JANUARY 2023 HOME BOOK SELECTIONS
January’s Selections for the New Worlds Reading Initiative
In January, students and their families add a fourth book to their home libraries. Students are becoming more confident readers and will appreciate the variety of reading experiences they are encountering. Families may encourage students to share what they’ve enjoyed most about each of the books in their growing home libraries. Students will also notice that different authors have different writing styles and can use their books as inspiration to explore the power of their imagination and create their own stories. The following pages describe the specific books children will receive this month.
ENGLISH TITLES..........................2 SPANISH TITLES..........................8 HAITIAN CREOLE TITLES............ 14 contents
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 1
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: This month, kindergartners will build their understanding of characters’ actions and personalities. Families can encourage children to think about how characters interact with and affect one another.
Creativity & Curiosity
The Little Red Fort Written by Brenda Maier & illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
Ruby’s mind is always full of ideas. One day, she finds some old boards and decides to build something. She invites her brothers to help, but they just laugh and tell her she doesn’t know how to build. “Then I’ll learn,” she says. And she does! When she creates a dazzling fort that they all want to play in, it is Ruby who has the last laugh. With sprightly text and winsome pictures, this modern spin on the timeless favorite, The Little Red Hen, celebrates the pluck and ingenuity of young creators everywhere!
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
Imagination & Exploration
The Greatest Adventure Written & illustrated by Tony Piedra
Eliot imagines sailing wild rivers and discovering giant beasts, right there on his block! But he wishes his adventures were real. Eliot’s grandpa, El Capitán, once steered his own ship through dangerous seas to far-off lands. But he can’t do that anymore. Eliot and El Capitán tap into their own creativity to find new adventures they can share. Tony Piedra’s illustrations add both humor and excitement to this clever story.
ADVENTURE
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
2
JANUARY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: First graders will grow as readers as they enjoy books with memorable characters and settings. Families and their children will enjoy talking about these books’ important messages.
Creativity & Curiosity
The Library Book Written by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark & illustrated by Chuck Groenink The rain is pouring, and Dad is snoring, so this protagonist decides to head to the library because checking out the stacks is the best antidote to a gloomy day. This upbeat read-aloud based on a song highlights beloved characters like Mother Goose, Pinocchio, and many more as friends who greet readers when they go to the library.
ADVENTURE
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Finding Home/Buscando el hogar Written & illustrated by Estelí Meza When Conejo’s house blows away in a storm, his friends and neighbors take turns helping him look for it. Though each friend cannot help him find his house, they all send him on his way with good cheer and small gifts. When the rain clears and hope of finding his home is all but lost, Conejo must find the courage to rebuild and make a new home with the memories, love, and support he collected from his friends along the way. Simple text and striking art pair perfectly to tell this story.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 3
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: This month’s selections offer clever stories with an additional purpose. These books present an enjoyable way for second graders to learn new vocabulary and appreciate the importance of science and engineering.
Deep-Sea Dive Adapted by Samantha Brooke Creativity & Curiosity
Next stop: under the sea in this Magic School Bus adventure packed with fun science facts. This time, the bus transforms into a submarine! When Dorothy Ann accidentally loses Jyoti’s high-tech locket in the ocean, it’s all aboard the Magic School Submarine to retrieve it! Down they go through the layers of the sea, amazed by some of Earth’s most unusual animals. But when their submarine loses power at the darkest depths, the kids find inspiration from the underwater creatures to turn their luck around!
ADVENTURE
THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
The Little Blue Bridge Written by Brenda Maier & illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
In this twist on a classic tale, Ruby and her three brothers want to cross a little bridge to pick the delicious blueberries growing on the other side. A bully named Santiago demands a snack before allowing anyone to cross. When Santiago stops Ruby, the very resourceful girl uses her engineering skills to create an alternate way to cross: her own little blue bridge. While busily building, the confident Ruby becomes a role model for Santiago, who slowly changes his attitude.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
4
JANUARY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: With this month’s books, third graders will take note of new vocabulary as they read about what people can accomplish when they work together.
