When you read, you can become anything you want to be.
DECEMBER 2023 HOME BOOK SELECTIONS
December’s Selections for the New Worlds Reading Initiative
In December, students and their families will add a third book to their home libraries, and students can begin to feel a sense of ownership over their reading journeys. As they explore this next book, students may be having more extended conversations about their reading and will be eager to share with their families and others what they are discovering within the pages of their books. The following pages describe the specific books children will receive this month.
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ENGLISH COHORT.......................2 SPANISH COHORT....................10 HAITIAN CREOLE COHORT.........18 contents
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections: November | 1
GRADE VPK
Creativity & Curiosity
Bear Sees Colors Written by Karma Wilson & illustrated by Jane Chapman
Colors, colors everywhere! Can you find colors just like Bear? Playful text and adorable illustrations creatively introduce colors to readers who will delight in discovering a rainbow of fun.
NATURE
2
DECEMBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity
I Am Enough Written by Grace Byers & illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
“Like the sun, I’m here to shine / Like the voice, I’m here to sing.” This lyrical read-aloud book will inspire kindergartners to believe in themselves and help them build their self-confidence.
NATURE
Imagination & Exploration
How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read? Written by Jane Yolen & illustrated by Mark Teague Young dinosaurs romp and roar as they soak books in the bathtub, throw them, and, finally, learn how to enthusiastically—and carefully— read them with Mama and Papa at bedtime. With a combination of childish antics followed by a gentle lesson, this read-aloud is sure to get kindergartners excited about exploring the wonders of reading.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: December | 3
GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity
Attack of the 50-Foot Fly Guy Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold
After grabbing a snack from a radioactive trash can, Fly Guy grows 50 feet tall! Can Buzz and the scientist figure out how to shrink him back to his normal size?
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration
The Library Book Written by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark & illustrated by Chuck Groenink The rain is pouring, and Dad is snoring, so this protagonist decides to head to the library because checking out the stacks is the best antidote to a gloomy day. This upbeat read-aloud, based on a song, highlights beloved characters like Mother Goose, Pinocchio, and many more as friends who greet readers when they go to the library.
PEOPLE/PLACES
4
DECEMBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity
Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and Community Written by Susan Verde & illustrated by John Parra After Angel notices a big, bleak wall in his neighborhood, he observes the lively surroundings in his community and feels like they don’t match. So Angel gathers his friends, family, and neighbors, and they work as a team to paint a beautiful mural in this story about how the power of art can bring people together. The new mural highlights community members and their contributions to the neighborhood.
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Lark Holds the Key Written by Natasha Deen & illustrated by Marcus Cutler
In this illustrated chapter book, Lark Ba is determined to solve a mystery! It’s the third day of summer vacation, and Lark’s grandmother has promised to take Lark and her twin brother, Connor, to the library. But when they get there, they discover that the town librarian is missing her library key. Lucky for the librarian, Lark just happens to be a budding private eye. Second graders will look for clues along with Lark and Connor as they search for the answer!
ADVENTURE
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: December | 5
GRADE 3
Creativity & Curiosity
My Weird School Fast Facts: Pizza, Peanut Butter, and Pickles Written by Dan Gutman & illustrated by Jim Paillot
Did you know that the biggest chocolate bar weighs over 12,770 pounds? Whether you’re a kid who wants to know more about food or someone who enjoys learning surprising information, this weird-but-true fact book is for you!
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Fly, Girl, Fly!: Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World Written by Nancy Roe Pimm & illustrated by Alexandra Bye
This biography follows pilot Shaesta Waiz on her journey to become the youngest woman to circle the globe in a single-engine airplane. Shaesta had to overcome her own fears and negativity from others. Her interests in science and math, along with support from her family, opened many possibilities for Shaesta. She successfully flew around the world and made time to speak with children during her stops to inspire them to dream big!
