HOME BOOK SELECTIONS MAY 2023 & SUMMER READING
May’s Selections for the New Worlds Reading Initiative
In May, students can notice how much their home libraries have grown and reflect on what they like best about different kinds of books.
Families will likely find that the May book that their kindergartners, first graders, and second graders receive will empower them to share more as they read together with family members and to read more on their own. Third, fourth, and fifth graders may tackle a new topic, genre, or format.
Summer Leap Selections In addition to their May selection in English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole, students will receive three Summer Leap books. Summer Leap books, all in English, will foster enjoyable reading time over the summer and prepare students to be more confident and skilled readers during the upcoming school year.
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ENGLISH TITLES..........................2 SPANISH TITLES..........................8 HAITIAN CREOLE TITLES............14 SUMMER LEAP TITLES.................17 contents
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: May | 1
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity
Our Oak Tree Written by Jane L. Howard & illustrated by Carolina Farias
While exploring science and social studies concepts, this picture book shows why an oak tree is a place for people and animals to gather during different times of the year. From being the perfect picnic place to being a home for birds, this oak tree means something special to everyone around it. A labeled tree diagram is included at the back of the book.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
I Want to Be a Scientist Written by Rebecca Tree & illustrated by Carolina Farias
In this playful, informative picture book, a young girl envisions herself pursuing different science careers, from exploring space to traversing the depths of the oceans. While she envisions possible futures, she shares the kinds of adventures she would have as a scientist.
ADVENTURE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
2 | newworldsreading.com
MAY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity
Gus Grows a Plant Written & illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
When spring comes around, Gus realizes it is the best time to grow a plant. With the help of his parents, he digs, plants a seed, waters the seed, and then continues to give the sprouting plant care and attention as he waits in anticipation for his plant to grow tall! This story introduces a lovable character as he comes to appreciate the value of patience.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
What Is the Weather? Written by Erin Kelly
Sometimes it is cold outside, and people have to bundle up. Sometimes it is hot, and people don’t even need a coat. The weather is always changing! This book invites children to explore different climates and weather conditions—and become experts!
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: May | 3
GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity
Fly Guy Presents: Dogs Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold
Fly Guy and Buzz learn all about dogs at a dog show and share cool facts with readers along the way. They tell about a huge variety of dog breeds, jobs dogs can have, and even the science behind dogs’ sense of smell. Second graders will be excited to learn more about a familiar animal, from the smallest dogs to the biggest dogs and even some famous ones, in this installment in Tedd Arnold’s clever nonfiction series.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Pug Blasts Off Written & illustrated by Kyla May
Baron von Bubbles, a.k.a. “Bub,” is the self-proclaimed cutest pug on the planet! Things he loves: peanut butter and his human, Bella. Things he does NOT love: Nutz, the squirrel; baths; and the rain. One day, Bella enters the Inventor Challenge, and Bub sets out to help her craft the best project ever: a rocket! But when Bub ruins the rocket while trying to get at Nutz, he must find a way to make it up to Bella.
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR
4 | newworldsreading.com
MAY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 3
Creativity & Curiosity
Peachy and Keen: A School Tail Written by Jason Tharp and J. B. Rose & illustrated by Jason Tharp
Peachy has always pictured herself as a star reporter. But when she goes to sign up for the school newspaper—and drags her best friend, Keen, along with her—they learn that the paper has shut down. No one’s reading the news anymore! Peachy won’t give up on her dream so she decides to publish the newspaper for students to read on their tablets. But most of the students who Peachy and Keen try to recruit to help are more interested in other clubs, and all of the teachers are too busy to be their advisor. Plus, Peachy and Keen get into a big disagreement. Readers will be eager to discover how Purrfect9 Magazine takes off and Peachy and Keen mend their friendship.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Little Rhino: Dugout Hero Written by Ryan Howard and Krystle Howard & illustrated by Erwin Madrid The game was tied, and the odds were stacked against his team; it was all up to Little Rhino. As his teammates cheered him on, Little Rhino swung with all his might. Pop! Little Rhino fell to the ground. The doctor said he had sprained his ankle and wouldn’t be able to play for two weeks! Can he somehow help his team without picking up the bat? This chapter book, written by professional baseball player Ryan Howard, is inspired by his own life story.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: May | 5
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
Power Forward Written by Hena Khan & illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
Zayd Saleem dreams of becoming a professional basketball player. But first, he’ll have to work his way up from the D-team, or developmental team, and to do that, he needs to spend more time on the court. His parents want him to focus on playing the violin and say he must prioritize orchestra practice over basketball. Zayd must find a way to convince them to believe in his basketball dreams.
