OCTOBER 2023 HOME BOOK SELECTIONS
October’s Selections for the New Worlds Reading Initiative
Students and their families will have the opportunity to explore new worlds and build their skills and confidence as readers this year through the New Worlds Reading Initiative. Based on the selections that families made when they enrolled in the program, students will expand their home libraries with a variety of fiction and nonfiction books curated to develop their skills, stamina, interests, and identities as readers. We have carefully selected appealing titles to be delivered each month to support students’ literacy development. As the year progresses, titles will reflect the appropriate reading challenge for students—taking into consideration reading levels and the importance of introducing students to a variety of topics, genres, and text structures to help them grow as readers. We have also taken into consideration that students who are reading below grade level need books that are appealing to their age group. For all students, selections throughout the year include age-appropriate award- winners, and popular series titles. This month, based on the language they have selected, students will receive the first of nine monthly shipments for their home libraries. The following pages describe the specific books that children will receive.
C
ENGLISH COHORT.......................2 SPANISH COHORT....................10 HAITIAN CREOLE COHORT.........18 contents
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: October | 1
GRADE VPK
Imagination & Exploration
Rabbit Moon Written & illustrated by Jean Kim
Every night, bedtime wishes sail up to the rabbit on the moon, and he turns them into stars. But one day, Rabbit gets lonely and makes a wish to float down to Earth. He makes many friends and has a lot of fun, but each night that he’s away, more stars fade from the sky. Rabbit must find a way to make stars and also have friends. A sweet story about friendship and balancing responsibilities.
ADVENTURE
2
OCTOBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity
You Are (Not) Small Written by Anna Kang & illustrated by Christopher Weyant
In this charming story about opposites, two creatures go back and forth arguing about who is small and who is big. When some new friends join the conversation, they offer new perspectives for everyone to consider. With minimal text on some pages, this book offers emerging readers an opportunity to move toward independent reading as they have fun thinking about comparing sizes.
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes Written by Eric Litwin & illustrated by James Dean Pete is one cool cat! In this vibrant picture book inspired by a song, Pete celebrates his new white sneakers as he saunters down the sidewalk. When he accidentally steps in an enormous pile of strawberries, he readily accepts their new hue: red! Whether his sneakers turn blue or brown or white or wet, it’s all cool for Pete. Kindergartners and their families will love the simple, playful text, and its repetitive structure invites print awareness as well as a chance to read and sing along.
ADVENTURE
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: October | 3
GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity
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 that’s perfect for first-graders.
NATURE
Imagination & Exploration
Be An Expert! ™ Dinosaurs Written by Erin Kelly
Some were gigantic, 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 pictures and features simple sentences that 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
4
OCTOBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 2
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. The action begins with superheroes Fly Guy and Buzz 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.
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
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 immerses readers in the story of 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 much 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 took New York City and Miami by storm.
PEOPLE/PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: October | 5
GRADE 3
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 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, this book will encourage children to read independently.
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Mac B., Kid Spy: 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 stole the queen’s crown jewels, and it’s up to Mac B. to find them—even if it means traveling all over the world!
PEOPLE/PLACES
6
OCTOBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
Key Hunters: The Mysterious Moonstone Written by Eric Luper & illustrated by Lisa K. Weber Cleo and Evan enter a secret room in their school library and find a collection of books so dangerous that they are locked up tight. They discover that a friend has vanished into the pages of one of them, and they enter it to rescue her. The two find themselves in England in the 19th century and must help a young Sherlock Holmes interview a mansion full of suspects. They need to catch the crook—and find the right key—or they could be trapped inside this mystery forever! Fourth-graders will enjoy searching for clues along with Cleo and Evan in this fast-paced story.
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Disaster Strikes: Volcano Blast Written by Marlane Kennedy & illustrated by Erwin Madrid
Noah and Emma Burton have traded the sand and surf of their Hawaiian home for a chilly stay in Alaska, and Noah isn’t happy about it. His father might be a volcano expert, but they didn’t have to travel to the coldest, grayest place on Earth when there are so many volcanoes near Honolulu! Noah thinks he’s in for the most boring vacation of his life, but he couldn’t be more wrong. A day trip to a remote island turns deadly when a once- dormant volcano suddenly roars to life in an eruption of epic proportions. Now Noah, Emma, and their new neighbor Alex must fight to survive rivers of molten lava and clouds of toxic ash if they want to make it off the island!
ADVENTURE
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: October | 7
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
The Tyrell Show: Season One Written by Miles Grose & illustrated by Shaz Lym
Tyrell is excited to start his last year at Marcus Garvey Elementary, but things don’t go the way he expected. His best friend just doesn’t seem like himself, schoolwork is much harder than Tyrell thought it would be, and being one of the older kids in school does not automatically make him popular! What’s even worse is that his audition for the big school show doesn’t go according to plan. There’s only one thing that will help Tyrell through this sea of troubles—a safe place to express himself: his podcast.
CREATIVITY
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, 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.
