FEBRUARY 2023 HOME BOOK SELECTIONS
February’s Selections for the New Worlds Reading Initiative
As students reach the second half of the program, they can feel a growing sense of pride in what they have accomplished as readers. Families will observe their children’s reading skills and stamina building as their children enjoy each new book. Families can also continue to engage their children in conversations about their reading even as the children are reading more independently. In April, students will continue to expand their reading interests as they discover new authors, series, genres, or text structures. 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: February | 1
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: Kindergartners will read a book celebrating the alphabet this month. Families can prompt children to go on their own alphabet hunt after reading together.
Creativity & Curiosity
Kindergarten ABC Written & illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers
Each page of this book celebrates a letter of the alphabet with a fun-filled classroom scene. On Aa day, children find acorns; on Bb day, they bring in their backpacks; and on Cc day, they change the calendar. For additional alphabet fun, there’s a search- and-find element embedded in the illustrations throughout.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Written by Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archambault & illustrated by Lois Ehlert ”A told B, and B told C, I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.” This lively, rhythmic read-aloud, brought to life with the collage artistry of Lois Ehlert, tells the story of what happens when all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree—only to tumble down again when their combined weight proves to be too much for the tree. “Oh, no!; Chicka chicka . . . Boom! Boom!” Countless children—and their parents— can joyfully recite the familiar words of this beloved alphabet chant. Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archambault’s rhythmic text keeps the beat with Caldecott Honor illustrator Lois Ehlert’s bold, cheerful art. This winning combination has made Chicka Chicka Boom Boom an enduring classic.
ADVENTURE HUMOR
2
FEBRUARY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: As first graders take on a new book this month, they will also be growing their vocabularies and learning a little more about the descriptive language that authors use to explore a topic.
Creativity & Curiosity
The Little Butterfly That Could Written & illustrated by Ross Burach
When a butterfly falls behind its migration group, the long journey to catch up with the other butterflies feels insurmountable. This clever picture book offers lots of humor as it provides lessons on butterfly migration and the power of persistence. With encouragement from a friendly blue whale, the butterfly gains confidence to fly and fly again, and persists past obstacles to rejoin its friends.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
What Does It Mean to Be Kind? Written by Rana DiOrio & illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch A girl in a red hat finds the courage to be kind to the new student in class. Her kindness spreads, until her whole community experiences it, demonstrating that kindness can be shown in ways large and small, such as “smiling at the new student in the class; giving someone a compliment; holding the door open for someone else; or sticking up for someone who is being bullied.”
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: February | 3
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: This month, second graders build skill and stamina as they enjoy chapter books, whether it’s a fiction book with vibrant, engaging illustrations or an informational book with photos to support the new facts they learn.
Creativity & Curiosity
Fox Tails: The Great Bunk Bed Battle Written and illustrated by Tina Kügler It’s bedtime, but fox-siblings Fritz and Franny have other ideas in mind as they debate whose bunk is better across three imaginative short stories. Readers follow the siblings and their dog, Fred, as their imaginations lead them through a castle, the deep sea, and the center of the Earth, with their journey ending in sleep.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Let’s Vote on It! Written By Janice Behrens
In this nonfiction introduction to voting, kids in a classroom vote on what their class pet will be! As they cast their ballots for a hermit crab or goldfish, the class learns that voting is a fair way for a group to make a choice, and that in the United States, adults vote to choose our leaders.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
4
FEBRUARY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month, third graders will be building their reading stamina with chapter books. Families may encourage their children to stop and share what they have read after completing each chapter.
Creativity & Curiosity
Red-Eyed Tree Frog or Wood Frog Written by Marilyn Easton Some types of animals share the same general name but live in very different environments. This book gives information about two frogs that fit this description! Featuring full-color photographs throughout and packed with fun facts, this engaging nonfiction book explains why some animals like it hot and others like it as cold as can be!
THE WORLD AROUND US SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
Imagination & Exploration
Bobs and Tweets: Scout Camp! Written by Pepper Springfield & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
Lou Tweet and Dean Bob are team captains at scout camp where they hike, swim, and canoe. But during the hustle and bustle of the camp, they get lost in the woods. Using all the skills they’ve learned so far, Dean and Lou must find a way to get back to camp. In this playful rhyming chapter book with colorful art throughout, the kids of Bonefish Street leave home to test their survival—and teamwork—skills.
