Special Collections
District List: BCPS Supplemental Texts - Grade 3
Description: Baltimore City Public Schools Supplemental Text List for students in 3rd Grade. #bcps
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Zoo in the Sky
by Jacqueline MittonLittle Bear and the Great Bear in the Northern Sky; the scaly dragon winding his long tail; the Great Dog chasing the Hare in the Southern Sky; all are beautifully rendered in Christina Balit's vibrant art, studded with shiny stars, which perfectly illustrates Jacqueline Mitton's rich text.
Who Was Pablo Picasso?
by True Kelley and Nancy HarrisonOver a long, turbulent life, Picasso continually discovered new ways of seeing the world and translating it into art. A restless genius, he went through a blue period, a rose period, and a Cubist phase.
He made collages, sculptures out of everyday objects, and beautiful ceramic plates. True Kelley's engaging biography is a wonderful introduction to modern art.
Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?
by Roberta Edwards and True KelleyLeonardo da Vinci was a gifted painter, talented musician, and dedicated scientist and inventor, designing flying machines, submarines, and even helicopters. Yet he had a hard time finishing things, a problem anyone can relate to. Only thirteen paintings are known to be his; as for the illustrated encyclopedia he intended to create, all that he left were thousands of disorganized notebook pages. Here is an accessible portrait of a fascinating man who lived at a fascinating time--Italy during the Renaissance.
Weird Sea Creatures
by U. S. National Geographic Society Staff and Laura Marsh and National Geographic Kids StaffMany strange sea creatures live in the ocean. Some are beautiful. Some are ugly. Some are cute, and some are scary. Weird sea creatures are strange for a reason.
Vincent van Gogh
by Jan Greenberg and Sandra JordanVincent van Gogh-- one of the 19th century' s most brilliant artists-- will forever be remembered as the Dutchman who cut off his ear. But this incident only underscores the passion that consumed him-- a passion that, when he took up painting at age 27, infused his work. Whether painting a portrait, a landscape, or a still life, van Gogh sought to capture the vibrant spirit of his subject. It didn't matter that others found his work too unconventional. Van Gogh persevered. And as he moved from the cold climate of Holland to balmy southern France, he pioneered a new technique and style. In a career spanning only a decade, van Gogh painted many great works, yet fame eluded him. This lack of recognition increased his self-doubts and bitter disappointments. Today, however, van Gogh stands as a giant among artists.
[This text is listed as an example that meets Common Core Standards in English language arts in grades 6-8 at http://www.corestandards.org.]
Winner of the Sibert Honor
Tucky Jo and Little Heart
by Patricia PolaccoFriendship, loyalty, and kindness stand the test of time in this heartwarming World War II–era picture book based on a true story from the beloved author-illustrator of Pink and Say and The Keeping Quilt.
Tucky Jo was known as the “kid from Kentucky” when he enlisted in the army at age fifteen. Being the youngest recruit in the Pacific during World War II was tough. But he finds a friend in a little girl who helps him soothe his bug bites, and he gets to know her family and gives them some of his rations. Although the little girl doesn’t speak English, Tucky Jo and Little Heart share the language of kindness. Many years later, Tucky Jo and Little Heart meet again, and an act of kindness is returned when it’s needed the most in this touching picture book based on a true story.
Lexile Measure: AD670L
A True Book
by Elaine LandauDiscusses why immigrants came to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the difficulties of the journey, the establishment of the Ellis Island Immigration Station and what went on there, and its decline and restoration.
This is the Way to the Moon
by Miroslav SasekLike the other Sasek classics, these are facsimile editions of his original books. The brilliant, vibrant illustrations have been meticulously preserved, remaining true to his vision more than forty years later and, where applicable, facts have been updated for the twenty-first century, appearing on a "This is . . . Today" page at the back of each book. The stylish, charming illustrations, coupled with Sasek's witty, playful narrative, make these books a perfect souvenir that will delight both children and their parents, many of whom will remember them from their own childhood. In This is the Way to the Moon, first published in 1963, Sasek rockets readers to Cape Canaveral—the space capital of the world, a science-fiction-turned-fact spot on the Florida coast—with a nostalgic look at the electronic brains that put our man up into space and brought him down again. Also included are the updated statistics about the lunar landing and a mini history of NASA's space program.