Creativity & Curiosity
Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and Community Written by Susan Verde & illustrated by John Parra After Angel notices a big, bleak wall in his neighborhood, he observes the lively surroundings in his community and feels like they don’t match. So Angel gathers his friends, family, and neighbors, and they work as a team to paint a beautiful mural in this story about the power of art in bringing people together. The new mural highlights community members and their contributions to the neighborhood.
ADVENTURE
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Written by Jean Marzollo & illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney In commemoration of his peaceful fight for change, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is celebrated across the nation. Accessible text combined with distinctive art by an award-winning illustrator introduces an important United States figure. This picture book introduces the life and legacy of Dr. King, beginning with his childhood and following through to people celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day today.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 5
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: This month, fourth graders will engage with nonfiction books that share the importance of civic participation and tell about different U.S. leaders.
Creativity & Curiosity
Fly Guy Presents: The White House Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold It’s time for a field trip! Fly Guy and Buzz are going to the White House. What new things will they learn when they zoom inside? With straightforward text, humorous asides, and historical and contemporary photographs throughout, readers will enjoy learning about the executive branch of government through fun facts about the presidents and their famous house.
ADVENTURE
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World Written by Christine King Farris & illustrated by London Ladd In this picture-book memoir, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sister presents a stirring personal account of the remarkable day Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. This sweeping book offers an intimate portrait of the man who went on to inspire a nation.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
6
JANUARY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders’ reading offers the opportunity to consider why authors present information in a certain order and how authors structure nonfiction books in different ways depending on the subject matter.
Creativity & Curiosity
Titanosaur: Discovering the World’s Largest Dinosaur Written by Dr. José Luis Carballido and Dr. Diego Pol & illustrated by Florencia Gigena This book tells about the discovery of a new dinosaur—the Titanosaur—from the mouths of the paleontologists who led the dig! From its discovery by a local herder to the organization and completion of the excavation, this riveting story will have readers on the edge of their seats, and the painted illustrations are mesmerizing. Chock-full of back matter like a glossary and extra information and photographs from the dig, fifth graders will devour this book.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
If I Ran for President Written by Catherine Stier & illustrated by Lynne Avril
This informative book offers an approachable way for students to learn about the presidential election process. As a group of students imagine what running for president would be like, they consider various aspects of campaigning, from participating in a debate to traveling the country to connect with voters. After all their hard work, it’s finally election day!
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 7
GRADE K READING FOCUS: This month, kindergartners will build their understanding of characters’ actions and personalities. Families can encourage children to think about how characters interact with and affect one another.
Creativity & Curiosity
Bailey Written & illustrated by Harry Bliss
Meet Bailey, a dog who surprises and charms his human classmates with his irrepressible antics. Bailey fumbles through the day, sometimes impressing other students—and sometimes hindering them. In this entertaining book, school proves to be an unexpected place for Bailey to do all sorts of things he loves: reading, fetching, painting, digging, singing—and making friends!
ADVENTURE
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
La pizza de Peppa (Peppa’s Pizza Party) Adapted by Rebecca Potters In this delicious adventure featuring a familiar character, Peppa and her family make pizzas from scratch. Children will learn which ingredients are needed for a pizza and how the mixture for the dough is made, but before that, they need to wash their hands, of course! After kneading the dough, adding the sauce, and topping it off with their favorite yummy ingredients, Peppa and her family will have the best lunch ever!
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
8
JANUARY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: First graders will grow as readers as they enjoy books that celebrate how creative thinking can lead to new ideas and experiences. Families and their children will also enjoy these books’ vibrant art styles.
Creativity & Curiosity
Un pato en bicicleta (Duck on a Bike) Written & illustrated by David Shannon In this picture book full of offbeat humor, Duck decides to try riding a bike and loves it! Most of the other animals think he’s being a bit silly, but when a group of kids ride their bikes to the farm, all the other animals decide to borrow their bikes and join in Duck’s fun. Vibrant illustrations immerse readers in this animal fantasy story.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands/ Tenemos el mundo entero en las manos Written & illustrated by Rafael López This bilingual adaptation of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” by award-winning illustrator Rafael López celebrates the life of every young person in the world. The rhythmic verse and repetitive emphasis on “we” and “our” create a sense of community and promote unity and friendship all around the world. The colorful illustrations will lead readers to deepen their appreciation of the natural world.