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: February | 5
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: This month, fourth graders become more versatile readers as they explore significant events from the past. Students can practice pausing to summarize as they read to get the most out of these nonfiction books.
Creativity & Curiosity
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race Written by Margot Lee Shetterly with Winifred Conkling & illustrated by Laura Freeman Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math—really good. They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. These talented women worked hard. They persisted in their work, and they became key members of the NASA team that put the first American astronauts in space!
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
Imagination & Exploration
Animals to the Rescue!: Balto Written by Emma Carlson Berne & illustrated by Francesca Rosa
In January 1925, when a deadly epidemic began affecting children in the small Alaskan town of Nome, their only hope was to get medicine from over 600 miles away. With no planes able to brave the frigid weather, the only hope was to rely on a dog-sled team. The legendary story of the brave sled dog Balto begins as he leads dog-sled teams to overcome obstacles and save lives, becoming a real-life animal hero.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
6
FEBRUARY’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders will deepen their understanding of genres and formats. Readers can be encouraged to talk with their families and reflect on how understanding the genre and format of a book will help them determine what to expect from their reading.
Creativity & Curiosity
Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson Written by Sharon Robinson & illustrated by Kadir Nelson
In this memoir, readers meet Sharon, the daughter of the famous Jackie Robinson. After her dad’s historic win against the Yankees, her family moves to a house surrounded by forests, and, best of all, near a great big lake! When it’s warm, Shar, her mother, her brothers, and all the neighborhood kids go swimming and take boats out on the water, catching turtles and watching frogs—everyone but her dad. But when the first winter rolls around, Shar’s dad decides he should be the first one out on the now ice-covered lake to make sure it’s safe.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Because of the Rabbit Written by Cynthia Lord
In this heartfelt novel about friendship, formerly home-schooled Emma is starting public school and wants a best friend more than anything. While working on a project with a boy named Jack who shares her love of animals, Emma is excited to share about the bunny she rescued over the summer. But there’s just one problem: Jack is not very popular. Emma has to choose between the friend she’s already made and the friends she thinks she could make without him.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: February | 7
GRADE K READING FOCUS: Kindergartners will read a book that will help them grow their vocabularies this month. Families can prompt children to share the new words they noticed after reading together.
Creativity & Curiosity
El zapatero y los duendes (The Shoemaker and the Elves) Adaptation by Darice Bailer & illustrated by Sebastià Serra
An old shoemaker falls on tough times, but just when things look hopeless, he discovers a wonderful midnight surprise—elves who are working long and hard throughout the night to finish working on shoes! This modern rendition of the classic tale is as refreshing as it is fun to read!
ADVENTURE
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Grande y Pequeño son buenos amigos (Big and Little Are Best Friends) Written & illustrated by Michael Garland Big is an elephant; Little is a mouse. Big enjoys soft music, warm weather, and small bites of savory foods. But Little prefers a loud drum jam, icy skiing weather, and lots of sweets! But can they still be best friends? This charming rhyming concept book about opposites reminds us that in the end, best friends can be different as night and day, while introducing positional words, such as up and down , and geometric vocabulary, like square and round .
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
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FEBRUARY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: First graders will delight in exploring stories that include events that could never happen in real life. After reading, families can encourage children to share their favorite part.
Creativity & Curiosity
¡Un día una astronauta se tragó la Luna! (There Was an Old Astronaut Who Swallowed the Moon) Written by Lucille Colandro & illustrated by Jared Lee This rhyme adventure with nonfiction elements will have readers laughing while learning. The story follows an old astronaut who travels through space, swallowing a moon... along with a star, a planet, a comet, a meteor, a rocket, and a satellite. Why? Well, it went down just right, that bright satellite! Including some fun facts about outer space for a light take on nonfiction that’s ideal for first graders, additional information about the solar system, and a game at the end, this fun book is out of this world!
HUMOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
Imagination & Exploration
Clifford, el gran perro colorado (Clifford the Big Red Dog) Written & illustrated by Norman Bridwell
What would it be like to have a dog that is as big as a house? This question has sparked the imaginations of young readers for generations. In this original story, a little girl gets a tiny puppy who grows up to be the biggest dog in the whole world. Appealing art helps readers connect with Clifford as a loveable character who is always trying to help! Children and families who have seen Clifford on TV or in the new movie might especially enjoy getting to know the book that started it all.
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: February | 9
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: This month, second graders get to enjoy books that present characters’ conversations through speech bubbles. Families may want to encourage children to read aloud the lively dialogue.
Creativity & Curiosity
¡Hola, Cangrejito! (Hello, Crabby!) Written & illustrated by Jonathan Fenske
Crabby is NOT happy. Sun is in Crabby’s eyes. Salt is in Crabby’s teeth. Sand is in Crabby’s shell. Plankton tries again and again to cheer up Crabby—with laugh-out-loud results! Will Crabby ever crack a smile? Or will Crabby always be crabby? With comic speech bubbles and full-color artwork throughout, Geisel Award Honoree Jonathan Fenske’s early reader book is sure to be a hit!
HUMOR THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
¡Hagamos una pijamada! (Let’s Have a Sleepover!) Written & illustrated by Norm Feuti
Erizo is having a sleepover, and his best friend, Enrique, is excited. But when Enrique arrives, he finds out that they will be sleeping outside in a tent! Suddenly, Enrique doesn’t feel very well. He thinks he might not want to sleep over after all. Erizo must figure out why Enrique is uneasy and come to a solution that will make them both happy. This reassuring, laugh-out-loud story—with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout—is perfect for second graders!
ADVENTURE
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
10
FEBRUARY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month, third graders will deepen their understanding of characters by exploring how characters relate to and support one another in a story.
Creativity & Curiosity
La gran idea de la pequeña Nita (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 she knows that such a big project will require teamwork! Nita’s journey to her fruit salad is the perfect example of a neighborhood coming together. This contemporary retelling of the folktale “Stone Soup” celebrates community and generosity with a nod toward fresh, healthy food. Informational pages at the back of the book share facts about fruits and vegetables grown around the world.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Daniel el pelotero ama su escuela (Daniel the Baseball Player Loves School) Written by Erison Valera Frías & illustrated by Edison Montero Daniel has two things he is very good at: baseball and school. He loves both and wants them to be in his life equally. However, his parents see things differently. They do not want him to focus on school. They want him to focus on baseball, so they enroll him in a program where education is not the priority. Daniel must find a way to convince his parents that he can do both without one overtaking the other.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: February | 11
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: Fourth graders will be exploring informational texts this month and will consider how authors create specific formats to engage readers and present information.
Creativity & Curiosity
¿Quién ganará? Tarántula vs. Escorpión (Who Would Win?: Tarantula vs. Scorpion) Written by Jerry Pallotta & illustrated by Rob Bolster A fascinating hypothetical animal conflict is the basis for this nonfiction book. If a scorpion and a tarantula met and had a fight, who would crawl away the winner? Readers get the facts, then referee an awesome arachnid battle! Young scientists will love using their imaginations along with the facts to decide which one would be the winner.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Hombre Mosca presenta: Basura y reciclaje (Fly Guy Presents: Garbage and Recycling) Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold Fly Guy and Buzz visit a landfill and a recycling plant to discover where their garbage goes. They learn all about garbage trucks, trash sorting, the recycling cycle, and how recycling programs are started. But they also learn about the ways our garbage disposal falls short, the consequences of not getting rid of trash properly, and what they can do to help! Eye-catching photos accompanied by a familiar character will have readers happy to learn about how they can help keep the planet healthy.
HUMOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
12
FEBRUARY’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders will deepen their appreciation for the variety of reading experiences they can have. Readers can reflect on how understanding the genre and format of a book will help them determine what to expect from their reading.
Creativity & Curiosity
¿Quién ganará?: Aligátor vs. Pitón (Who Would Win?: Alligator vs. Python) Written by Jerry Pallotta & illustrated by Rob Bolster This entertaining and thought-provoking format lets readers use their close-reading skills and cool tidbits to compare and contrast the alligator and the python. Readers will appreciate the colorful illustrations, mind-blowing facts, photos, and charts, while they build their science knowledge—and decide which one would win the battle!
