Summer reading recommendations 2017

PS Library
Summer Reading
Recommendations
2017

 NOTE TO PARENTS
 The text gradient is designed to be a flexible tool to help you choose texts
for your child's independent reading, not to define them. It is not the sole
definition of achievement in reading. While in general all students read some
books at most levels, it should be clear that: They are not expected to
read every book on a level.
 There is no prescribed "order" of the books at any given level.
 Children making fast progress will skip levels.
 You can always move up or down the gradient as you see the need for easier
or more challenging texts for your children.
 Source: Leveled Books K-8 by Fountas and Pinnell

 Why do a Read Aloud?
 Students can hear structures and language.
 You act as a model for behaviors, skills, and strategies.
 Students practice, think, and talk about reading.
 Students develop vocabulary.
 Steps:
 1. Give a book introduction
 2. Read the book aloud
 3. Have a conversation


PUG by: ETHAN LONG
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winner Ethan Long uses his
trademark wit and energy to make this simple story for
the newest readers memorable and hilarious.
Pug sees Peg through the window. He wants to join her!
Why won't anyone take him on a wonderful snowy walk?
Mom too comfortable in her recliner. Dad is tired from
shoveling. That leaves lazy Tad, who is still
sleeping. LEVEL D
BIG CAT by: ETHAN LONG
Ethan Long's newest easy reader is for true beginners, a
lovable and patient cat, and the simplest vocabulary possible.
This big-bellied, feline who truly loves his family, is sure to
charm readers. His understated text and hilarious characters
with looney expressions will have readers rolling on the
ground. LEVEL C

THE COOKIE FIASCO by: DAN SANTAT
Four friends. Three cookies. One problem.
Hippo, Croc, and the Squirrels are determined to
have equal cookies for all! But how? There are only
three cookies . . . and four of them! They need to
act fast before nervous Hippo breaks all the
cookies into crumbs! LEVEL G
THE GOOD FOR NOTHING BUTTON! By: CHARISE MERICLE
HARPER
Yellow Bird has a button. It does . . . nothing! It is a good for nothing
button. Red Bird and Blue Bird are excited to try it. But when they
press it, they discover that the button makes them happy. Happy is
something! A surprised Yellow Bird insists the button does nothing. And
it sure does seem to be making him mad. Mad is something! A hilarious
debate! LEVEL C

MONKEY AND ELEPHANT GET BETTER by: CAROL
LEXA SCHAEFER
When two good friends, Monkey and Elephant who are not
exactly alike come down with colds, figuring out what will
make each other feel better can be surprising Aaachoo!!
LEVEL I
ODD DUCK by: CECIL CASTELLUCCI
Theodora is a perfectly normal duck. She swims with a teacup
balanced on her head and stays north when the rest of the ducks fly
south for the winter, There's nothing odd about that. Chad, on the
other hand, is one strange bird. Theodora likes him, but she can't
overlook his odd habits. It's a good thing Chad has a normal friend
like Theodora to set a good example for him. Who is the odd duck
here? Theodora may not like the answer. A gorgeous, funny, and
heartwarming examination of the perils and pleasures of
friendship. LEVEL L

BLIP by: BARNABY RICHARDS
Using the sparsest vocabulary, the author creates
a visually stunning world explored by a robot
whose language consists solely of the word "Blip".
As readers follow the robot's journey, they will
delight in the surreal scenes and remarkable
inhabitants of the planet, all while being gently
guided through a heartfelt story of finding the
familiar in an unfamiliar place. LEVEL C
APE AND ARMADILLO TAKE OVER THE WORLD by: JAMES
STURM
Armadillo is trying to come up with a plan for global domination...but
with every new idea, being a bad guy seems a little less fun—especially
if ruling the world means losing your best friend. Readers will delight in
star cartoonist James Sturm's tender and just description of a
friendship in danger. LEVEL K

A TRIP TO THE BOTTOM OF
THE WORLD by: JAMES STURM
There’s so much to see at the
bottom of the world! Join a young
explorer and his best friend,
Mouse, on a sea journey to
Antarctica, where they make new
friends with penguins and a whale
and have all kinds of fun. Are we
there yet? LEVEL E
HOW TO SAY GOODBYE by: GEOFFREY HAYES
Penny found a dead salamander, but her brother Benny is refusing
to help her bury it. Is it silly to hold a service for Little Sallie, or
could this tiny salamander mean something more to the siblings?
Geisel Award–winner Geoffrey Hayes shares this gentle tale of a
child's early encounter with death. LEVEL G