ADVENTURE
6
DECEMBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
Who Would Win?: Whale vs. Giant Squid Written by Jerry Pallotta & illustrated by Rob Bolster This compelling and thought-provoking format lets the reader compare and contrast options by offering lots of cool tidbits about two amazing animals. It’s a fun opportunity to decide who really rules the sea! The book is packed with photos, charts, and full-color illustrations. Young scientists will love using the book’s easy-to-read facts and their own reasoning skills to decide for themselves which creature would be the winner.
NATURE
Imagination & Exploration
Saving Winslow Written by Sharon Creech
When Louie’s father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey, Louie is determined to save him. He names him Winslow. As Louie’s bond with Winslow grows, surprising events prove that this fragile donkey—and Louie—are stronger than anyone could have imagined.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: December | 7
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
Most Wanted: Deadliest Ocean Creatures Written by John Perritano Although the ocean has many beautiful creatures in its depths, some creatures are not so friendly or safe to be around. From great white sharks to flower urchins and from yellow sea anemones to piranhas, this eye-opening book discusses some of the deadliest mammals, fish, plants, and more that call the ocean home. Readers will be captivated by the close-up photos and surprising fun facts included throughout.
NATURE
Imagination & Exploration
The Future of Money: The Good, the Bad, the Bitcoin Written by Elizabeth Milton This book will answer all your questions about money, such as why we have it and where it’s going. But the real question is: What is the future of money?
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
8
DECEMBER’S READING IN ENGLISH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: December | 9
GRADE VPK
Imagination & Exploration
Mis cinco sentidos (My Five Senses) Written & illustrated by Aliki Each sound and taste, each smell, sight, and touch helps you discover something new! This book helps children find out more about their senses, including what they are and what they can learn through them about the exciting world.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
10
DECEMBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity
Bailey Written & illustrated by Harry Bliss
Meet Bailey, a dog who surprises and charms his human classmates with his irrepressible antics. Bailey fumbles through the day, sometimes impressing other students—and sometimes hindering them. In this entertaining book, school proves to be an unexpected place for Bailey to do all sorts of things he loves: reading, fetching, painting, digging, singing—and making friends!
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration Tortillas Are Round: A Book of Shapes/ Las tortillas son redondas: Un libro de figuras geométricas Written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong & illustrated by John Parra This delightful concept book helps children discover the shapes all around them. Lively illustrations feature places ranging from the family kitchen to a baseball stadium as the narration calls out shapes that can be seen all around. A short glossary at the back of the book defines some of the objects featured in the book.
PEOPLE/PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: December | 11
GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity
We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands/ Tenemos el mundo entero en las manos Written & illustrated by Rafael López This bilingual adaptation of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” by award-winning illustrator Rafael López, celebrates the life of every young person in the world. The rhythmic verse and repetitive emphasis on “we” and “our” create a sense of community and promote unity and friendship all around the world. The colorful illustrations will lead readers to deepen their appreciation of the natural world.
NATURE
Imagination & Exploration 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.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
12
DECEMBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity
El Ninja de Jengibre (The Ninjabread Man) Written by C. J. Leigh & illustrated by Chris Gall In this fun spin-off of the classic “The Gingerbread Man” folktale, Sensei makes an age-old recipe for ninjabread. But the cookie escapes from the oven and runs loose! Can the Ninjabread Man trick Ninja Bear, Ninja Snake, Ninja Mouse, and Ninja Fox? In the end, the clever Ninja Fox outsmarts the Ninjabread Man. This action-packed ninja adventure features a wise sensei, adorable ninja animals, and one hard-to- catch cookie—all brought to life by an award-winning illustrator!
HUMOR
Imagination & Exploration Hola, Hombre Mosca (Hi! Fly Guy) Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold Some kids have pet dogs, and some kids have pet cats, but one boy named Buzz has a pet fly! In this first book of the hilarious and very popular series, Buzz wants a pet for the Amazing Pet Competition, so he catches a fly—little knowing that Fly Guy will become a great friend! When he enters his winged buddy in the competition, the judges scoff until they see all the extraordinary tricks the little fly can do.