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
Mi delantal (My Apron) Written & illustrated by Luis Garay Imagination & Exploration
Stunning artwork helps tell the story of Margarita. She is a child who lives in a small village. When her family needs her help to make ends meet, she must leave school for a time and go to work selling fruits in the local market.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: February | 13
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: Kindergartners will read a playful dinosaur story this month! Families can prompt children to share their favorite dinosaur or dance moves after reading together.
Creativity & Curiosity
Dinozò k ap danse/Dancing Dinosaurs Written by Felix Whitley & illustrated by Simona M. Ceccarelli It’s time for Carnival. Let’s dance! Energetic dinosaur characters show readers their best moves in this dynamically illustrated bilingual story. No matter if they’re big or small, alone or in pairs, these silly dinos jump, march, tip-tap, and leap across the pages, engaging children and showing them all the different ways to dance!
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: First graders will explore a story that celebrates how family members help children learn new things. Families can talk about how and why the main character’s opinions change.
Imagination & Exploration
Bwi, Fèm ak Bwi/The Noisy, Noisy Farm Written by Viateur Ndacyayisenga & illustrated by Odile Uwera Kagabo lives with his mom and little sister on a farm. At first, he loves all the animals and likes to help them all, but as time goes on, he grows to only care for the rabbits. The other animals are too noisy! As Kagabo complains to his mother, she encourages him to think more and understand why the animals make noise. This is a fun bilingual story about all the various sounds animals make!
THE WORLD AROUND US FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
14
FEBRUARY’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: This month, second graders build skill and stamina as they enjoy a chapter book. As families read together, they can discuss how each chapter builds on the one before it.
Imagination & Exploration
Scooter ap vin sekou/Scooter to the Rescue Written by Murisa Jean Maurice & illustrated by Bruno Iradukunda Gapirigima wants nothing more than to be a good student, but he has one problem—his school is too far away. Every weekday, he makes the long journey to the school building, rain or shine—but he always gets there late! To fix his problem, he decides to make a new mode of transportation that will allow him to get to school faster. Scooter to the Rescue is an inspiring bilingual story of perseverance and determination.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month, third graders will deepen their understanding of main characters and supporting characters by exploring the different ways in which this book’s main character helps other characters.
Creativity & Curiosity
Dantis nan Fon Lanmè/ Deep-Sea Dentist Written by Danny Carroll & illustrated by Steve James
Open wide! This fun bilingual chapter book chronicles the adventures of Dr. Octopus, a deep-sea dentist, where readers take a deep dive to the ocean floor and meet all sorts of characters. Whether it’s Ed the dolphin and his sore tooth or Wendy the whale who needs braces, Dr. Octopus is on the job in this playful story about dental care.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: February | 15
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: This month, fourth graders become more versatile readers as they explore a new genre: fantasy. Students can consider why authors might choose a certain genre to share a certain message.
Creativity & Curiosity
Yon Kont sou De Zanmi/ A Tale of Two Friends Written by Martyna Dessources & illustrated by Audeva Joseph
Abi goes to the shore every day with her father, and while he fishes to make a living, Abi plays by herself on the shore. One day, after wishing she could play with her mother, Abi sings a bittersweet melody that attracts the attention of a mermaid! As their friendship buds, the two must find a way to continue their friendship, despite all the odds against them.
ADVENTURE CELEBRATING CREATIVITY THE WORLD AROUND US
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: Fifth graders will learn about how, where, and when a story takes place affects a story with this month’s selection. As they read, students can think about how the setting influences the plot.
Creativity & Curiosity
Mistè Pye Bwa K Ap Peplase/ The Mystery of the Moving Tree Written by Kate Wanjira Kamau & illustrated by Muhire Robert Kombo and his friends are a mischievous bunch. When Kombo gets a camera for his birthday, he and his friends venture into the forest at night to take pictures of all the rare animals they see. But something strange happens—no matter how many times they go, they never get any pictures and they don’t remember going home. Join the friends as they get to the bottom of this mystery!
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
16
FEBRUARY’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
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New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: February | 17
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