When you read, you can become anything you want to be.
DECEMBER 2022 HOME BOOK SELECTIONS
In December, students and their families will add a third book to their home libraries, and students can begin to feel a sense of ownership over their reading journeys. Shipments for kindergarten and first-grade students continue to include books intended to be read aloud and provide a fun, interactive reading experience. At higher grade levels, students will focus more on independent reading but can still expect to enjoy meaningful shared reading experiences. As they explore this next book, students may be having more extended conversations about their reading and will be eager to share with their families and others what they are discovering within the pages of their books. The following pages describe the specific books children will receive this month. December’s Selections for the New Worlds Reading Initiative
ENGLISH TITLES..........................2 SPANISH TITLES..........................8 HAITIAN CREOLE TITLES............ 14 contents
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 1
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: This month’s books feature whimsical illustrations. Kindergartners and their families will explore how authors use appealing characters to share important ideas.
Creativity & Curiosity
Super Manny Stands Up! Written by Kelly DiPucchio & illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
Manny loves to imagine himself as a superhero who wears a cape and courageously defeats all kinds of threats. When a very small classmate is being bullied by a larger student, Manny works up the courage to intervene, inspiring his peers to remember their own invisible superhero capes. Soon, they are all standing up against the bully. Readers will be cheering for Manny! The pencil-and-ink drawings sweetly depict the childlike qualities of Manny, who is a raccoon, and his animal classmates.
ADVENTURE
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Leo the Late Bloomer Written by Robert Kraus & illustrated by Jose Aruego
Leo, a young tiger, does not do all the same things that his friends do. His father is concerned, but his mother understands that Leo will do those things—when he is ready. And eventually he does! The message is clear in this classic story told in rhyme: Like lovable Leo, everyone is unique and does things in their own way and at their own pace.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
THE WORLD AROUND US
2
DECEMBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: As they enjoy this month’s selections, first graders will learn more about animals they love. Families can encourage their readers to notice how various text features share information.
The Shark Book Written by Pamela Chanko Creativity & Curiosity
How big is the biggest shark in the world? Can a shark glow in the dark? This fascinating nonfiction book is designed for children and grown-ups to read together. It includes incredible photographs, plus two kinds of text: simple text for beginning readers to read or follow along with and more detailed text for adults to read aloud. This is a perfect book for an older family member and a first grader to curl up with and enjoy reading—side by side!
THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Be An Expert! ™ : Dinosaurs Written by Erin Kelly
Some were giant, some had feathers, and they all lived long ago. With this book, readers can become experts about dinosaurs! This exciting nonfiction book, perfect for first-grade readers, explores thrilling real- world topics with big, bright photos. This book features simple sentences children can practice reading. Then, with support, kids can dig deeper into the extra facts, Q&As, and fun challenges also included in this book.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 3
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: Second graders will enjoy reading about creative people this month! The reading selections will give students the opportunity to appreciate the personal qualities that help people achieve their goals.
Creativity & Curiosity
My Name is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/ Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz Written by Monica Brown & illustrated by Rafael López This exuberant picture-book biography tells about the Cuban-born salsa singer Celia Cruz. From its rhythmic opening, the first-person narrative dances readers through Cruz’s youth in Havana. A singer from an early age, Cruz sang so continually that one of her teachers finally urged her to share her voice with the world. This book reveals how Cruz became the most famous Cuban singer of her time and later had great success around the world. After leaving Cuba, Cruz performed with great success in the United States, taking New York City and Miami by storm.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
Imagination & Exploration
Going Places Written by Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds & illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds This year’s Going Places contest is here! It’s finally time to build a go-cart, race it—and win. Each kid grabs an identical kit and scrambles to build. Everyone but Maya. But who said it had to be a go-cart? And who said there’s only one way to cross the finish line? A modern tale of imagination, determination, and innovation, Going Places is a celebration of thinking outside the box.
ADVENTURE
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
4
DECEMBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month, third graders will take to the skies! From nature to superhero characters, students will notice how a book’s illustrations and its format enhance their reading experience.
Creativity & Curiosity
Mia Mayhem Learns to Fly! Written by Kara West & illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
After Mia finds out that she’s a superhero, she gets placed in a beginner’s flying class, where she struggles and is ready to give up. But luckily, with help from her best friend Eddie and the superschool’s most talented flier, Mia finally learns how to get off the ground! With large, bold type and accompanying illustrations full of personality, readers will be happy to enjoy this book independently.