LUNCH OR WHAT´S THAT? By: JULIANNE MOORE
Academy-Award winning actress and bestselling author brings us
the adventures from Freckleface Strawberry! Picky eaters
everywhere will laugh along as she gets her lunch from the
cafeteria and asks the terrifying question: “What’s that?!” LEVEL I
PINCH AND DASH AND THE TERRIBLE COUCH by:
MICHAEL J. DALEY
Pinch and Dash are good friends. When Pinch gets hungry, but is
too lazy to make something to eat, he goes next door to see what
Dash has to offer. Dash is a great cook, but never uses enough
pepper or hot sauce in his soup. Pinch decides to take matters
into his own hands and spice things up. Level J

ITTY BITTY KITTY FIREHOUSE FUN! by: JOAN HOLUB
Ava and Itty Bitty Kitty are off to visit the firehouse! Ava’s
giant cat is usually less than purr-fectly behaved, and this trip
is no exception! Will Itty Bitty’s nose for trouble make them
new friends—or make their visit to the firehouse a disaster?
LEVEL K
THE GREAT ANTONIO by: ELISE GRAVEL
What made the Great Antonio so great? He weighed as much as a
horse; he once wrestled a bear; he could devour twenty-five roast
chickens at one sitting. In this whimsical book, the author and
illustrator tell the story of Antonio Barichievich, the larger-than-life
strongman who had muscles as big as his heart. LEVEL M

THE BAD GUYS by: AARON BLABEY
Mr. Wolf invites other bad guys to a meeting with hopes they will join him
in being good. Lots of drawings and minimal text make this a sure-bet for
first and second grade readers who like irony and humor. LEVEL K
BORIS GETS A LIZARD by: ANDREW JOYNER
For a curious warthog like Boris, adventure is always just around the corner!
Boris loves pets! And he already has lots of them. All he's missing is his
favorite animal, a Komodo dragon--the biggest lizard in the world!
When Boris brags to the kids in his class that he's getting one, everyone
wants to see it. Boris needs to come up with a plan...fast. Luckily, he's got his
friends by his side and a lizard up his sleeve! LEVEL K

SOFIA MARTINEZ by: JACQUELINE JULES
Sofia Martinez loves her familia! Her cousins, aunts,
uncles, and abuela are a huge part of her life.
Whether they are at a sunny beach or stuck in a
dark house without electricity, the Martinez family
knows how to make the best of every situation. Join
Sofia and her fantástica familia on three fun
adventures in this early chapter book, which
includes a Spanish glossary. LEVEL K

NARWHAL by: BEN CLANTON
Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky
narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense
jellyfish. The two might not
have a lot in common, but they
do they love waffles, parties
and adventures. Join Narwhal
and Jelly as they discover the
whole wide ocean together.
LEVEL K
SUPER NARWHAL AND JELLY JOLT by: BEN
CLANTON
Narwhal and Jelly are back in action for a SUPER
adventure! Join Super Narwhal and sidekick Jelly
Jolt as they take on three great new stories in this
early graphic novel series. LEVEL M

DOLPHIN RESCUE by: CATHERINE NICHOLS
Siblings Maddie and Atticus can’t figure out who is dumping trash
everywhere. And when they rescue a baby dolphin entangled in
trash, they know they must get to the bottom of this mystery.
Full-color photographs with information about dolphins, marine
life, and more. LEVEL O
FARM FRIENDS ESCAPE! By: GAIL
HERMAN
It’s a story with bonus non fiction
information sprinkled throughout. We follow
Luke and Sarah who are running the petting zoo
for their grandparents and learn about life,
animals, and crops on a farm. LEVEL M

NANCY CLANCY SEEKS A FORTUNE by: JANE O’CONNOR
Nancy and her best friend, Bree, learn about Gold Miners at school and
determine to make their own fortune with a small business.
Their entrepreneurial spirit has them making face cream (the dog eats
it) and tiaras (their supplies cost more than they think) which teach
them valuable life lessons. LEVEL O
NANCY CLANCY SOCCER MANIA by: JANE O’CONNOR
Nancy Clancy takes the field! Normally Nancy doesn’t like dressing like
everyone else. But wearing a soccer team uniform…well, that’s different.
Nancy adores being on the Green Goblins—she loves cheering for her
teammates, sharing refreshments, and painting her fingernails bright
green before every game. If only she had faster legs! All Nancy wants is
to be a little better than average. Will she reach her goal? Here’s a
brand-new chapter book with plenty of humor and sports action. LEVEL N