Tentacles!
by Shirley Raye Redmond and Bryn BarnardFor centuries, sailors have handed down stories of the giant squid. They say this mysterious monster of the deep chases ships and battles whales. They say it can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and that its eyes can be as big as a human head! Are these stories fact or fantasy? Find out in this exciting beginning reader.
Team Moon
by Catherine Thimmesh&“This behind-the-scenes look at the first Apollo moon landing has the feel of a public television documentary in its breadth and detail&” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Here is a rare perspective on a story we only thought we knew. For Apollo 11, the first moon landing, is a story that belongs to many, not just the few and famous. It belongs to the seamstress who put together twenty-two layers of fabric for each space suit. To the engineers who created a special heat shield to protect the capsule during its fiery reentry. It belongs to the flight directors, camera designers, software experts, suit testers, telescope crew, aerospace technicians, photo developers, engineers, and navigators. Gathering direct quotes from some of these folks who worked behind the scenes, Catherine Thimmesh reveals their very human worries and concerns. Culling NASA transcripts, national archives, and stunning NASA photos from Apollo 11, she captures not only the sheer magnitude of this feat but also the dedication, ingenuity, and perseverance of the greatest team ever—the team that worked to first put man on that great gray rock in the sky. Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award &“An edge-of-your-seat adventure . . . Lavishly illustrated . . . This exhilarating book . . . will captivate.&” —Chicago Sun-Times &“Thimmesh gives names and voices to the army that got Neil Armstrong and company to the moon and back. The result is a spectacular and highly original addition to the literature of space exploration.&” —The Horn Book &“This beautiful and well-documented tribute will introduce a new generation to that triumphant time.&” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Surprising Sharks
by Nicola Davies and James CroftThis vibrant new book-and-CD series brings the best of our Read and Wonder nature stories to life. Each paperback title in the series includes a CD that features: - an engaging read-aloud with sound effects - a segment focusing on fascinating facts - a read-along opportunity guided by prompts A compelling narrative, captivating facts, and colorful illustrations make for a surprising book about sharks that kids can really sink their teeth into.
Stone Giant
by Jane SutcliffeMichelangelo saw something—someone—special in the stone.
No one wanted the “giant.” The hulking block of marble lay in the work yard, rained on, hacked at, and abandoned—until a young Michelangelo saw his David in it.
Night and day, Michelangelo worked in secret, lovingly coaxing statue out of the stone. Its majesty endures even today.
This is the story of how a neglected, discarded stone became a masterpiece for all time. It is also a story of how humans see themselves reflected in art.
Back matter includes further information about David and a selected bibliography
Lexile Measure: 610L
Some Writer!
by Melissa Sweet6 Starred Reviews! New York Times Bestseller! A People Magazine Best Children&’s Book! A Washington Post Best Book! A Publishers Weekly Best Book! Boston Globe-Horn Book Nonfiction Award Honor recipient Caldecott Honor winner Sweet mixes White&’s personal letters, photos, and family ephemera with her own exquisite artwork to tell the story of this American literary icon. Readers young and old will be fascinated and inspired by the journalist, New Yorker contributor, and children&’s book author who loved words his whole life. This authorized tribute, a New York Times bestseller, includes an afterword by Martha White, his granddaughter.
Sharks
by Seymour SimonIf you believe the movies and books about shark attacks, you probably think that sharks are the biggest, scariest animals on the planet. But are all sharks the giant man hunters they are so often made out to be? What do they eat, where do they swim, and what do they do on weekends? Dive in and explore one of the world’s most mysterious creatures with acclaimed science writer Seymour Simon.
With clear, simple text and stunning full-color photographs, readers will learn all about sharks—their behavior and habitat—in this informative picture book.
Perfect for young scientists’ school reports, this book supports the Common Core State Standards.
Shark Lady
by Ann Mcgovern and Ruth ChewA biography of the ichthyologist whose interest in fish began at the age of nine during weekly trips to the Aquarium in New York City. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Seymour Simon's Extreme Oceans
by Seymour SimonImagine yourself exploring the most extreme parts of our amazing oceans-riding the tallest waves, diving to the darkest depths, and encountering the largest and most dangerous sea creatures on Earth. Join award-winning author Seymour Simon as he introduces you to the most extreme environments, animals, plants, and weather in the ocean! These mind-bending facts and stunning photographs invite you on an exciting, and sometimes unbelievable, underwater expedition.
