HOME BOOK SELECTIONS APRIL 2023
April’s Selections for the New Worlds Reading Initiative
In April, students will impress themselves with how they have grown as readers. Through books with accessible vocabulary and structure, kindergarten and first-grade students may find themselves participating in read-alouds and reading together with their families more than they have before. Second-grade students will receive books that help them continue to build their independent reading confidence. Third, fourth, and fifth graders will receive books that keep them excited about reading, whether they are reading about relatable characters, interesting science, or entertaining adventures. 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: April | 1
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: This month, kindergartners will receive a book featuring characters who learn to embrace new experiences. Families can encourage children to think about what these characters are like and what they notice about how they deal with change.
Creativity & Curiosity
Yo! Yes? Written & illustrated by Chris Raschka
This classic story uses spare language and expressive art to tell the story about the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Two lonely boys who don’t know each other meet on a city street. With simple questions and answers, the boys find a way to understand each other and become friends. This modern classic will strike a chord with every child who’s ever longed for a friend.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
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 reading and singing along.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
2
APRIL’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: This month, first graders will take on a text that entertains as they help readers build their math skills. Families can prompt children to share their favorite thing they’ve learned from the book after reading.
Creativity & Curiosity
Soup Day Written & illustrated by Melissa Iwai
It’s a snowy day, and a mother and her young daughter shop for ingredients to make vegetable soup. Back at home, while they enjoy preparing the meal together, the narrator counts vegetables and notices the shapes they’re cut into. Then Mom and the narrator find various ways to have fun while waiting for the soup to cook and for Dad to come home so they can all eat together.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
¡Es la hora de los esqueletos!/ It’s Skeleton Time! Written by Ana Galán & illustrated by Rodrigo Luján This clever story helps first graders practice how to tell time. Inspired by a traditional Costa Rican song, the book shows a corresponding number of skeletons enjoying a new activity each hour. With playful illustrations and rhymes in both English and Spanish, this bilingual book brings a fun twist to telling time!
HUMOR
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: April | 3
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: Second graders get to read lively stories as they consider how an author’s style and a story’s genre can affect the way in which a story is told.
Creativity & Curiosity
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog! Written by Lucille Colandro & illustrated by Jared Lee
This springtime spin on the classic song comes to life through playful poetry and funny illustrations. Children will giggle as they read about this zany character’s case of spring fever! This time she’s swallowing a frog and items like rain, seeds, and even a rake—all things that will help her create a beautiful garden!
HUMOR THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats Written by Dori Hillestad Butler & illustrated by Nancy Meyers Kayla and her dog, King, love to solve mysteries. When Kayla’s friend Jillian gets a new puppy, Kayla happily makes them her special peanut butter dog treats, but some of the treats go missing! Where could they have gone? Readers will delight in discovering how King and Kayla work together to solve the case!
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
4
APRIL’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: This month’s reading options give third graders the opportunity to explore lively texts that offer science facts.
Creativity & Curiosity
The Magic School Bus® Rides Again: Sink or Swim Written by Judy Katschke In this chapter book, Professor Frizzle’s class dives beneath the waves to study sea life up close. Wanda uses her curiosity to ask questions and look for answers, and she comes up with a creative plan to use to rescue a fish in danger. But it ends up being Wanda who needs saving. Luckily, the class has learned a lot from their teacher, and they work together to save the day. This fast-paced and easy-to-read adventure story is also packed with facts about sharks and other sea creatures.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal Written & illustrated by Nick Seluk
This nonfiction picture book uses humor to explain the science behind everything the brain helps humans do: keeping hearts beating, telling us when we are sleepy, remembering stuff, and more. The brain is in charge of everything a person does, every minute of every day, for his or her whole life. That IS kind of a big deal. Each spread features a digestible amount of text and comic- style art that make new science concepts easy to understand.
HUMOR
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: April | 5
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: As fourth graders continue to become more attuned to appreciating the features with different texts, this month’s selections will prompt them to think about the role of a book’s format and illustrations.