PEOPLE/PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: December | 13
GRADE 3
Creativity & Curiosity
Verdadero o falso de mascotas (True or False: Pets) Written by Melvin and Gilda Berger This book is all about various pets. True or False? Parakeets can learn to speak. True. They can learn at least a few words. This photographic nonfiction book from Scholastic’s True or False science series is in a fun question-and-answer format. It contains 22 true or false questions with a full-color photograph of pets on every page. Kids will read the question on the right and turn the page to see the answer on the left. Every answer also includes a bonus fact.
NATURE
Imagination & Exploration Mi delantal (My Apron) Written & illustrated by Luis Garay
Stunning artwork helps tell the story of Margarita, who is a child living 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.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
14
DECEMBER’S READING IN SPANISH
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity
A causa del conejo (Because of the Rabbit) Written by Cynthia Lord
In this heartfelt novel about integrity, honesty, and friendship, previously home-schooled Emma is starting public school and more than anything wants a best friend. She is paired with a boy named Jack for a project, and his interest in animals leads them to bond over a bunny that Emma rescued over the summer. But Emma is worried that spending time with Jack, who is not very popular at school, will keep her from the best friend she’s meant to find.
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration Sobreviví el naufragio del Titanic, 1912 (I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912) Written by Lauren Tarshis & illustrated by Scott Dawson This installment in Lauren Tarshis’s popular historical adventure series transports readers to the decks of the Titanic. Ten-year- old George Calder feels incredibly lucky to be on the famous ship with his little sister, Phoebe, and their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first-class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George’s life changes forever.
ADVENTURE
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: December | 15
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity
Las fábulas de Esopo (Aesop’s Fables) Written by Ann McGovern & illustrated by A. J. McClaskey This collection of classic stories attributed to Aesop contains 67 brief tales. Whether reading familiar stories like “The Tortoise and the Hare” or “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” or stories that are new to them, readers can notice common themes across the various fables. Each story illustrates the end with a proverb highlighting its moral.
NATURE
Imagination & Exploration Matemática hasta en la sopa (Mathematics Everywhere) Written by Juan Sabia & illustrated by Pablo Picyk This fun mixture of math stories shows children that mathematics is present in every part of their lives—not just in school.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
16
DECEMBER’S READING IN SPANISH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: December | 17
GRADE VPK
Creativity & Curiosity
Bear Sees Colors Written by Karma Wilson & illustrated by Jane Chapman
Colors, colors everywhere! Can you find colors just like Bear? Playful text and adorable illustrations creatively introduce colors to readers who will delight in discovering a rainbow of fun.
NATURE
GRADE K
Creativity & Curiosity/Imagination & Exploration
Kwit Manje Avèk Ou/Cooking With You Written by Ellen W. Whisenant & illustrated by Mary Hall This fun and colorful book is a step-by-step guide about what it takes to make a meal plan, shop, prepare, and cook! The young narrator and her grandmother will entertain readers as they learn how you can make a meal fit for a family, while the Kwen Èd (Helper’s Corner) sections give families helpful hints.
HUMOR PEOPLE/PLACES
18
DECEMBER’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 1
Creativity & Curiosity/Imagination & Exploration
Devine Bèt Kay La!/Guess the Pet! Written by Sandrine Umuhoza & illustrated by Bruno Iradukunda It’s furry! It runs! It chases! What is it? This fun picture book prompts first graders to guess which animal is being described in each chapter, from small details about what the animals eat to some typical behaviors. As more and more things are revealed about each creature, the reader can make more accurate predictions about which animal it could possibly be.
NATURE
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
GRADE 2
Creativity & Curiosity/Imagination & Exploration
Devine Kiyès K Ap Vini?/ Guess Who’s Coming? Written by Martyna Dessources & illustrated by Audeva Joseph
When Bili’s mother seems to be ill and can barely get out of bed, he is worried. Bili’s parents tell him not to worry, and that they will soon have a wonderful gift for him. Turns out, Bili is getting a baby sister! Second graders will be delighted as they discover why Bili’s worry turns to excitement.