ADVENTURE
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Fly Guy Presents: Insects Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold
Popular characters Fly Guy and Buzz add comic appeal in this colorful and clever introduction to the amazing world of insects. Award-winning author-illustrator Tedd Arnold has created a book packed with science facts, humorous asides, and informative photographs throughout. Third graders will find a lot of new information as well as tons of fun as they explore this book.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 5
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: Fourth graders will enjoy these books full of excitement and humor. This month’s selections also use strong visuals and energetic text to help readers enrich their vocabulary and connect with characters or with the real world.
Creativity & Curiosity
Ugly Cat & Pablo Written by Isabel Quintero & illustrated by Tom Knight
Ugly Cat is craving a paleta, or ice pop, and his friend Pablo the Mouse is determined to help him get one by scaring a little girl who is enjoying a coconut paleta into dropping it. Things go horribly wrong when, instead of being scared, the little girl picks Pablo up and declares that he would make a great snack for her pet snake. Oh, and there’s also the small problem that Ugly Cat may have inadvertently swallowed Pablo in all the commotion!
ADVENTURE
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures! Written & illustrated by Mike Lowery Fourth graders will discover a wealth of weird and wonderful facts about the oceans, sharks, and other sea creatures presented in Mike Lowery’s signature comic style with bright and energetic artwork. This will be a cherished book for curious readers and make them eager to know absolutely everything there is to know about sharks.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
THE WORLD AROUND US
6
DECEMBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders will read cleverly plotted books. Students will come to appreciate how characters react to the problems they face and why they react the way they do.
Creativity & Curiosity
Save Me a Seat Written by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
Joe has lived in the same town all his life and was doing just fine until his best friends moved away and left him on his own. Ravi’s family just moved to America from India, and he’s finding it hard to figure out where he fits in. Joe and Ravi don’t think they have anything in common—but soon enough they realize they have both been victims of the biggest bully in their class. Joe and Ravi then unite on a common mission: to take control of their lives over the course of a single crazy week. Told in alternating chapters through Joe’s and Ravi’s points of view, this book brings to life two memorable characters.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900 Written by Lauren Tarshis & illustrated by Scott Dawson In 1900, Galveston was Texas’s richest and most important city. Just a few years before, a weather forecaster had said the idea of a hurricane striking Galveston was absurd. So, when a storm started brewing on September 8, 1900, people gathered on the beach to cheer on the wild waves. But what started as entertainment soon turned into a nightmare as those waves crashed into the city. In this thrilling installment of Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series, fifth graders will keep turning pages to discover what happens when a boy named Charlie battles the treacherous waters to make sure his neighbors are safe.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 7
GRADE K READING FOCUS: This month’s books feature whimsical illustration as well as well-told stories. Kindergartners and their families will explore how authors use appealing characters to share important ideas.
Creativity & Curiosity
El léon y el ratón/The Lion and the Mouse Written by Darice Bailer & illustrated by Joan Subirana In this bilingual version of a favorite fable, readers will see that being kind to others is always rewarding, that size doesn’t matter, and that anyone can be your friend no matter how different he or she is! This updated version of a familiar story will engage readers with simple, lively illustrations while teaching valuable lessons about friendship.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
El autobús mágico ® se recicla (The Magic School Bus ® Gets Recycled) Written by Anne Capeci & illustrated by Carolyn Bracken Ms. Frizzle’s class is holding a recycling drive. But when Phoebe loses her necklace, the kids hop on the bus to track it down— to the recycling center! Kindergartners have fun with the zany Magic School Bus class in this read-aloud as they learn about nature and get a close-up view of the recycling process!
ADVENTURE
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
8
DECEMBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: As they enjoy this month’s selections, children and their families will come to appreciate how an author establishes a book’s setting and that where events take place can be an important part of the story.
Creativity & Curiosity
Un paseo de noche (A Good Night Walk) Written & illustrated by Elisha Cooper An evening walk is transformed into something more as a child and parent take in the sights and sounds of their neighborhood. Acclaimed author-illustrator Elisha Cooper paints the quiet magic of a good-night walk as the neighborhood settles into itself at the end of the day. Readers will make connections and comparisons to their own experiences with these end-of-day events.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Juguemos en el bosque ¡mientras que el lobo no está! (Let’s Play in the Forest While the Wolf Is Not Around!) Written & illustrated by Claudia Rueda This playful picture book is based on a traditional Spanish children’s song. As Duck, Bunny, Moose, Beaver, and others play between the trees, Wolf gets dressed—undershirt, pants, T-shirt, socks, and shoes. By the time he has combed his hair and put on his backpack, Wolf is very hungry, and the animals are suddenly very afraid. Luckily for the animals, Wolf is hungry for pancakes—his favorite!
