MARCH 2023 HOME BOOK SELECTIONS
Reading feeds your curiosity.
March’s Selections for the New Worlds Reading Initiative
In March, students will add a sixth book to their home libraries and, in doing so, they will be developing a better idea of their own tastes and identities as readers. Students may find themselves excited to discuss or share their program books with friends and classmates. Families may notice their children wanting to learn more about a topic or story after reading their new book, and they can encourage their children’s curiosity as they come to appreciate how reading empowers them to explore new worlds. The following pages describe the specific books children will receive this month.
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ENGLISH TITLES..........................2 SPANISH TITLES..........................8 HAITIAN CREOLE TITLES............14 contents
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: March | 1
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: This month, kindergartners continue to discover more about how words and images work together as they explore a book about shapes and how shapes show up in everyday life.
Creativity & Curiosity
Tortillas Are Round/ Las tortillas son redondas Written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong & illustrated by John Parra This delightful concept book helps children discover the shapes all around them. Lively illustrations feature places ranging from the family kitchen to a baseball stadium as the narration calls out shapes that can be seen all around. A short glossary at the back of the book defines some of the objects featured in the book.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
City Shapes Written by Diana Murray & illustrated by Bryan Collier
A creative and observant girl finds that shapes can be found all around her city in this engaging picture book with artwork by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier. As she examines buildings, vehicles, and people, readers will be excited to see their world in a new way and, like the girl in this story, notice shapes everywhere!
ADVENTURE FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
2
MARCH’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: Whether they are reading fiction or nonfiction, first graders love reading about animals, and this month they will enjoy an animal book. With prompting, after reading, they may eagerly share details about the book they have read.
Creativity & Curiosity
Be An Expert!™: Bugs Written by Erin Kelly
This exciting, accessible nonfiction book from the popular Be An Expert! series features big, bright photos of bugs that crawl, jump, and fly. Readers will become experts on bugs with features like Q&As and helpful labels throughout this engaging book. The book’s structure introduces features like a table of contents and an index that will help first graders build reading confidence.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Super Fly Guy Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold
When Fly Guy goes to school with Buzz, visiting the cafeteria is his favorite part of the day. But when his presence gets his favorite lunch lady in trouble, Fly Guy and Buzz work on a plan to save the day and get her back! In his signature style, best- selling author-illustrator Tedd Arnold tells a hilarious story in an illustrated early chapter book format perfect for first graders.
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: March | 3
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: This month, second graders get to enjoy books centered on humorous characters who have the determination and creativity to take on new challenges.
Creativity & Curiosity
Fly Guy and the Alienzz Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold
The fun and laughs are never-ending in this early chapter book where Buzz is making a movie about a space adventure. When the action begins, superheroes Fly Guy and Buzz Boy are protecting a secret fort in the sky when an alien ship captures them! The duo must outsmart the aliens and the space pirates with the help of their friends Dragon Dude and Fly Girl.
ADVENTURE HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
I Want My Hat Back Written & illustrated by Jon Klassen
In this witty tale by an award-winning author-illustrator, a bear searches for his favorite hat. He asks the other forest animals if they’ve seen it, but they each say no. A rabbit says no in great detail while wearing what appears to be a hat. Just when the bear starts to worry that he’ll never find his hat, a deer happens upon him and helps him realize exactly where it is! Eagle- eyed readers may figure out the whereabouts of the missing hat before the bear does and why the rabbit has disappeared at the end of the story.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
4
MARCH’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month’s third-grade selections present two different books that explore how people achieve their goals. Families may want to discuss why it can be helpful to set goals in real life.
Creativity & Curiosity
Our Table Written & illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Violet feels her family is becoming more and more distant. Her dad mostly watches TV, her brother is constantly on the computer, and her mom is always on her phone. All this time away from each other causes the table they once spent time around together to shrink each day, until it vanishes completely. To rebuild their table, Violet must find a way to engage her family members to reconnect with each other. This picture book from a celebrated author-illustrator tells a modern fable about the importance of spending time with the ones you love.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
Imagination & Exploration
Fly, Girl, Fly!: Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World Written by Nancy Roe Pimm & illustrated by Alexandra Bye
This biography follows pilot Shaesta Waiz on her journey to become the youngest woman to circle the globe in a single-engine airplane. Shaesta had to overcome her own fears and negativity from others. Her interests in science and math, along with support from her family, opened many possibilities for Shaesta. She successfully flew around the world and made time to speak with children during her stops to inspire them to dream big!