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Delivering Justice: W. W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights Written by Jim Haskins & illustrated by Benny Andrews Meet W. W. Law, the mail carrier who believed that fostering communication between all the people in his community was an important part of his job. He led the Great Savannah Boycott in 1961—which resulted in the city leaders changing unfair laws. Savannah became the first city in the South to end segregation. This biography details the life of an unsung hero who was instrumental in bringing change to his community.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
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MAY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
Mac Undercover Written by Mac Barnett & illustrated by Mike Lowery
Mac B. isn’t just any average kid—he’s now a spy for the Queen of England. Before, he had chores and lived at home with his mom in California; but that all changed when the Queen called. Someone had stolen the Queen’s Crown Jewels, and it’s up to Mac B. to find them—even if it means traveling all over the world!
ADVENTURE HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop Written by Laban Carrick Hill & illustrated by Theodore Taylor III Before he was DJ Kool Herc from the Bronx, Clive was just a kid from Kingston, Jamaica, who loved music. When he moved to New York, he saw an opportunity to combine his passion with uplifting his community. Little did he know he would become an icon and the father of a whole new style of music.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: May | 7
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity
Twinkle, Twinkle, You’re a Star!/ ¡Estrellita, brillarás! Adapted & illustrated by John John Bajet This bilingual underwater twist on “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” offers messages of encouragement and confidence-building. Baby Shark and his friends remind Starfish of all the ways she is a star, encouraging her to share her glow, twinkle boldly, and shine bright!
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
¡Mi comunidad!/My Community! Written by 123 Andrés & illustrated by Mónica Paola Rodríguez
From firefighters to doctors to crossing guards, this lively bilingual book celebrates the everyday heroes who are community helpers. Vibrant illustrations and a glossary of community-helper roles will jump-start conversations about the many important jobs people do to serve their neighborhoods. After reading, families can sing along to the companion song!
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
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MAY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity
¿Se lo comió un oso? (Maybe a Bear Ate It!) Written by Robie H. Harris & illustrated by Michael Emberley
What happens when a favorite book goes missing? This story climbs into the mind of a young child and creates a super-silly picture book romp. As the frantic search for the beloved book takes off, all sorts of thoughts come to mind about the fierce animals who may have taken it. The names of different animals that the narrator imagines are highlighted throughout the book, including a stegosaurus!
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
I Need a Hug/Necesito un abrazo Written & illustrated by Aaron Blabey An adorable porcupine just wants a cuddle, but all the other animals turn him away because of his prickly spikes. Finally, the porcupine meets an animal who’s happy to hug—a snake! Beloved author- illustrator Aaron Blabey’s rhyming text and unforgettably splendid illustrations create a wonderful shared reading experience for families.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: May | 9
GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity
Frida Kahlo y sus animalitos (Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos) Written by Monica Brown & illustrated by John Parra This biography of the famous artist, known for her self-portraits and bold colors, emphasizes not only her connection with her culture but also with her beloved pets that inspired her art and life. Frida observed and painted them, and they also served as support animals. Readers will delight in exploring the qualities, like curiosity and intelligence, that Frida admired in her animal companions.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Chimoc en la selva (Chimoc in the Jungle) Written by Andrea Paz and Claudia Paz
Chimoc finally gets to go to the jungle! As he travels, he discovers that it’s a beautiful place, but what he doesn’t know is that it also has many hidden dangers. As readers follow Chimoc’s journey to find his favorite animals, they will discover the many wonders of the Amazon rainforest.
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
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MAY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 3
Creativity & Curiosity
Pangato: Soy yo, dos. (Catwad: It’s Me, Two.) Written & illustrated by Jim Benton
In this collection of hilarious stories, a dynamic feline duo explores fine art, travels to an alternate reality, gets into gaming, and more! From monsters under the bed to all the reasons these cats should NEVER eat salad, this hilarious graphic novel has something for everyone!
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Hombre Mosca presenta: Murciélagos (Fly Guy Presents: Bats) Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold Readers will learn all about bats with Fly Guy and his boy Buzz as their guides! On a field trip, Fly Guy and Buzz are going into a bat cave. With straightforward text, humorous asides, and interesting photographs, young readers will love learning all about these nocturnal creatures. From where bats live to their different kinds of teeth, this book is bursting with facts and engaging text features. Award- winning author-illustrator Tedd Arnold really makes nonfiction fun!