THE WORLD AROUND US FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 9
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: This month’s selections highlight how expressive illustrations work together with the text to create an enjoyable reading experience.
Creativity & Curiosity
¡Más cosas que dice mi abuela!: Dichos y refranes sobre animales (Other Things My Grandmother Says) Written by Ana Galán & illustrated by Pablo Pino While visiting their uncle’s farm, the narrator and his siblings realize that their grandmother’s unusual and unique traditional sayings include even animals! From birds and cookies to bored horses, Grandma had a saying for everything. Accompanied by traditional Spanish-language sayings, these energetic illustrations show a grandmother teaching her grandchildren valuable life lessons.
THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
¿Quieres jugar, Cangrejito? Written & illustrated by Jonathan Fenske
Plancton wants Cangrejito to play a game. Plancton tries to get Cangrejito to play Simon Says, tag, and hide-and-seek. But Cangrejito does NOT want to play with Plancton. Readers will be excited to find out how Cangrejito and Plancton compromise so that they both win! This book is a hilarious adventure told through comic-book-style panels.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
HUMOR
10
JANUARY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: With this month’s lively books, third graders will take note of new vocabulary as they read entertaining text accompanied by energetic, humorous artwork.
Creativity & Curiosity
¡Hola! ¡Gracias! ¡Adiós! (Hello, Thanks, Goodbye!) Written by Elisenda Roca & illustrated by Cristina Losantos
Nora and Martín are two friends with a problem in common: they don’t like greeting or communicating with others. They are both set in their ways until they realize one day that their habits are rendering them invisible— literally! They must harness the power of communication before it’s too late. This delightful book uses clever illustrations to share the power of words and the importance of connecting with the people around you.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
El abusón del pantano negro (The Bully from the Black Lagoon) Written by Mike Thaler & illustrated by Jared Lee In this hilarious Black Lagoon story, readers will learn how things are not always what we imagine. Hubie hears that the not-so-nice Butch Pounder has transferred to his school and decides he’ll have to start training to defend himself. But eventually, he finds out that in fact Butch is nothing like he thought and that the only thing Butch wants is a friend.
ADVENTURE
HUMOR
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 11
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: This month, fourth graders will be drawn to make predictions as they enjoy discovering how characters solve a problem or achieve a goal.
Creativity & Curiosity
El Capitán Calzoncillos y la furia de la Supermujer Macroelástica (Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman) Written & illustrated by Dav Pilkey In this book from the hugely popular Captain Underpants series, the power of imagination leads George and Harold to their next adventure! Their latest foe is faster, stronger, and smarter than anything the world has seen before. With the help of her horrible robots and her wacky hairdo, Wedgie Woman is on a mission to take over the world, and she’s ready to take on anyone who stands in her way, including Captain Underpants.
ADVENTURE
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Glo-Gló y la gran carrera (Glo-Gló and the Great Race) Written by Juan Ignacio Peña Espina & illustrated by Zuzanna Celej
Glo-Gló’s village in the mountains is home to some of the best runners in the world. Glo-Gló isn’t sure if she will be a good runner, but she tries running to school or to play with her friends. Although no one pressures her to win, she wants to get better and practices running in nature and with animals. In this wonderfully illustrated lyrical tale, readers will follow Glo-Gló’s little feet running through a magical world to discover the land of the Tarahumara people.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
12
JANUARY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders will delve into books that focus on legend and tradition. Their reading offers the opportunity to consider the value of storytelling and why certain stories have been told for a long time.
Creativity & Curiosity
El último cuento (The Last Story) Written by Rodolfo Castro & illustrated by Enrique Torralba
No one imagined that Jacinto would disappear. The stories he told in the shade of an old tree brought meaning to life in his neighborhood, so when his voice trailed off, everything became monotonous. However, silence is not eternal, and stories, sooner or later, find a way to return. With this book, readers will learn about the value of storytellers and oral tradition in the contemporary world.