ADVENTURE FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: March | 5
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: This month, fourth graders are ready to read with deeper comprehension. They have taken on books with a variety of genres, formats, and text structures, and they now can be encouraged to consider how the author’s style and point of view impact their reading experiences.
Creativity & Curiosity
Yo-Yo & Yeou-Cheng Ma, Finding Their Way Written by Ai-Ling Louie & illustrated by Cathy Peng
Yeou-Cheng and her famous brother, cellist Yo-Yo, were trained by their father as children to become concert musicians. But Yeou-Cheng wanted something different for her life. She built on the discipline her father instilled in her from a young age to begin a remarkable career in medicine—and to create her own orchestra for children.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
Imagination & Exploration
Beware the Claw! Written & illustrated by Todd Goldman
In this first adventure in a graphic novel series, readers will follow along with the Hound Heroes’ origin story. When a spaceship crashes in Dane and Chihuahua’s backyard, the two dogs plus three of their friends end up with superpowers! But they aren’t the only ones who benefit— the neighborhood alley cat also gains powers, becoming super villain The Claw, and she only wants one thing: to destroy the Hound Heroes!
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR
6
MARCH’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: Fifth graders continue to build on their prior reading experiences and are becoming more adept at focusing on key details. This month, they use this skill to get the most out of the exciting book they receive.
Creativity & Curiosity
Swimming with Sharks Written by Melissa Cristina Márquez
Twelve-year-old Adrianna Villalobos and her older brother, Feye, travel the globe with their parents, the hosts of a suspenseful nature show called Wild Survival! The show features daring animal rescues and the work the family does at their animal sanctuary. Their latest adventure takes them to the coast of Sri Lanka, where they must rescue an injured tiger shark. The author is a marine biologist as well as a gifted storyteller and integrates science facts into this action-packed novel.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Deadliest Ocean Creatures Written by John Perritano
Although the ocean has many beautiful creatures in its depths, some creatures are not so friendly or safe to be around. From great white sharks to flower urchins and from yellow sea anemones to piranhas, this eye-opening book discusses some of the deadliest mammals, fish, plants, and more that call the ocean home. Readers will be drawn in by the close-up photos and surprising fun facts included throughout.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: March | 7
GRADE K READING FOCUS: This month, kindergartners continue to discover more about how words and images work together to help support what the author wants readers to know about the characters and places in a book.
Creativity & Curiosity
¡Pingüinauta! (Penguinaut!) Written by Marcie Colleen & illustrated by Emma Yarlett Orville the penguin lives at the zoo, surrounded by animal pals who go on exciting adventures! But when Orville endeavors to become a penguinaut and blast off for the moon, all the other animals seem skeptical. Orville must find a way to get to the moon all on his own, despite the others’ doubts.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY HUMOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
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 they don’t find his house, they all offer him good cheer and small gifts. When the rain clears and hope of finding his home seems 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 ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
8
MARCH’S READING IN SPANISH
READING FOCUS: With this month’s reading, first graders will get to appreciate that authors create books with different goals in mind as readers explore a book designed to entertain or a book designed to inspire. GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity
Oye, pared: Una historia de arte y comunidad (Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and Community) Written by Susan Verde & illustrated by John Parra A boy notices a big, empty wall in his neighborhood and feels like it doesn’t match the vibrant surroundings and people in his community. So he 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
¡Es la hora de los esqueletos!/ It’s Skeleton Time! Adapted by Ana Galán & illustrated by Rodrigo Luján
This clever, playful story helps teach first graders how to tell time in English and Spanish. Following an adaptation of a traditional Costa Rican song, a group of skeletons jump out of their tombs and engage in fun activities as the clock strikes each of the 12-hour marks. With illustrations and rhyming in both language adaptations, this bilingual book brings a fun twist to the graveyard and shows that any time of year can be skeleton time!
HUMOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: March | 9
READING FOCUS: This month, second graders get to enjoy books centered around entertaining characters who have the determination and creativity to take on new challenges. GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity
Hola, Hombre Mosca (Hi! Fly Guy) Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold Some kids have pet dogs, and some kids have pet cats, but one boy named Buzz has a pet fly! In this first book of the hilarious and very popular series, Buzz wants a pet for the Amazing Pet Competition, so he catches a fly—little knowing that Fly Guy will become a great friend! When he enters his winged buddy in the competition, the judges scoff until they see all the extraordinary tricks the little fly can do.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
El puentecito azul (The Little Blue Bridge) Written by Brenda Maier & illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
This story turns the classic folktale “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” on its head as Ruby and her three brothers try to cross a little bridge so they can pick blueberries. But when bully Santiago stops Ruby from crossing and demands a snack before allowing her to pass, the resourceful girl uses her engineering skills to create an alternate route: 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
10
MARCH’S READING IN SPANISH
READING FOCUS: This month’s reading presents two different nonfiction books that combine informative text and engaging illustrations. Families can discuss with their third graders the new information that they are learning. GRADE 3
Creativity & Curiosity
Titanosaurio: El descubrimiento del dinosaurio más grande del mundo (Titanosaur: Discovering the World’s Largest Dinosaur) Written by Dr. José Luis Carballido and Dr. Diego Pol & illustrated by Florencia Gigena From its discovery by a local herder to the organization and completion of the excavation, learn the true story from the mouths of the paleontologists who led the dig that unearthed the world’s largest dinosaur! This account will have readers on the edge of their seats, and the painted illustrations perfectly complement the text. The book is chock-full of back matter like a glossary and extra information and photographs from the dig, and so third graders will devour it!
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Feliz cumpleaños, Martin Luther King (Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King) Written by Jean Marzollo & illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is celebrated across the nation to honor his peaceful fight for freedom and change. In this memorable picture book, accessible text and distinctive art by an award- winning illustrator introduce an important United States figure. The introduction to the life of Dr. King, beginning with his birth and childhood and following through to his tragic death, shares the importance of celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day today.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: March | 11
READING FOCUS: This month, fourth graders are ready to read with deeper comprehension. They have taken on books with a variety of genres, formats, and text structures, and they now can be encouraged to consider how the author’s style and point of view affect their reading experiences. GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
Saraí y el significado de lo genial (Sarai and the Meaning of Awesome) Written by Saraí González and Monica Brown & illustrated by Christine Almeda In this chapter book from a popular series, fourth-grader Sarai is always ready to tackle new challenges. Sarai prides herself on always finding resourceful and creative solutions to her problems. When circumstances force her grandparents to move away, Sarai has no clue what to do, and she must find a way to overcome one of her greatest challenges yet.
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Sobreviví el naufragio del Titanic, 1912 (I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912) Written by Lauren Tarshis & illustrated by Scott Dawson This installment in Lauren Tarshis’s popular historical adventure series transports readers to the decks of the Titanic. Ten-year- old George Calder feels incredibly lucky to be on the famous ship with his little sister, Phoebe, and their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first-class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George’s life changes forever.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
12
MARCH’S READING IN SPANISH
READING FOCUS: Fifth graders continue to build on their prior reading experiences and are becoming more adept at focusing on key details. This month, they use this skill to get the most out of the exciting book they receive. GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
Allie, ganadora por fin (Allie, First at Last) Written by Angela Cervantes No better feeling exists in the world than stepping to the top of a winner’s podium and hoisting a trophy high in the air. At least that’s what Allie imagines. Allie’s younger sister is already an actress on TV, her brother is a soccer star, and her great-grandfather is a war hero and a Congressional Medal of Honor winner. Unlike everyone else in her family, she’s never actually won anything before. When a prestigious science fair is announced, she has the perfect opportunity to take first place at last. But to make Allie’s pursuit of first place a little more challenging, her biggest competition is also her ex-best friend, Sara!