ADVENTURE
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
HUMOR
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 9
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: Second graders will enjoy meeting one of two fantastic bird characters this month! Their reading gives students the opportunity to discover how authors create memorable characters and show how these characters achieve a goal.
Creativity & Curiosity
La Pastelería del Bosque Salvaje (The Wildwood Bakery) Written & illustrated by Rebecca Elliott
In this book from the popular Owl Diaries series, Eva’s class is raising money for an owl who needs a special chair to help her fly. Eva’s team opens a bakery, and Sue’s team opens a candy store. Soon the teams are competing to see whose shop can earn the most, but they lose focus on what’s important: why they’re raising the money in the first place. This chapter book in the format of a diary will help second graders understand that not everything is a race and the value of setting and achieving important goals.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
¡El gallo que no se callaba! (The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!) Written by Carmen Agra Deedy & illustrated by Eugene Yelchin La Paz is a happy but noisy village. A little peace and quiet would make it just right, so the villagers elect the bossy Don Pepe as their mayor. Before long, singing of any kind is outlawed. Even the teakettle is afraid to whistle! But there is one noisy rooster who doesn’t care about this mayor’s silly rules. Instead, he does what roosters were born to do. This celebration of courage and individuality is delivered through the text’s engaging rhythms and vibrant illustrations.
HUMOR
THE WORLD AROUND US
10
DECEMBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month, third graders will read an inspiring biography or an exciting adventure story. Students will notice how a book’s illustrations and its format enhance their reading experience.
Creativity & Curiosity
The Boy Who Touched the Stars/ El niño que alcanzó las estrellas Written by José M. Hernández & illustrated by Steven James Petruccio Every night when he was a boy, José would look out the window and stare at the stars. Some were larger and brighter than others and twinkled as if they were alive. When he saw on TV the moon landing, he knew he wanted to be an astronaut, and he was going to do whatever it took to get into space. With beautiful illustrations, this heartwarming, bilingual autobiography will fascinate second graders.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Pájaro y Ardilla ¡escapan! (Bird & Squirrel on the Run!) Written by & illustrated by James Burks
Pájaro and Ardilla outwit Gato and become best friends over the course of a zany adventure that makes for an exciting first book of a series. Ardilla is afraid of his own shadow. Pájaro doesn’t have a care in the world. Gato wants to eat Pájaro and Ardilla. Of course, he’ll have to catch them first, and that’s not going to be easy. Join this trio as they head south for the winter on a hilarious road trip. But watch out! Gato is waiting around every bend, and he’s one pesky feline.
ADVENTURE
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
HUMOR
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 11
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: Fourth graders will enjoy these books full of excitement and humor. This month’s selections also use strong visuals and energetic text to help readers enrich their vocabularies and connect with characters.
Creativity & Curiosity
¡El casillero se comió a Lucía! (The Locker Ate Lucy!) Written by Jack Chabert & illustrated by Sam Ricks
It’s evident the school is alive—and dangerous—when Sam Graves’s friend Lucy disappears into her locker! Sam and his friend Antonio follow a trail of clues that leads them through the locker and deep inside the school. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast- paced plots, and illustrations on every page, this book from the Eerie Elementary series will boost reading enjoyment and confidence.
ADVENTURE
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Los tipos malos en ¡¿ustedes-creen-que- él-saurio?! (The Bad Guys in Do-You- Think-He-Saurus?!) Written & illustrated by Aaron Blabey The Bad Guys take off in a new adventure that both those familiar with this popular series and those connecting with these characters for the first time will enjoy! In this adventure, the Bad Guys have flown through outer space, made it back to Earth, and managed to land in exactly the right place . . . but exactly the wrong TIME. And now that they’re 65 million years in the past, they must avoid being eaten by dinosaurs and fix their broken time machine if they ever want to get back home before an evil alien destroys the entire world!
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
12
DECEMBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: The books fifth graders will read this month offer an opportunity to closely examine details. Students will be inspired to use details from their reading to draw their own conclusions.