NATURE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: December | 19
GRADE 3
Creativity & Curiosity My Weird School Fast Facts: Pizza, Peanut Butter, and Pickles Written by Dan Gutman & illustrated by Jim Paillot
Did you know that the biggest chocolate bar weighs over 12,770 pounds? Whether you’re a kid who wants to know more about food or someone who enjoys learning surprising information, this weird-but-true fact book is for you!
CREATIVITY
Imagination & Exploration
Fly, Girl, Fly!: Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World Written by Nancy Roe Pimm & illustrated by Alexandra Bye This biography follows pilot Shaesta Waiz on her journey to become the youngest woman to circle the globe in a single-engine airplane. Shaesta had to overcome her own fears and negativity from others. Her interests in science and math, along with support from her family, opened many possibilities for Shaesta. She successfully flew around the world and made time to speak with children during her stops to inspire them to dream big!
ADVENTURE
Creativity & Curiosity
Kisa Pou Nou Fè Ak Tout Bagay Sa A?/ What Do We Do With All This Stuff? Written by Anna W. Bardaus & illustrated by Mike Byrne When a young boy’s mother is overwhelmed by the amount of mess in the living room, he sets out to make everything useful in the ultimate game of make-believe with his mom and little sister. As they cycle through each fantasy scenario, the trio have more and more fun. This story is a good way for readers to realize that using their imaginations can make any task more exciting!
CREATIVITY
20
DECEMBER’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
GRADE 4
Creativity & Curiosity Who Would Win?: Whale vs. Giant Squid Written by Jerry Pallotta & illustrated by Rob Bolster This compelling and thought-provoking format lets the reader compare and contrast options by offering lots of cool tidbits about two amazing animals. It’s a fun opportunity to decide who really rules the sea! The book is packed with photos, charts, and full- color illustrations. Young scientists will love using the book’s easy-to-read facts and their own reasoning skills to decide for themselves which creature would be the winner.
NATURE
Saving Winslow Written by Sharon Creech Imagination & Exploration
When Louie’s father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey, Louie is determined to save him. He names him Winslow. As Louie’s bond with Winslow grows, surprising events prove that this fragile donkey—and Louie—are stronger than anyone could have imagined.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
Imagination & Exploration
Pa Egzakteman Sanblab/Not Exactly Alike Written by Esther Uwera & illustrated by Emmanuel Bagirishya Twins Gatoya and Gakuru are different in every way except looks. While Gatoya sits in front of the class and gets good grades, Gakuru shines on the soccer field, always being picked as captain and making the most goals. Both secretly yearn to be more like the other, and when they talk about it, they come up with a plan that is guaranteed to help them both. This is an inspiring tale about trying hard and learning new things.
PEOPLE/PLACES
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: December | 21
GRADE 5
Creativity & Curiosity Most Wanted: Deadliest Ocean Creatures Written by John Perritano Although the ocean has many beautiful creatures in its depths, some creatures are not so friendly or safe to be around. From great white sharks to flower urchins and from yellow sea anemones to piranhas, this eye-opening book discusses some of the deadliest mammals, fish, plants, and more that call the ocean home. Readers will be drawn in by the close-up photos and surprising fun facts included throughout.
NATURE
Imagination & Exploration
The Future of Money: The Good, the Bad, the Bitcoin Written by Elizabeth Milton
This book will answer all your questions about money, such as why we have it and where it’s going. But the real question is: What is the future of money?
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
Creativity & Curiosity
Andan nan Forè a/Deep in the Forest Written by Margaret Muthee & illustrated by Emmanuel Bagirishya
Lulu refuses to listen to instructions. She wishes to be carefree and do only what she wants to do. One day, when Lulu’s aunt scolds her for avoiding her chores again, Lulu decides to run away into the forest. While wandering among the trees, she faces some unexpected encounters that make her wonder if being home with chores would be better.
CREATIVITY
22
DECEMBER’S READING IN HAITIAN CREOLE
For more literacy resources, visit newworldsreading.com
New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: December | 23
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