FULL STEAM AHEAD by: PAUL A: RYNOLDS
Sydney and Simon are twin mice on a mission to save the floppy flowers in
their window box. During a heat wave, their window got stuck, and now
they can't open it to water their blossoms before the neighborhood
flower show. The young chapter book highlights how the characters use
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to learn about
the water cycle on earth and at home. Will they rescue their flowers?
LEVEL O
ASHLEE SMALL & ASHLEE TALL by: MICHELE JAKUBOWSKI
Feeling torn apart by the Taylor family's recent move, best friends Ash
and Lee set out to find an activity they can enjoy together. Being so
different from one another, this isn't as easy as it sounds. Ash wants to
teach Lee some basketball moves, while Lee hopes to share her love of art
with Ash. But sharing their hobbies doesn't go as planned, and soon Ash
and Lee worry that they will never find the perfect activity for the two of
them. LEVEL N

SUPER FLY: THE WORLD’S SMALLEST SUPERHERO by: TODD H:
DOODLER
Super Fly is the story of Eugene Flystein, a small, nerdy housefly, who
happens to be the world's smallest superhero and humanity's greatest
crime fighter.
Super Fly is Able to stop tornadoes from destroying towns with just one
breath and push a ship away from an iceberg. He's even read every book in
the library twice. Yes, twice!
Can this four-eyed little bug, along with his sidekick Fantastic Flea, take
on Crazy Cockroach and his army of insect baddies? LEVEL S
STINKBOMB AND KETCHUP-FACE AND THE BADNESS OF
BADGERS by: JOHN DOUGHERTY St Ainkbomb and his sister,
Ketchup-Face are sure the badgers stole Stinkbomb’s $20. They
embark on the craziest of adventures — meeting King Toothbrush
Weasel then questing to rid the island of Great Kerfuffle of the
badgers. You’ll find lots of spontaneous singing about jam, actually
bad badgers, and a very helpful shopping cart. If you like silly
stories, this book is for you! LEVEL O

BATMAN THE LAZARUS PLAN bY JOHN SAZAKLIS
This superhero book grabs your attention immediately and keeps it. You
get to decide what Batman would do and read 13 possible story endings.
If you haven’t read a choose-your-own-adventure in a while, or ever, I
highly recommend them. Fantastic! LEVEL S
MISTY THE ABANDONED KITTEN by: HOLLY WEBB
In this charming chapter book, Amy finds and secretly cares
for a kitten. The kitten does belong to someone, who is older
and owns a bossy bigger cat so the kitty couldn’t get enough to
eat or enough attention and runs away. Luckily, all goes well,
and Amy gets to keep the kitty! This book is a good choice
for animal lovers.
LEVEL O

THE SLEUTHS OF SOMERVILLE: MICK’S BURRIED TREASURE
by: MICHELE JAKUBOWSKI
Well-paced and interesting chapter book that involves a group of
friends, friendship issues, and a mysterious treasure hunt. LEVEL S,T

LOST IN THE SNOW by: HOLLY WEBB
Fluff is the smallest and weakest of the farm kittens, but she
surprises everyone with her strength and spirit. Soon she and
her siblings are ready for new homes. But nobody seems to
want Fluff, and after a heartbreaking encounter with a little
girl called Ella, she gives up on her dream of a loving home and
flees the farm out into the big scary world. Fluff is soon lost
and all alone. LEVEL P
THE PUPPY WHO WAS LEFT BEHIND by: HOLLY WEBB
Anna and her new puppy, Fred, go to spend time on her grandparents'
canal boat during the summer. Anna loves the boat, and so does Fred,
but her grandparents have a black Labrador, Sunny, and he's very
grumpy with Fred. It's decided that poor Fred should go home, but by
the time Anna's parents come to pick him up, Anna is in tears. Fred is
upset, and scared of Sunny, and he runs away to hide in the woods.
With the boat needing to move on that evening, the race is on to find
the lost puppy before he gets left behind... LEVEL P

THE CRITTER CLUB by: CALLIE BARKLEY
It’s Spring Break in Santa Vista, and everyone has big
plans...everyone except for Amy, that is! As her best
friends head out of town on exciting adventures, Amy
resigns herself to helping out at her mom’s vet clinic.
At least she’ll be around cute animals! But when Santa
Vista’s cold and elusive millionaire, Marge Sullivan,
brings her puppy Rufus for a check-up, Amy
encounters an unexpected mystery. After her friends
return home, the girls get to the bottom of what
happened to Rufus—and discover a way to help other
lost and lonely animals in their town.
LEVEL M

