace Bedell. "Dear Sir," she wrote, "... if you will let your whiskers grow I will try to get (my brothers) to vote for you. You would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you..."
Vote!
by Katherine Scraper and Tara FunkWhy do people vote? Who can vote? Read about people who vote.
Duck for President
by Doreen CroninPublishers Description: My fellow Americans: It is our pleasure, our honor, our duty as citizens to present to you Duck for President. Here is a duck who began in a humble pond. Who worked his way to farmer. To governor. And now, perhaps, to the highest office in the land. Some say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he is a duck. We say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he will be the next president of the United States of America. Adults and teens will enjoy reading this satirical book to their young charges. Other books by Doreen Cronin are available from Bookshare.org.
Abe's Honest Words
by Doreen Rappaport and Gary Kelley and Kadir NelsonFrom the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the unsettled Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in his heart that slavery was deeply wrong. A voracious reader, Lincoln spent every spare moment of his days filling his mind with knowledge, from history to literature to mathematics, preparing himself to one day lead the country he loved towards greater equality and prosperity. Despite the obstacles he faced as a self-educated man from the back woods, Lincoln persevered in his political career, and his compassion and honesty gradually earned him the trust of many Americans. As president, he guided the nation through a long and bitter civil war and penned the document that would lead to the end of slavery in the United States. The passion for humanity that defined Lincoln's life shines through in this momentous follow-up to Martin's Big Words and John's Secret Dreams. Told in Doreen Rappaport's accessible, absorbing prose, and brought to life in powerful illustrations by Kadir Nelson, Abe's Honest Words is an epic portrait of a truly great American president.
Grace for President
by Kelly Dipucchio and Leuyen Pham"Where are the girls?" When Grace's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her political career as a candidate the school's mock election!
Author Kelly DiPucchio not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought--and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.
Paying Taxes
by Sarah De CapuaKids aren't voting or serving on juries just yet--but it's never too early to learn about the responsibilities that come with being a U.S. citizen! In those fascinating books, clear, detailed text and colorful images introduce you to important aspects of U.S. society--from taxes to elections.
The Doorbell Rang
by Pat HutchinsEach time the doorbell rings, there are more people who have come to share Ma's wonderful cookies.
A River Ran Wild
by Lynne CherryAn environmental history of the Nashua River, from its discovery by Indians through the polluting years of the Industrial Revolution to the ambitious cleanup that revitalized it.
My Great-aunt Arizona
by Gloria M. HoustonBestselling author Gloria Houston lovingly recounts the story of her great-aunt's quiet yet remarkable life. Born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains, Arizona spent her childhood dreaming of all the faraway places she would one day visit. Though she never did travel to those places, Arizona did become a teacher and helped generations of children craft their own dreams.
Rules
by Margie Burton and Cathy French and Tammy JonesThis book is about the rules that both students and adults follow to maintain a safe, healthy, fun lifestyle.
Explorers of the Americas
by Michael Sandler and Margaret McnamaraPerform this script about an ancient Maya love story. (Set of 12 with Teacher's Guide)
Living in Rural Communities
by Kristin SterlingAn introduction to the common characteristics of a rural community.
Ox-Cart Man
by Donald HallChildren's book about the ox-cart man and his hard work throughout the year.
My New York
by Kathy JakobsenBecky, a young New Yorker, takes the reader and a friend on a tour of her favorite places in the city
The City Kid & The Suburb Kid
by Deb PiluttiTwo cousins, one from the city and one from the suburbs, spend a day and a night together at the other's house, and each decides he likes his own home better
New York
by Jacqueline A. Ball and Kristen BehrensEach of the 52 volumes in the World Almanac Library of the States is filled with the most up-to-date information, including the latest Census results. Full-color photos bring to life the story of each state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other outlying areas. In addition to an in-depth factual profile of each state in the form of a state Almanac, each book offers fascinating and lively discussions of the state's history, people, geography, government, economy, culture, and lifestyles. Each title also includes a section on notable people, a calendar of events, and enough primary source documents, time lines, maps, and other tools to make this unquestionably the best young adult reference material on the United States of America available anywhere.
Living in Suburban Communities
by Kristin SterlingAn introduction to the common characteristics of a suburban community.
Symbols of the United States
by Etta JohnsonPhotographs and simple text describe three of America's symbols, the U.S. flag, the Liberty Bell, and the bald eagle.
Native New Yorkers (Revised Edition)
by Evan T. PritchardA comprehensive and fascinating account of the graceful Algonquin civilization that once flourished in the area that is now New York.
Living in Urban Communities
by Kristin SterlingAn introduction to the common characteristics of a urban community.
What Does a Congressional Representative Do?, First Edition
by David J. JakubiakDiscusses the duties of congressional representatives, how they get into office, how states are represented, the leadership of the House of Representatives, working with the Senate, committees, and where the House meets.
We the Kids
by David CatrowA long time ago some smart guys wrote the Preamble to the Constitution. You have probably read it before, but do you know what it means? And did it ever make you laugh? Now it will! Perfect for inspiring discussion in classrooms and around kitchen tables, this fun-filled and cheerfully illustrated look at the Preamble provides an accessible introduction to America's founding ideals for citizens of all ages. Includes a glossary of terms and a foreword by the artist. "This zany, patriotic paean offers kids lighthearted but meaningful incentive to reflect further on the relevance of those 'big words' and 'big ideas.'"