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: May | 11
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
Fábulas mexicanas de José Ignacio Basurto (Mexican Fables of José Ignacio Basurto) Adapted by Rebeca Cerda and Norma Muñoz Ledo & illustrated by Teresa Martínez Traditional fables from Mexico are compiled in this beautifully illustrated book. The text opens with a brief introduction to the author and how his fables were received in his time. Readers and their families will appreciate learning that José Ignacio Basurto is known for creating the first children’s book both written by a Mexican author and originally published in Mexico. Stories passed down from generation to generation through the oral tradition are retold in print for today’s readers.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Stella Díaz tiene algo que decir (Stella Diaz Has Something to Say) Written & illustrated by Angela Dominguez In this engaging chapter book, readers meet Stella Díaz, who is somewhat shy and sometimes feels like she doesn’t fit in, especially without her best friend in her class this year. Stella also has a passion for sea creatures—reading all she can about them, visiting the aquarium to learn more, and taking care of her betta fish. A research project culminating in a presentation turns out to be the perfect opportunity for Stella to share her passion with her class and gain the confidence to speak up!
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
12 | newworldsreading.com
MAY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
Empezar otra vez (The Do-Over) Written by Jennifer Torres
In this realistic fiction novel, sisters Raquel and Lucinda’s close relationship changes when their parents get divorced. Raquel becomes bossier, and Lucinda becomes more withdrawn. But when a pandemic brings the whole family to live together again, Raquel sees an opportunity for a do-over and to get her parents back together, though Lucinda isn’t sure whether her sister’s forceful plans will bring the family closer together or drive them further apart.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
Imagination & Exploration
¡Gracias, NASA! (Thank You, NASA!) Written by Tom Greve Readers will be transported to outer space and through history with this informative book that delves into the science of space and the achievements of those who have studied it. This book explores NASA’s contributions to science over the last half century. A timeline documents milestones in space exploration, and the development of the space program is discussed in detail. Profiles of astronauts and NASA scientists are included to highlight individual contributions to NASA’s amazing work.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: May | 13
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity
Zoranj ak sitwon Pa pa Zanmi!/ Orange and Lemon Don’t Get Along! Written by Neema Joy & illustrated by Emmanuel Bagirishya In a garden, the lemon tree and the orange tree are neighbors, standing side by side. One day, as Orange and Lemon argue about who is the better fruit, a strong wind blows them off their branches. Down on the ground, Orange and Lemon each continue to claim that it is liked more and has the most nutritious juice. Then they meet Pineapple who explains that fruits are all different, and all are important in their own ways in this nutritious, delicious story!
HUMOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH THE WORLD AROUND US
GRADE 1
Imagination & Exploration
Mèsi/Thank You! Written by Mackie Douglas & illustrated by Alessia Girasole
Cal is sad because his arm is hurt, and he can’t go out and play. Soon enough, Cal receives a card from the mailman. “Thank you!” Cal says. Then Grandma and Grandpa come by with flowers. “Thank you!” Cal says. Soon, neighbors, aunts, uncles, classmates, and friends come by, each with a get-well present. By the end of this heartwarming story about gratitude, Cal’s home is full, along with Cal’s heart! Thank you!
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
14 | newworldsreading.com
MAY’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity
Pye Bwadchèn Nou An/Our Oak Tree Written by Jane L. Howard & illustrated by Carolina Farias A tree is many things: a home, a shelter, and a food provider for many animals, as well as a shade for fun picnics and games! In this simple yet high-interest illustrated book, children will learn to appreciate the biodiversity of a simple tree and how, besides being beautiful, it is essential to many living things.
THE WORLD AROUND US SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
GRADE 3
Imagination & Exploration
Vwayaj Kibamba a/Kibamba’s Journey Written by Jean Maurice Murisa & illustrated by Kevin Ntwali Third graders will appreciate the lesson shared in this original fable. A cow named Kibamba must travel a long way to get water and grass for his family because their local river has dried up. When Kibamba falls into a trap, an unlikely friend steps up to help him out in this heartwarming tale of friendship and family.
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: May | 15
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
De Prensès Entelijan/ Two Clever Princesses Written by Martyna Dessources and Saonha Lyrvole Jean Baptiste & illustrated by Audeva Joseph
Two princesses—one with the courage of a tiger, the other one with a heart full of love and loyalty—star in these two stories that will charm readers with their colorful illustrations and engaging themes about bravery and friendship. These two tales from Haiti are the result of workshops led by the nonprofit organization NABU to create original children’s books in mother-tongue languages. The nonprofit organization’s mission is for all children to read and rise to their full potential.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
Pyebwa Pou Demen/Trees for Tomorrow Written by Margaret Muthee & illustrated by Bruno Iradukunda Chris and Kwanza are not only cousins but also best friends who have never met but talk all the time! Chris lives in New York City while Kwanza lives in Ukunda, a small Kenyan town. When they finally get to meet in person, they journey to a very special Kenyan forest. This text is a vibrant ode to Earth and its ecosystems.