ADVENTURE
8
OCTOBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: October | 9
GRADE VPK
Creativity & Curiosity
Mundo animal: con arte nativo del Noroeste del Pacífico/ Animal World: With Northwest Coast Native Art Illustrated by Ben Houstie From humpback whales deep in the ocean to falcons soaring high in the sky, this book introduces readers to more than 40 animals from the Pacific Northwest using colorful First Nations- inspired art. The bilingual glossary at the end of the book will help young children learn fun facts about these exciting critters!
NATURE
10
OCTOBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity
Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day/ Book Fiesta! Celebremos El día de los
niños/El día de los libros Written by Pat Mora & illustrated by Rafael López
What could be more perfect than celebrating children and books on the same day? In this delightful story honoring Children’s Day/ Book Day (El día de los niños/El día de los libros), colorful illustrations show children exploring their imaginations through the pages of their favorite books as lilting text whisks readers away to destinations around the world. Take a dive in a long submarine or fly away in a hot-air balloon—just be sure to bring your favorite book!
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration Un Beso en Mi Mano (The Kissing Hand) Written by Audrey Penn & illustrated by Ruth E. Harper & Nancy M. Leak In this touching picture book, Chester Raccoon must overcome his fear of starting school. He begs his mom to let him stay home to play, read, and swing on his swing. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called “the Kissing Hand” to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Whenever Chester feels lonely or sad, he can use the kissing hand to remind himself of his mother’s love. The endearing illustrations help convey Chester’s growth as he becomes more confident and independent.
ADVENTURE
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: October | 11
GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity
Buenas noches, mariposa (Goodnight, Butterfly) Written & illustrated by Ross Burach
In this laugh-out-loud picture book, science topics are artfully woven together with the experience of a curious butterfly who has too many questions to go to sleep and doesn’t want to miss any exciting nighttime activities. While first-graders follow along with the butterfly’s dilemma and his long list of questions, they will learn about the difference between nocturnal and diurnal animals.
HUMOR
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!
PEOPLE/PLACES
12
OCTOBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity
El abusón del pantano negro (The Bully from the Black Lagoon) Written by Mike Thaler & illustrated by Jared Lee In this hilarious Black Lagoon story, readers will learn how things are not always what we imagine. Hubie hears that the not-so-nice Butch Pounder has transferred to his school, so he decides that he’ll have to start training to defend himself. But eventually he finds out that Butch is nothing like he thought and that the only thing Butch wants is a friend.
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration 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 immerses readers in the story of 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 much 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 took New York City and Miami by storm.
PEOPLE/PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: October | 13
GRADE 3
Creativity & Curiosity
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! 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!
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration Escuela de Espanto: ¡La escuela está viva! (Eerie Elementary: The School Is Alive!) Written by Jack Chabert & illustrated by Sam Ricks Eerie Elementary is one scary school! In this first book of the series, Sam Graves discovers that his elementary school is alive. Sam’s first day as the school hall monitor takes a surprising twist as Sam must team up with his friends to protect their fellow students from the evil school in time for the class play! With its fast-paced plot, accessible text, and fun illustrations, this chapter book will boost reading confidence and stamina.
ADVENTURE
14
OCTOBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
Escuela de Espanto: ¡El recreo es una jungla! (Eerie Elementary: Recess Is a Jungle!) Written by Jack Chabert & illustrated by Sam Ricks Three kids are playing soccer at recess when the ball rolls off on its own into the nearby woods. When the trio goes to retrieve the ball, something strange happens: They soon find themselves in a fog-filled jungle! The grass and trees have come alive, growing high into the sky. And the friends discover that it’s not just the school itself that’s alive, it’s everything on the school grounds! The kids must find their way out of a monstrous hedge maze in time to rescue their classmates!
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration Fábulas mexicanas de José Ignacio Basurto (Mexican Fables of José Ignacio Basurto) Adapted by Rebeca Cerda & 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 of 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.
PEOPLE/PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: October | 15
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
El último cuento (The Last Story) Written by Rodolfo Castro & illustrated by Enrique Torralba No one imagined that Jacinto would disappear. The stories he told in the shade of an old tree brought meaning to life in his neighborhood, so when his voice trailed off, everything became monotonous. However, silence is not eternal, and stories, sooner or later, find a way to return. With this book, readers will learn about the value of storytellers and oral traditions in the contemporary world.
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration Sobreviví el huracán Katrina, 2005 (I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005) Written by Lauren Tarshis & illustrated by Scott Dawson In this installment of a popular historical fiction series, Hurricane Katrina is brought vividly to life through an account of a boy, a dog, and the storm of the century. Barry’s family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home in New Orleans, but when Barry’s little sister gets terribly sick, they’re forced to stay home and wait out the storm. At first Katrina doesn’t seem to be as bad as predicted. But when the levees break overnight and Barry is swept away from his family by the flood waters, his world is literally torn apart. Fifth- graders will be gripped by the suspense as they follow Barry’s story.
ADVENTURE
16
OCTOBER’S READING IN SPANISH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: October | 17
GRADE VPK
Imagination & Exploration
Rabbit Moon Written & illustrated by Jean Kim
Every night, bedtime wishes sail up to the rabbit on the moon, and he turns them into stars. But one day Rabbit gets lonely and makes a wish to float down to Earth. He makes many friends and has a lot of fun, but each night that he’s away, more stars fade from the sky. Rabbit must find a way to make stars and also have friends. A sweet story about friendship and balancing responsibilities.