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
La marsopa de un perro (A Dog’s Porpoise) Written by M. C. Ross Bangor, a porpoise, finds himself all alone in the harbor of Ogunquit, Maine, after a bad storm. He’s not the only one who gets lost in the rough waters: Lars, a rowdy pup, is knocked overboard from a nearby boat. With the help of a girl named Natalie, Bangor rescues Lars, and they become fast friends. However, Lars’ and Bangor’s presence begins to worry the town; Bangor’s especially, because a porpoise doesn’t belong in their harbor. In order to save him, Natalie must convince the townspeople to find his pod and return him home safely. This novel, told through three points of view, highlights the importance of found family and friendship.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: March | 13
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: This month, kindergartners continue to discover more about how words and images work together as they explore a text about the pleasures to be found around us every day.
Creativity & Curiosity
Jounen Mwen Avèk Ou/My Day With You Written by Ellen W. Whisenant & illustrated by Mary Hall From the moment they wake up to the end of their day, children have plenty to do! Making a list is one way of making sure that the day is filled with fun and important things, like going to the park and doing chores around the house. In this book, children will see everyday routines and think about planning and practice, among other skills. The Kwen Èd (Helper’s Corner) sections and the tips on the back cover make this book an entertaining and interactive read-aloud.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: This month, first graders will get to enjoy a book that features a family having fun together. With prompting, after reading, they may eagerly share details about the book they have read.
Imagination & Exploration
Kado Anivèsè Nesans Ian/ The Birthday Present Written by Barbra Ayako Guya & illustrated by Remy Pierre
When a young boy gets a soccer ball for his birthday, he is overjoyed. As he tells about all the ways he plays with the ball, by himself and with family and friends, he recognizes how much he enjoys using this gift to spend time with the people in his life.
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
14
MARCH’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: Second graders get to read a book that helps them explore the question “What if?” and are encouraged to see one thing from multiple perspectives in this month’s reading.
Imagination & Exploration
Rèv Maliza/Maliza’s Dream Written by Ephrem Kalinijabo & illustrated by Emmanuel Bagirishya In this story, readers meet a girl named Maliza. While collecting water at the river for her family, Maliza stops to take a nap. Maliza’s dream is vivid—the river is filled with too many beautiful fish to count, and across the river she sees some friendly gorillas. When she wakes up, Maliza feels like the dream was all too real.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month’s reading presents a book that highlights characters using their imaginations. Families can discuss with their third graders how asking questions can spark creativity.
Creativity & Curiosity
Kisa Nou Pral Bati Jodi a?/ What We Will Build Today? Written by Katherine Durgin-Bruce & illustrated by Mike Byrne
This book will inspire readers to consider how they might build a fort in the Amazon rain forest, sail the seas on a grand ship, or even explore the seas in a submarine with its periscope! Pretend play is key for these characters who lead readers to appreciate the possibilities of everyday objects and to become curious about how things are constructed.
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: March | 15
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: This month’s book combines beautiful visuals and text filled with descriptive details. Fourth graders will be interested to learn more about seasonal changes and can consider how style and point of view impact their reading experiences.
Creativity & Curiosity
Pyebwa yo ak Mwen/Trees and Me Written by Jannie Mann & illustrated by Simona M. Ceccarelli Beginning and ending in the fall season, this book takes the reader through winter, spring, and summer while observing trees. Throughout this story, trees transform, with their leaves changing into bright colors that eventually fall off, leaving bare branches to be covered by snow, and then blooming again bright and lush, just for fall to come back around. This beautifully illustrated book is a reminder to readers that the world is always changing—just like they are.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH THE WORLD AROUND US
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: Fifth graders continue to build on their prior reading experiences and are becoming more adept at focusing on key details. This month, they use this skill to get the most out of this informational text.
Creativity & Curiosity
Prepare ou pou Foutbòl!/ Get Ready for Soccer! Written by Álvaro Galán & illustrated by José Fragoso
This nonfiction book explores the ins and outs of soccer, the world’s most-played sport! Chock-full of fun facts on every page, this book gives readers information about origins, positions, uniforms, and materials, and features playful, energetic illustrations. By the end of this book, readers will know everything about soccer, and the only thing left to do is to figure out whether they’d like to try it for themselves!
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
16
MARCH’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
For more literacy resources, visit newworldsreading.com
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: March | 17
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