ADVENTURE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
16 | newworldsreading.com
SUMMER READING
Books for all students to enjoy and to reinforce the English-language literacy gains they have made in the classroom and at home throughout the school year. SUMMER LEAP
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections for Summer: May | 17
GRADE K
Groovy Joe: Ice Cream & Dinosaurs Written by Eric Litwin & illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Groovy Joe faces three roaring dinosaurs hungry for his doggy ice cream! But Joe knows just what to do, and soon enough he has them all sharing while moving and singing along. Signature rhyme, repetition, and musical writing style, combined with wild and witty illustrations, come together to create an unforgettable canine character who embodies positivity, creativity, and kindness.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
HUMOR
Penguin Day Written & photographed by Nic Bishop
Nic Bishop’s signature nature photography offers a close-up look at caring, and sometimes comical, penguin families. Southern rockhopper penguins live by the sea. Penguin parents take good care of their children. Mama penguin fishes for food, while Papa stays home and watches the baby. But even little ones get tired of waiting for breakfast, and sometimes they wander off... Luckily, penguin parents always save the day!
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
THE WORLD AROUND US
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
Superbuns!: Kindness Is Her Superpower Written & illustrated by Diane Kredensor All superheroes have their own powers, and Superbuns’s power is being kind! Whether it’s helping a friend in need or making someone smile, this bunny is on it! But Superbuns’s older sister, Blossom, knows everything, and she says that kindness is not a superpower. When the sisters run into a lost fox, Blossom must change her way of thinking about kindness and just how much of a difference it can make.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR THE WORLD AROUND US
18 | newworldsreading.com
SUMMER READING
GRADE 1
Alma and How She Got Her Name Written & illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela tells her dad that she thinks her name is much too long. He responds by explaining the significance of each part of her name, linking them all to specific and special family members that came before her. Along the way, Alma develops a stronger sense of herself, an interest in where and whom she came from, and delight at the stories of the many people her name carries. Now it’s up to her to create her own story!
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
Jabari Tries Written & illustrated by Gaia Cornwall
Inspired by engineers, inventors, and scientists of the past, Jabari works on building a flying machine. His endeavor turns out to be harder than he expected it to be, and he’s going to need some perseverance and maybe a little bit of help. With hard work and support from his dad and sister, Jabari finds success!
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
The VERY Impatient Caterpillar Written & illustrated by Ross Burach
This STEM-focused story will tickle first graders who know how hard it is to wait. When a group of caterpillars scampers up a tree to form a chrysalis and metamorphosize, one of them is still learning about this whole transformation thing. Who knew that with a little time, and patience, he could become a beautiful butterfly? But the two-week wait inside his chrysalis feels interminable. The other caterpillars all tell him to be patient and let nature take its course, but the waiting is just so hard....
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections for Summer: May | 19
GRADE 2
Imagine Written by Juan Felipe Herrera & illustrated by Lauren Castillo
This biographical picture book by a U.S. poet laureate captures a childhood that spans nights spent looking up at the stars, days spent helping Mamá feed the chickens, and a move to a new school where people speak an unfamiliar language. Juan Felipe Herrera’s gentle, flowing verse depicts his very first ventures into writing and encourages his audience to “imagine” all that they could be or do. His journey will help readers appreciate the power of creativity and of letting words “fly,” whether through song or through writing.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
THE WORLD AROUND US
The New Kid Written by A. I. Newton & illustrated by Anjan Sarkar
When a new kid named Zeke arrives on the first day of school, it doesn’t take long for Harris to notice that Zeke may not be what he claims to be. Zeke is from another planet! But the only person who seems to notice is Harris, and he can’t seem to convince anyone else. But when Harris’s best friend, Roxy, invites Zeke over, Harris may have his only chance to prove that he’s right about Zeke.
ADVENTURE
HUMOR
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
What If You Had Animal Feet!? Written by Sandra Markle & illustrated by Howard McWilliam
This energetic, informational text will teach kids about the amazing variety of feet in the animal kingdom and their special functions—from cheetahs’ fast feet to mountain goats’ nimble climbing hooves to flies’ sticky feet! Each animal profile includes amazing facts, a photo, and illustrations of kids with animal feet that are sure to make kids laugh!
THE WORLD AROUND US SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
20 | newworldsreading.com
SUMMER READING
GRADE 3
Big Foot and Little Foot Written by Ellen Potter & illustrated by Felicita Sala
A young Sasquatch yearning to see the Big Wide World meets a human boy and forges an unlikely friendship. After their chance encounter, Hugo the Sasquatch and Boone, a young boy, embark on a grand adventure. As they travel far and wide, searching for mythical beasts, Big Foot and Little Foot learn more about each other’s different worlds and realize they’re much more similar than they think.