ADVENTURE
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity/Imagination & Exploration
Sheldon Timid/Shy Sheldon Written by Alex Ives & illustrated by Jenny Palmer
Being the new kid in school can be difficult: new kids, a new place, and even small things can be overwhelming! In this book, readers will get to know Sheldon, a shy little turtle who has a hard time coming out of his shell—literally. Throughout the day, Sheldon is invited to activities with the class, but he has a hard time saying yes. This heartwarming illustrated book shows readers that being the new kid can be difficult, but everything works out with time.
CREATIVITY ADVENTURE
18
OCTOBER’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity/Imagination & Exploration
Lè Mwen vin Gran/When I Grow Up Written by Bailey Carroll & illustrated by Carolina Farías What do you want to do when you grow up? In this whimsical bilingual picture book, a boy considers the endless possibilities. Whether readers want to make art, create music, write books, or so much more, this story is sure to inspire them.
CREATIVITY ADVENTURE
GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity/Imagination & Exploration
Mons Zoe/Zoe’s Monster Written by Fiona Balan & illustrated by Jacqui Davis
Zoe, a courageous (and resourceful!) little girl, knows that something is wrong. There’s something under her bed: a monster! She tries all means to get rid of it, luring and tricking it, to no avail. This comical tale will show young readers that sometimes a monster is not trying to be scary; it’s just looking for a friend to play with.
HUMOR PEOPLE/PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: October | 19
GRADE 3
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 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, this book will encourage children to read independently.
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Mac B., Kid Spy: 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 stole the queen’s crown jewels, and it’s up to Mac B. to find them—even if it means traveling all over the world!
PEOPLE/PLACES
Imagination & Exploration
Nouvo Timoun Nan/The New Kid Written by Hilary Rogers & illustrated by Kevin Ntwali, Odile Uwera, Emmanuel Bagirishya, & Bruno Iradukunda Moving to a new town sends a young boy into a spiral. Everything is new, and he worries that he won’t make friends at his new school. Read along as he musters up the courage to be outgoing and talk to new people. Making friends doesn’t have to be hard!
PEOPLE/PLACES
20
OCTOBER’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity Key Hunters: The Mysterious Moonstone Written by Eric Luper & illustrated by Lisa K. Weber
Cleo and Evan enter a secret room in their school library and find a collection of books so dangerous that they are locked up tight. They discover that a friend has vanished into one of them, and they enter it to rescue her. The two find themselves in England in the 19th century and must help a young Sherlock Holmes interview a mansion full of suspects. They need to catch the crook—and find the right key—or they could be trapped inside this mystery forever! Fourth-graders will enjoy searching for clues along with Cleo and Evan in this fast-paced story.
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Disaster Strikes: Volcano Blast Written by Marlane Kennedy & illustrated by Erwin Madrid
Noah and Emma Burton have traded the sand and surf of their Hawaiian home for a chilly stay in Alaska, and Noah isn’t happy about it. His father might be a volcano expert, but they didn’t have to travel to the coldest, grayest place on Earth when there are so many volcanoes near Honolulu! Noah thinks he’s in for the most boring vacation of his life, but he couldn’t be more wrong. A day trip to a remote island turns deadly when a once-dormant volcano suddenly roars to life in an eruption of epic proportions. Now Noah, Emma, and their new neighbor Alex must fight to survive rivers of molten lava and clouds of toxic ash if they want to make it off the island!
ADVENTURE
Imagination & Exploration
Eleksyon Klas la/The Class Election Written by Mùthoni wa Gìchùrù & illustrated by Bruno Iradukunda
When a classmate tells Lulu that she cannot be president because she’s a girl, she goes on to run for class president, win, and prove him wrong! As the class president, she makes sure everyone knows that both girls and boys can achieve any goal.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: October | 21
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity The Tyrell Show: Season One Written by Miles Grose & illustrated by Shaz Lym
Tyrell is excited to start his last year at Marcus Garvey Elementary, but things don’t go the way he expected. His best friend just doesn’t seem like himself, schoolwork is much harder than Tyrell thought it would be, and being one of the older kids in school does not automatically make him popular! What’s even worse is that his audition for the big school show doesn’t go according to plan. There’s only one thing that will help Tyrell through this sea of troubles—a safe place to express himself: his podcast.
CREATIVITY
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, 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.
ADVENTURE
Imagination & Exploration
Konpetisyon an/The Competition Written by Stacey Cherono Bett & illustrated by Emmanuel Bagirishya
Anna’s passion is architecture. She loves building sculptures and decides to enter her school’s science competition. With encouragement from her parents and friends, Anna builds the best sculpture and wins the competition. This chapter book shows that perseverance and hard work can make a huge difference.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATH
22
OCTOBER’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
For more literacy resources, visit newworldsreading.com
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: October | 23
5369-13 9/23 Copyright © University of Florida. All rights reserved. SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc.
Page i Page ii Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs