MORE Picture Books: It's Night!

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It's Night!

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Horror Stories for Grades 6-8

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A Mango in the Hand: A Story Told through Proverbs

by Antonio Sacre

Summary: Guided by proverbs from his father and other relatives, Francisco makes several attempts to bring ripe mangoes home for dessert on his saint day, and in the process learns lessons in love and generosity. Includes glossary of Spanish words and phrases.

This is a fantastic book that teaches many morals at once. It is not a bilingual book in the sense that the entire story is written in both English and Spanish. However, this book contains Spanish phrase translated which makes it ideal for older children who are native Spanish speakers and are learning to read English. The book is lengthy and most appropriate for elementary students to read to themselves, but an adult could read this book with a young child with a long attention span one on one.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

African Animal Alphabet

by Beverly Joubert

Summary: Pairs wildlife photographs of African animals with corresponding letters of the alphabet. The book includes brief information about each included animal, such as cheetahs, elephants, lions, and zebras.

This is a great book for an older child to read to a younger child. If a person reads all the details, it is quite lengthy. However, an older person and a younger person may alternate reading the more challenging and less challenging text.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 5

MORE Summer Reading Theme 2011 One World Many Stories Reads for First and Second Graders

MORE Summer Reading Theme 2011 One World Many Stories for Preschool and Kindergarten Students

The Story of the Leprechaun

by Katherine Tegen

Summary: A clever leprechaun who has amassed a pot of gold by making beautiful shoes for people decides to hide his money at the end of a rainbow, knowing that no one will find it there.

This is a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day read. Additionally, it can be used for this year’s national summer reading theme , “One World, Many Stories.”

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

Why Do I Have To Make My Bed?

by Wade Bradford

Summary: When a boy asks his mother why he must make his bed, she tells him a story about his ancestors who posed the same question through the centuries, going all the way back to a cave boy and his mother.

This is a humorous introduction to historical fiction! A teacher could discuss how one can pick a fiction book from any of these times that interest them. Another follow up activity option is to research place in different eras. This book is best suited for school age children. It is somewhat lengthy for younger children. The story is also appropriate for this summer’s national public library theme One World, Many Stories.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Summer Reading Theme 2011: You Are Here Reads for grades 6-8

Summer Reading Theme 2011: One World, Many Stories Reads for Grades 3-5

Pig Kahuna

by Jennifer Sattler

Summary: Fergus and his little brother, Dink, love collecting the things that wash up on the beach, especially if it means that Fergus doesn't actually have to go in the water. Then one day, they spy the greatest treasure of all—an abandoned surfboard. But when it accidentally gets cast back into the ocean, can Fergus find the courage to rescue it?

This is a humorous book that can be used to discuss overcoming fears, namely, swimming in the water.

Interest Level: ages 2- grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji

by F. Zia

Summary: Aneel and his grandfather, Dada-ji, tell stories, use their imaginations, and make delicious roti, a traditional Indian flatbread.

This is a fun story that is most appropriate for reading before cooling, especially roti. Other uses for this book are to celebrate grandparents and diversity. It is a great read for this summer’s national reading theme “One world Many Stories.”

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

While You Are Sleeping:

A Lift-the-flap Book of Time Around the World

by Durga Bernhard

Describes how the Earth's rotation results in different time zones and activities around the globe, with children sleeping in one part of the world while others may be walking home or climbing a tree, with some activities hidden under flaps.

This is a book with spectacular illustrations. It is great for reading before bed. There is a clock on each page, making it appropriate to use with children who are learning to tell time. The best use of this book is to discuss time zones. Also, it can be incorporated into this summer’s national reading theme “One World Many Stories.”

Interest Level: ages 2- grade 3

Reading Level: grade 4

The Water Hole

 by Graeme Base

As ever growing numbers of animals visit a watering hole, introducing the numbers from one to ten, the water dwindles.

This counting book has stunning illustrations. It is appropriate for discussing the environment and using resources sparingly.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Ahmed and the Feather Girl

by Jane Ray

Summary: Ahmed, an orphan working long hours with a traveling circus, finds a golden egg in the forest, which hatches into a beautiful girl. Ahmed must save her from being exploited by the cruel circus owner, Madame Saleem.

This is a somewhat odd book. I was hoping for a more detailed ending. The contents of this book do not indicate whether this is legitimately an old folktale or if that is the style in which it is told. However, it is an appropriate recommendation for this summer’s national reading theme “One world Many Stories.”

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Summer Reading Theme 2011: One World Many Stories Reads for Preschool and Kindergarten Students

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Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

by Gary Golio

Summary: Before he became one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Jimi Hendrix was a boy who loved to paint and listen to records, and who asked himself an unusual question: could someone paint pictures with sound? Run-on

This book won the prestigious American Library Association (ALA) Coretta Scott King illustrator honor award. The beautiful and unique illustrations are used in a creative way. I was surprised ALA picked a book on Jimi Hendrix to celebrate the African-American experience. The story itself is child friendly and has a positive message. At the end of the book there is a note about Jimi Hendrix’s death and substance abuse resources for young people.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 6

The Singing Snake

The Singing Snake

by Stefan Czernecki

Summary: A retelling of the Australian aboriginal tale about a snake that swallows a lark in an effort to win a singing contest.

This is a fantastic tale that tells how an instrument, the didgeridoo was created. It is somewhat lengthy, but still a great read aloud for older children. The illustrations are beautiful and are influenced by aboriginal painting. It is appropriate for this summer’s public library reading theme One World, Many Stories.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Historical Fiction for Young Teens

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