Sandy's Circus
by Tanya Lee Stone and Boris KulikovAs a boy, Alexander ?Sandy? Calder was always fiddling with odds and ends, making objects for friends. When he got older and became an artist, his fiddling led him to create wire sculptures. One day, Sandy made a lion. Next came a lion cage. Before he knew it, he had an entire circus and was traveling between Paris and New York performing a brand-new kind of art for amazed audiences. This is the story of Sandy?s Circus, as told by Tanya Lee Stone with Boris Kulikov?s spectacular and innovative illustrations. Calder?s original circus is on permanent display at the Whitney Museum in New York City.
Rebekkah's Journey
by Joel Iskowitz and Ann BurgIn 1944 a vacant army base in upstate New York became the temporary home of over 900 men, women and children who had fled Europe towards the end of World War II. With little more than the clothing on their backs, Rebekkah and her mother are just two of the many refugees who come to live in the camp. Adjusting to a strange new world and a new language, Rebekkah puts aside her own fears to try and recreate tiny bits of home for her mother. A fictional story based on the real-life experiences of surviving refugees, Rebekkah's Journey shares the illuminating story of one refugee's arrival on America's shores.
Planets!
by Time for Kids EditorsTake a trip around our solar system, Find out how Pluto was named, See amazing snapshots from space & Learn more than forty fun facts about our universe
Level 2 includes longer sentences with richer vocabulary, type set line to line to aid readability, varied photographic treatments, and brief chapters with simple illustrated diagrams and a glossary.
Special features include How Big?, Take a Close Look, Did You Know?, Words to Know, Fun Facts and full color photographs, as well as a full page, simply labeled diagram showing body parts.
The Planet Gods
by Jacqueline Mitton; Christina BalitThough many of the planets were named long before we had good scientific information about them, Mitton draws readers attention to some amazing coincidences. The veiled goddess Venus lends her name to a cloud-shrouded planet. The blue, stormy planet Neptune is named for the god of the sea.
Pippo the Fool
by Tracey FernIn fifteenth-century Florence, Italy, a contest is held to design a magnificent dome for the town's cathedral, but when Pippo the Fool claims he will win the contest, everyone laughs at him. Based on a true story.
Peppe the Lamplighter
by Elisa BartoneA long time ago when there was no electricity and the streetlamps in Little Italy had to be lit by hand, Peppe lived in a tenement on Mulberry Street. His family was poor, and so, though he was just a boy, he needed to work. But a job as a lamplighter was not what his father had dreamed of for Peppe.
Paper Son
by Helen Foster James and Virginia Shin-Mui Loh and Wilson OngIn 1926, 12-year-old Fu Lee lives with his grandparents in a small village in China. He lives with his grandparents because his parents are dead. It is a difficult life but made easier by the love Lee shares with his grandparents. But now Lee must leave all that he knows. Before his parents died, they spent all of their money buying a "paper son slot" for Lee to go to America. Being a "paper son" means pretending to be the son of a family already in America. If he goes, he will have the chance for a better life. But first he must pass the test at Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco. Only then will he be allowed to live with his new family. If Lee makes even a single mistake, he could be sent back to China. Lee knows his grandparents want a better life for him. He can't let them down.
Once Upon A Starry Night
by Christina Balit and Jacqueline MittonNational Geographic’s stunning rendition of the constellations’ glittering lightshow is now available in paperback. Take an illuminating ride through the starry night sky, and learn how the heavens pay tribute to the gods of Greek and Roman mythology. Once Upon a Starry Night explains the ten ancient figures whose legends are written large across the universe. Every page shines with Christina Balit’s vibrant art, studded with shiny stars, and provides the perfect backdrop to Jacqueline Mitton’s poetic text.
The Noisy Paint Box
by Mary Grandpre and Barb RosenstockVasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers--like a proper artist. But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound--the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to hear brilliant colors singing and see vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint . . . music? In this exuberant celebration of creativity, Barb Rosenstock and Mary GrandPré tell the fascinating story of Vasily Kandinsky, one of the very first painters of abstract art. Throughout his life, Kandinsky experienced colors as sounds, and sounds as colors--and bold, groundbreaking works burst forth from his noisy paint box. Backmatter includes four paintings by Kandinsky, an author's note, sources, links to websites on synesthesia and abstract art.From the Hardcover edition.