ZEKE MEEKS by: D.L.GREEN
Instead of playing at recess, Zeke Meeks' classmates have been
sitting around, staring at their boring Puppet Pals. Will Zeke join them,
even though he has no interest in this playground craze?
LEVEL M
AMELIA BEDELIA UNLEASHED by: HERMAN PARISH
Amelia Bedelia is going to get a puppy! When her parents ask her
what kind of dog she'd like, Amelia Bedelia doesn't know what to
say. There are hundreds of dogs in the world, maybe even
millions! How will Amelia Bedelia find the perfect puppy?
With Amelia Bedelia anything can happen! LEVEL N

PEDRO FIRST GRADE HERO by: FRAN MANUSHKIN
Spend some time with Pedro, Katie Woo's fun-loving friend. From a
buggy disaster to a run for class president, Pedro has what it takes
to be the hero of first-grade. No matter what he's doing, Pedro is
always good for some laughs and adventure. LEVEL G
DORY FANTASMAGORY by: ABBY HANLON
As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more
than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But
she’s too much of a baby for them, so she’s left to her own devices—
including her wild imagination and untiring energy. Her siblings may roll
their eyes at her childish games, but Dory has lots of things to do:
outsmarting the monsters all over the house, escaping from prison and
taking revenge on her sister’s favorite doll. LEVEL L

THE HAUNTED LIBRARY by: DORI HILLESTAD
When ghost boy Kaz’s haunt is torn down and he is separated
from his ghost family, he meets a real girl named Claire, who
lives above the town library with her parents and her
grandmother. Claire has a special ability to see ghosts when
other humans cannot and she and Kaz quickly form a friendship.
The two join forces to solve the mystery of the ghost that’s
haunting the library. LEVEL N
MR. PANTS SLACKS, CAMERA, ACTION by: SCOTT Mc CORMICK
A comic book style chapter book perfect for Bad Kitty and Fly Guy fans!
Mr. Pants only has a few hours to make a movie with his sisters if
they’re going to win the filmmaking contest and get a trip to Hawaii.
Why do dumb things like chores and tea parties always get in the way?
With a little creative thinking, and a big dose of goofball personality,
the cats get their debut film done just in the nick of time.
LEVEL K

CLAUDE IN THE CITY by: ALEX T. SMITH
Claude is no ordinary dog. He leads an extraordinary life! When Mr. and
Mrs. Shinyshoes set off for work, Claude decides what adventure he
wants to have that day. Today he and Sir Bobblysock go to the city for
the very first time. The have tea in a cafe, go shopping and visit a
museum. It is all very normal until...Claude accidentally stops a robbery
and becomes the local hero! LEVEL O
THE FOURTHTEENTH GOLDFISH by: JENNIFER L. HOLM
Galileo. Newton. Salk. Science can change the world, but can it go too far?
Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She
misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed goldfish.
Then one day a strange boy shows up. He’s bossy. He’s cranky. And weirdly
enough . . . he looks a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always
been slightly obsessed with immortality. Could this boy really be Grandpa
Melvin? Has he found the secret to eternal youth? LEVEL O

MAL AND CHAD by: STEPHEN McCRANIE
Mal is a genius kid and Chad is a talking dog, but no one knows it.
What's it like to be so extraordinary and yet so invisible? Not
even Megan, Mal's secret crush, has any idea that Mal is
anything more than a dork. Fortunately, Mal and Chad are best
friends with a weakness for adventure even if the time-
traveling does get them grounded by Mal's mom.
LEVEL J
OWL DIARIES: EVA’S TREETOP FESTIVAL by: REBECCA ELLIOTT
Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she offers to organize a spring
festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is NO
way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue for
help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled? This book is written as
Eva's diary -- with Rebecca Elliott's owl-dorable full-color illustrations
throughout! LEVEL L

RANGER IN TIME by: KATE MESSNER
Ranger has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog, but can't officially
pass the test because he's always getting distracted by squirrels during
exercises. One day, he finds a mysterious first aid kit in the garden and is
transported to the year 1850, where he meets a young boy named Sam
Abbott. Sam's family is migrating west on the Oregon Trail, and soon after
Ranger arrives he helps the boy save his little sister. Ranger thinks his job
is done, but the Oregon Trail can be dangerous, and the Abbotts need
Ranger's help more than they realize! LEVEL P
MISTY THE ABANDONED KITTEN by: HOLLY WEBB
Amy has always loved cats and is thrilled when she spots a tiny little
black kitten in her garden. Although she has no collar, she looks too well
cared for to be a stray. Misty starts to spend more and more time with
Amy, but just as she starts to think of the kitten as hers, the real
owners show up. LEVEL O