ADVENTURE
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
HUMOR
THE WORLD AROUND US
You Should Meet Katherine Johnson Written by Thea Feldman & illustrated by Alyssa Petersen
Born in 1918 in West Virginia, Katherine Johnson always had a deep love for math. With hard work and passion, she skipped several grades, starting college at age fifteen and graduating at age eighteen. In 1953, Katherine moved to Virginia to work for the research organization that would eventually become NASA, working on essential calculations for flight and then space flight missions. She had a key role in the success of early space flights, including Freedom, Friendship, Apollo missions, and all space missions through 1986. Third graders will be excited to learn about Katherine Johnson’s historic contributions to space exploration!
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
Night of the Living Worms Written & illustrated by Dave Coverly
In this laugh-out-loud illustrated chapter book, Speed Bump is a sleepy little bird worried by living in his big brother’s shadow. His brother is the world-famous Early Bird, known by everyone for always getting the worm! Luckily, Speed Bump has his trusty pal, Slingshot, who knows how to cheer him up. But when the best friends embark on a nighttime adventure deep in the forest, they must confront something unimaginable, knowing that it could change everything.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections for Summer: May | 21
GRADE 4
Animal Rescue Friends Written by Meika Hashimoto and Gina Loveless & illustrated by Genevieve Kote
At the Animal Rescue Friends shelter, kids and animals alike can always find a friend. Whether it’s a bunny helping a shy boy find his voice or a stray puppy finding a home with a lonely girl, this graphic novel shares five heartwarming, humorous, and furry stories, and introduces readers to an appealing graphic novel series.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
THE WORLD AROUND US
On Point Written by Hena Khan & illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
Zayd navigates challenging times on his new basketball team and changing relationships with both his best friend and his favorite uncle. His best friend, Adam, whom Zayd loves playing with, is losing interest in basketball and is acting differently. Zayd’s uncle, Jamal Mamoo, is at the center of plans for his upcoming wedding, which is all anyone at home talks about. When Adam misses basketball practice, the coach puts Zayd in Adam’s position. Zayd is not sure about playing point guard, but the harder he works, the more his confidence and abilities grow. He even shares some lessons from basketball with his uncle and soon-to-be aunt about taking charge while being a team player.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
Race to Fire Mountain Written by Remi Blackwood & illustrated by Alicia Robinson
Jarell has never quite known where he belongs. The only place he’s ever felt truly at ease is his local barbershop, where the owner hangs Jarell’s art up on the walls. When Jarell discovers a hidden portal in the barbershop, he’s transported to a magical world that’s unlike anything he’s seen before. But it’s not just the powerful gods and dangerous creatures that make this world different—it’s that everyone believes Jarell is the hero they’ve been waiting for.
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
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SUMMER READING
GRADE 5
Charlie & Frog Written by Karen Kane & illustrated by Carlisle Robinson
Charlie Tickler is staying with his grandparents while his parents are off on another international work trip. One day, Charlie wanders into town hoping to make a friend. He finds an old woman who shares an important message in sign language—right before she disappears. Luckily, Charlie meets Francine, a.k.a. Frog. Frog, who is deaf, can teach Charlie American Sign Language (ASL), and she happens to be an aspiring detective. The two new friends work together to uncover clues, decipher the woman’s message, and solve the mystery.
ADVENTURE
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
Distress Signal Written by Mary E. Lambert
While a class is hiking through an arroyo, a flash flood strikes! As the water hurtles down the ravine, everyone sprints for safety. Lavender, Marisol, Rachelle, and a boy named John end up running in the opposite direction as everyone else and scrambling up a tree while the waters rage by. When the waters finally recede, the four kids are left alone in the desert, separated from their class, shaken and disoriented. Between them, they have one pack of supplies left and only the most basic wilderness knowledge. The four kids will have to learn to work together despite their differences—if they want to survive and find their way back to safety.
ADVENTURE
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
THE WORLD AROUND US
The Hero Two Doors Down Written by Sharon Robinson
Based on the true story of Jackie Robinson moving into the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, in 1948, comes the story of a young boy who learns life-changing lessons from his idol—and neighbor—Jackie Robinson. As Steve Satlow gets to know his hero, Jackie, better, Steve gradually becomes better at controlling his temper. Steve becomes a babysitter and mentor to Jackie Jr., in what may be the best baseball season yet!
ADVENTURE FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections for Summer: May | 23
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