Creativity & Curiosity
Vera Vance: Comics Star Written by Claudia Mills & illustrated by Grace Zong
Vera Vance can’t wait to join the after-school comic class, where she flexes her creative muscles to write and draw an original comic. She is thrilled to discover that her class will end with a field trip to a local comic con! Illustrations scattered throughout the book share a glimpse into Vera’s world at home and at school as she works to prove to her mom, who would rather she focus on school or a different extracurricular, that she should be allowed to attend the field trip and enter the comic contest.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
The Secret Life of the Red Fox Written by Laurence Pringle & illustrated by Kate Garchinsky
This beautifully illustrated informational book invites readers on a yearlong journey with a red fox named Vixen. Fascinating facts and illuminating details in the art explain how Vixen’s cautious nature keeps her out of sight of curious humans and how she hunts for food, escapes from danger, and raises playful kits with her mate. By the end of the year, her kits are prepared to leave and live secret lives of their own. Back-matter pages share more information about red foxes and define key vocabulary words.
ADVENTURE
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
THE WORLD AROUND US
6
APRIL’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders delve into novels featuring witty and relatable characters. As they read, they will deepen their understanding of how part of the enjoyment of reading a novel is discovering how the characters solve problems as a plot unfolds.
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 does not 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 does not 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.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Chasing Vermeer Written by Blue Balliett & illustrated by Brett Helquist
When a book about unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay together, strange things start to happen, including the disappearance of an invaluable Vermeer painting. The two friends find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one— neighbors, parents, or teachers—is spared from suspicion. Petra and Calder follow each clue, and to solve the mystery that has everyone baffled, they must draw on their problem-solving skills and their knowledge of Vermeer.
ADVENTURE FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: April | 7
GRADE K READING FOCUS: This month’s selections offer books filled with alliteration for kindergartners to enjoy. Families can encourage children to read along and talk about what they notice in their books.
Creativity & Curiosity
Coco, el conejo miedoso (Coco the Scared Bunny) Written by Jorge Monreal
Detailed, expressive art helps tell the story of Coco, a very cute but timid little bunny. One day he discovers a little robot in the woods, but Coco doesn’t understand the robot’s beeps and bips, so Coco runs away to hide in the forest, in a field of crops, up a tree, and huddled in with some sheep before the little robot catches up with Coco and explains that he wants to be friends!
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Rin, Rin, Rin, Do, Re, Mi Written by José-Luis Orozco & illustrated by David Diaz
A young child asks his parents to “sing songs to me, say letters to me, rhyme with me, find words with me, count with me, read to me.” This book has two purposes: to be a fun picture book and to offer ideas to families about how to help their children become lovers of words and reading. It features lyrics and music by José-Luis Orozco, a beloved performer, and striking artwork by a Caldecott medal-winning artist.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
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APRIL’S READING IN SPANISH
READING FOCUS: First graders will have the pleasure of reading appealing stories that will also help them explore STEM concepts. Families can prompt children to share what they have learned with others. GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity
El fuertecito rojo (The Little Red Fort) Written by Brenda Maier & illustrated by Sonia Sánchez Ruby’s mind is always full of ideas. When she finds some old boards, she decides to build something and invites her brothers to help. They just laugh and tell Ruby that she doesn’t know how to build. She learns how—with some help from her parents and grandparents— and proves them wrong. Her brothers all want to play in the amazing fort that results from Ruby’s dedication. This modern spin on The Little Red Hen celebrates the ingenuity of young creators everywhere.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY HUMOR
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
Imagination & Exploration
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. He doesn’t want to miss any exciting nighttime action. 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.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: April | 9
READING FOCUS: Second graders will read exciting books this month. Families may want to encourage children to think about how authors help readers understand the order in which events happen and how one event may relate to another event in a text. GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity
Súper Chico Conejo, ¡Súper Cargado! (Super Rabbit Boy Powers Up!) Written & illustrated by Thomas Flintham King Viking has had enough of losing to Super Rabbit Boy, so he sets out to find the Super Power Up to make a powerful robot that even Super Rabbit Boy can’t defeat! Super Rabbit Boy must stop King Viking, but the quest is very dangerous. To save Animal Town, Super Rabbit Boy will have to be braver than ever. With its signature 8-bit art style, this fun and engaging story will entice even the most reluctant reader.