Creativity & Curiosity
¿Quién ganará? Tiburón martillo vs. Tiburón sarda (Who Would Win? Hammerhead vs. Bull Shark) Written by Jerry Pallotta & illustrated by Rob Bolster Hammerheads have large, oddly shaped heads and can see above, below, and all around, but, as far as sharks go, their mouths are small. Bull sharks are aggressive and unpredictable, with wide mouths and large teeth. This book explores who would win if the two ever went head-to-head! Fifth graders will take a chomp out of awesome shark facts and decide which shark would win the battle!
THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
A causa del conejo (Because of the Rabbit) Written by Cynthia Lord
In this heartfelt novel about integrity, honesty, and friendship, previously home-schooled Emma is starting public school and more than anything wants a best friend. She is paired with a boy named Jack for a project, and his interest in animals leads them to bond over a bunny that Emma rescued over the summer. But Emma is worried that spending time with Jack, who is not very popular at school, will keep her from the best friend she’s meant to find.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 13
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: This month’s book uses charming illustrations and a simple text to show how to make a meal. Kindergartners will explore how authors use appealing characters to explain a real-life topic.
Creativity & Curiosity
Kwit Manje Avèk Ou/Cooking With You Written by Ellen W. Whisenant & illustrated by Mary Hall This fun and colorful book is a step-by-step of what it takes to make a meal plan, shop, prepare, and cook! The young narrator and her grandmother will entertain little readers as they learn how you can make a meal fit for a family, while the Kwen Èd (Helper’s Corner) sections gives caretakers helpful hints.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: First graders will delve into a playful nonfiction book to learn more about animals they love. Families can encourage their readers to notice how both the text and illustrations offer information about each animal.
Imagination & Exploration
Devine bèt kay la!/Guess the Pet! Written by Sandrine Umuhoza & illustrated by Bruno Iradukunda It’s furry! It runs! It chases! What is it? This fun picture book prompts first graders to guess which animal is being described in each chapter, from small details about what the animals eat to some typical behaviors. As more and more things are revealed about each creature, the reader can make more accurate predictions about which animal it could possibly be.
THE WORLD AROUND US
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
14
DECEMBER’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: Second graders will enjoy reading about a memorable character this month! Their reading gives students the opportunity to appreciate how authors depict the caring relationships between family members.
Creativity & Curiosity
Devine kiyès k ap vini?/ Guess Who’s Coming? Written by Martyna Dessources & illustrated by Audeva Joseph
When Bili’s mother seems to be ill and can barely get out of bed, he is worried. Bili’s parents tell him not to worry, and that they will soon have a wonderful gift for him. Turns out, Bili is getting a baby sister! Second graders will be delighted as they discover why Bili’s worry turns to excitement.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month, third graders will imagine endless possibilities! From firefighting to science experiments, students will notice how the details in a book’s illustrations enhance their reading experience.
Imagination & Exploration
Kisa pou nou fè ak tout bagay sa a?/ What Do We Do With All This Stuff? Written by Anna W. Bardaus & illustrated by Mike Byrne When a young boy’s mother is overwhelmed by the amount of mess in the living room, he sets out to make everything useful in the ultimate game of make-believe with his mom and little sister. As they cycle through each fantasy scenario, the trio have more and more fun. This story is a good way for readers to realize that using their imaginations can make any task more exciting!
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 15
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: Fourth graders enjoy books full of surprising events. This month’s book offers some surprises as it uses inviting illustrations and descriptive text to help readers enrich their vocabulary and connect with characters.
Creativity & Curiosity
Pa Egzakteman Sanblab/ Not Exactly Alike Written by Esther Uwera & illustrated by Emmanuel Bagirishya
Twins Gatoya and Gakuru are different in every way except looks. While Gatoya sits in front of the class and makes good grades, Gakuru shines on the soccer field, always being picked as captain and making the most goals. Both secretly yearn to be more like the other, and when they talk about it, they come up with a plan that is guaranteed to help them both. This is an inspiring tale about trying hard and learning new things.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders will read a cleverly plotted book. Students will come to appreciate how characters react to the problems they face and why they react the way they do.
Imagination & Exploration
Andan nan Forè a/Deep in the Forest Written by Margaret Muthee & illustrated by Emmanuel Bagirishya Lulu refuses to listen to instructions. She wishes to be carefree and do only what she wants to do. One day, when Lulu’s aunt scolds her for avoiding her chores again, Lulu decides to run away into the forest. While wandering among the trees, she faces some unexpected encounters that make her wonder if being home with chores would be better.
ADVENTURE
THE WORLD AROUND US
16
DECEMBER’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
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New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: December | 17
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