ADVENTURE
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Agua soy . . . y me voy (Water I Am . . . and I Go) Written by Carlos Marianidis & illustrated by Pablo De Bella
Themes of courage, honor, and determination are celebrated in this book, which is based on the Peruvian legend of Kuán and Tantarika, who fell in love despite their parents being enemies. Evocative illustrations help bring this compelling story to life.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 13
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: This month, kindergartners will build their understanding of how illustrations contribute to their reading experience. Families can encourage children to think about how the illustrations and text go together.
Creativity & Curiosity
Lapen yo! Lapen yo! Lapen yo!/ Rabbits! Rabbits! Rabbits! Written by Oroni Tendera & illustrated by Husna Nyathira Ismail
As the day winds down and bedtime approaches, a young girl counts rabbits in all different colors with her mother to fall asleep. This colorful twist on the technique of counting sheep is sure to engage any child.
THE WORLD AROUND US
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: First graders will grow as readers as they enjoy a story with a memorable character and setting. Families and their children will enjoy talking about this book’s important message.
Imagination & Exploration
Chapo jòn la/The Yellow Hat Written by Marie Ange Niwemugore & illustrated by Kalisa Boris
A big fish is very excited about his new yellow hat. He can’t wait to wear it everywhere, but when he wakes up from a nap, his new hat is nowhere to be found. All the other fish make fun of the big fish for losing his hat and call him irresponsible. Just when all seems lost, the big, kind fish stumbles upon the culprit who stole his new hat! This story about forgiveness and honesty will resonate with first-grade readers.
ADVENTURE
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
14
JANUARY’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: This month’s selection highlights how lively illustrations work together with an author’s text to create an enjoyable reading experience and help second graders learn new vocabulary.
Imagination & Exploration
Tamales! Tamales! Tamales! Written by Nina Flores & illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
Sofia loves her neighborhood, and she especially loves when the whole neighborhood gets together for a potluck every summer. Sofia wants to make tamales with her abuelita and is ready to help every step of the way. When the party rolls around and dishes are unveiled, it looks like everyone has made something similar to tamales. Two pages at the back of the book give information about the various dishes pictured, which come from all around the world.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: With this month’s book, third graders will take note of new vocabulary as they read about what people can accomplish when they work together.
Creativity & Curiosity
Ti Nita gen yon GWO Lide/ Little Nita’s BIG Idea Written by Anna W. Bardaus & illustrated by Carolina Farías
Little Nita wants to make the world’s largest fruit salad and looks around her neighborhood for help. Nita’s journey to her fruit salad is the perfect example of a community coming together. This contemporary take on the classic tale of Stone Soup is a celebration of community, with a nod toward fresh, healthy foods.
ADVENTURE
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 15
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: This month, fourth graders will be drawn to make predictions as they read and will enjoy discovering how characters work together to solve a problem.
Creativity & Curiosity
Apiye sou mwen/Lean on me Written by Pascaline Munezero & illustrated by Muhire Robert
Shyaka loves running around and playing with his friends Mwiza and Sano. So when he breaks his leg and can’t do that, he becomes sad and lonely. But Mwiza and Sano have other plans. In this fun story about ingenuity, the two friends work together and make a pair of crutches that help Shyaka to safely move around while healing.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders’ reading offers the opportunity to consider why authors present information in a certain order and how authors structure informational books.
Creativity & Curiosity
Aiyiti Mwen/My Haiti Written by Christina Levelt and Claudimy Thomas & illustrated by Audeva Joseph and Bruno Iradukunda In this illustrated informational book, readers will learn from the narrator as she proudly shares facts and information about her country, Haiti. As readers turn the pages, they learn about Haiti’s geographical location, history, gastronomy, and variety of animal species. The journey concludes with the narrator highlighting the excitement and beauty of Carnival.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
16
JANUARY’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
For more literacy resources, visit newworldsreading.com
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: January | 17
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