ADVENTURE HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz/ My Name is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz Written by Monica Brown & illustrated by Rafael López This picture-book biography of the Cuban-born salsa singer Celia Cruz dances readers through Cruz’s youth in Cuba to her successful performances in the United States. 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 energetic book reveals how Cruz became the most famous Cuban singer of her time and later had great success around the world. Its rhythmic opening text and the first- person narrative invite readers to feel immersed in Celia Cruz’s story.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
10
APRIL’S READING IN SPANISH
READING FOCUS: This month’s reading gives third graders the opportunity to enjoy one of two popular books with humorous illustrations, each one centered around fascinating animals. GRADE 3
Creativity & Curiosity
Los tipos malos en el gran lobo feroz (The Bad Guys in the Big Bad Wolf) Written & illustrated by Aaron Blabey The Bad Guys take off on a new adventure that both those familiar with this popular graphic novel series and those meeting these characters for the first time will enjoy! The Bad Guys have flown through outer space, made it back to Earth, and managed to land in exactly the right place . . . but at 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!
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS CELEBRATING CREATIVITY HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
¿Y si tuvieras ojos de animal? (What If You Had Animal Eyes!?) Written by Sandra Markle & illustrated by Howard McWilliam Imaginative illustrations accompany photographs and informative text in this exploration of animal traits. Third graders will wonder: What if they woke up one morning and their eyes weren’t theirs? If they could have any animal’s eyes, whose would they choose? From the chameleon’s eyes that can point in different directions to the colossal squid’s eyes that shine in the dark, this informative and humorous book shares what it would be like if kids had some animals’ special eyes and also explains why kids’ human eyes are just the right ones for them!
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: April | 11
READING FOCUS: This month, fourth graders will use their imaginations and details in the text as well as the illustrations to think about how authors can help readers feel as if they are part of the action in a book. GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
¿Quién trae el fuego? (Who Brings the Fire?) Written by Carlos Marianidis & illustrated by Gustavo Damiani
On their first camping trip, scouts must make a campfire. Their leader tells them the Aztec legend of Huehuetéotl, the god of fire, and how the salamanders spread fire around the earth. Their trip is also an opportunity to learn about the importance of taking care of nature and animals. Vibrant watercolor illustrations help bring to life this Aztec legend.
FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
¿Quién ganará? La pelea final del océano (Who Would Win? Ultimate Ocean Showdown) Written by Jerry Pallotta & illustrated by Rob Bolster
This installment in the high-interest Who Would Win? series compares and contrasts the physical features and abilities of 16 marine animals— everything from their teeth, fins, and eating habits to their body size, agility, and the size of their brains. The animals are arranged in a hypothetical tournament, and readers use the knowledge they accumulate to guess who they think will win in each battle on their way to find out who would be the most likely victor of the championship match!
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
12
APRIL’S READING IN SPANISH
READING FOCUS: This month, fifth graders will delve into enjoyable novels featuring witty and relatable characters. As they read, they will deepen their understanding of how realistic subject matter can be woven into fictional stories. GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
Sobreviví los ataques de tiburones de 1916 (I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916) Written by Lauren Tarshis & illustrated by Scott Dawson In the summer of 1916, 10-year-old Chet Roscow is captivated by the local news: A great white shark has been attacking and killing people up and down the Atlantic Coast, not far from Chet’s hometown of Springfield, New Jersey. Then one day, while swimming with his friends, Chet sees something in the water. Fifth graders will be fascinated by this suspenseful historical fiction book based on real-life events.
ADVENTURE THE WORLD AROUND US
Imagination & Exploration
Con cariño, Amalia (Love, Amalia) Written by Alma Flor Ada & Gabriel M. Zubizarreta Amalia did not want her best friend Martha to move away to California. They had been best friends for so long, and her routine depended on Martha being there. Amalia’s abuelita tells her about all the family they have who don’t live nearby, and how she sends them cards and carefully curated letters several times a year. When Amalia’s abuelita convinces her to start writing to Martha when she moves away, Amalia decides to give it a try.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY FASCINATING PEOPLE & PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: April | 13
GRADE K
READING FOCUS: This month, kindergartners will read a lighthearted book about a dolphin’s family. Families can encourage children to share their favorite parts of the story.
Imagination & Exploration
Lavi Mwen nan yon Twoupo/ My Life in a Pod Written by Alex Ives & illustrated by Richard Holt
Nathan is a young dolphin that stays protected by staying close to his mom within a pod—the name for a family of dolphins. When Nathan swims off recklessly to chase some fish, he loses his pod and gets scared. As Nathan is rescued by his mother, he learns an important lesson about staying with the pod.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
GRADE 1
READING FOCUS: First graders will read a lively book about different animals and how they make their way to a campsite. Families can ask their children what they think was the best way for an animal to travel.
Creativity & Curiosity
Kòman Yo Te Fè Rive La/ How They Got There Written by Lenan Finley & illustrated by Alena Tkach
In this animal fantasy, a group of forest animal friends needs to hike to their campsite after the tire on their bus blows out. Along the way, they each help in their own way. At last, the whole group makes it to the site! At the end, they retell their exploits in this humorous book that shows how working together makes things easier.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS HUMOR
14
APRIL’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 2
READING FOCUS: This month, second graders will read an adaptation of a classic fable that will encourage them to think about timeless lessons that are always important.
Imagination & Exploration
Wa Zwazo yo/The King of the Birds Retold by Mayor Aubrey & illustrated by Laura Sua In this update of one of Aesop’s fables, all the birds gather to decide who will be the king of all the birds. Peacock thinks he should be king because he has the prettiest feathers, but Blue Jay, Duck, and Crane help Peacock realize that it’s not about what he looks like, but about what he does.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
GRADE 3
READING FOCUS: Third graders will read a poetic text this month that invites them to think about how we use our senses to observe nature. Families can discuss how they thought about the text and the messages the author shares in it.
Imagination & Exploration
Papiyon Lakansyèl La/ The Rainbow Butterfly Written by Martyna Dessources & illustrated by Audeva Joseph
This poetic text celebrates the simple beauty of a butterfly as it flutters around, stopping on flowers and outstretched fingers, and being admired by everyone it encounters. With vibrant illustrations to highlight the butterfly’s grace, this book is sure to help third graders appreciate nature.
AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: April | 15
GRADE 4
READING FOCUS: This month’s selection features a book with two short stories about the same character. Fourth graders can be prompted to consider how each story helps them learn different things about the character.
Creativity & Curiosity
Avanti Bibin/Bibin’s Adventures Written by Laforest Bichly-Marie-Gaëlle & illustrated by Audeva Joseph Follow a fun-loving, young girl named Bibin in this book as she goes on different adventures. When she finds a puppy and goes for weeks without being able to find its owner, Bibin takes care of him and the two become inseparable. In the next story, she has a vivid dream about Mother Nature, and everything is peaceful, which makes Bibin feel great. This book is a delightful read for fourth graders.
ADVENTURE AMAZING ANIMAL CHARACTERS THE WORLD AROUND US
GRADE 5
READING FOCUS: Fifth graders will read a book about family members and will expand on their abilities to focus on details about characters and settings in fictional narratives.
Creativity & Curiosity
Matant Pola/Aunt Pola Written by Christina Doret & illustrated by Audeva Joseph Aunt Pola is generous, kind, and funny, and everyone loves her! But she can be tough if she needs to be, as her nephews and niece find out in this tale about listening to your elders and not allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment.
HUMOR THE WORLD AROUND US
16
APRIL’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
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New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: April | 17
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