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY by: BETTY BIRNEY
You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That’s
what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. In
addition to having FUN in class, each weekend this hamster gets to
sleep over with a different student. Soon Humphrey learns to read,
write, and even shoot rubber bands in self-defense. With many
friends to help, adventures to enjoy, and a cage with a lock-that-
doesn’t-lock, Humphrey's life is almost perfect. If only the
teacher, wasn’t out to get him!
LEVEL N, O
ZOEY AND SASSAFRAS DRAGONS AND MARSHMELLOWS by: ASIA
CITRO
With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the brand new
series Zoey and Sassafras has something for everyone!
Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns an amazing secret. Injured
magical animals come to their backyard barn for help! When a sick baby
dragon appears, it’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to figure out what’s wrong.
Will they be able to help before it’s too late? LEVEL M

HERE’S HANK: BOOKMARKS ARE PEOPLE TOO! by: HENRY
WINKLER
Hank is in 2nd grade! He doesn't try to be funny, but he
somehow always makes the kids laugh. He's bad at memorizing
stuff, and spelling is his worst subject. (So are math and
reading!). In this book, Hank's class is putting on a play, and he
wants the lead part: Aqua Fly. But when he freezes in his
audition and can only buzz like a fly, his teacher creates a
special part for him, a silent bookmark. This seems like an
insignificant role, but when his enemy, Nick McKelty, freezes
during the show, it's up to Hank to save the play! LEVEL N
THE VANISHING COIN by: KATE EGAN
Fourth grade was supposed to be a fresh start, but Mike's already back
in the principal's office. He's not a bad kid, he just can't sit still. And
now, his parents won't let him play soccer anymore; instead he has to
hang out with his new neighbor Nora, who is good at everything!
Then, Mike and Nora discover the White Rabbit, an odd shop with a
special secret inside. Its owner, Mr. Zerlin, is a magician, and believes
Mike could be a magician, too. Has Mike finally found something he's good
at? LEVEL O

!
DOODLE ADVENTURES: THE SEARCH FOR THE SLIMY
SPACE SLUGS! by: MIKE LOWER
Draw your way through the story.
A lighthearted fantasy set in space, where the the reader is
invited to join Carl, a duck and member of a super-secret
international group of explorers, on a journey in search of a
very important object. By the end, the reader will have co-
written a tale to return to again and again, and show off to
family and friends. LEVEL P
THE ADVENTURES OF NANNY PIGGINS by: R:A: SPRATT
When stingy Mr. Green planted a Nanny Wanted sign on his front
lawn for his three children, he had no idea his ad would be answered
by a pig! A vivacious and impeccably dressed pig! With her insatiable
urge to eat chocolate, and feed chocolate to everyone she loves, her
high-flying spirit, and her unending sense of fun, Nanny Piggins takes
Derrick, Samantha, and Michael on a year of surprises, yummy treats,
and adventures they'll never forget. LEVEL U

Award Winning and
Finalist Books

RADIANT CHILD by: JEAN MICHEL BASQUIAT
Winner of the 2017 Randolph Caldecott Medal
Winner of the 2017 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
Somewhere in Brooklyn, a little boy dreams of being a famous artist, not
knowing that one day he would make himself a king.
Jean-Michael Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed
to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art
world had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art
everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words
that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. LEVEL Q

DU IZ TAK? By: CARSON ELLIS
2017 Caldecott Honor Book
Author Carson Ellis turns an eye to the natural world, with gorgeous
Art and a playful invented language.
THEY ALL SAW A CAT by: BRENDEN WENZEL
New York Times bestseller
The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and
paws . . .In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and
imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat.
When you see a cat, what do you see? LEVEL I

FREEDOM IN CONGO SQUARE by: CAROLE BOSTON
WEATHERFORD
2017 Caldecott Honor
2017 Coretta Scott Honor
Chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2016,
this poetic, nonfiction story about a little-known piece of
African American history captures a human’s capacity to find
hope and joy in difficult circumstances and demonstrates how
New Orleans' Congo Square was truly freedom’s heart. LEVEL
S,T
LEAVE ME ALONE by: VERA BOSGOL
A fun, kid-pleasing journey with a cranky, sweater-knitting
grandma. What's an old woman to do when her gang of wildly
active grandkids won't let her knit? She shouts, "Leave me
alone!" and heads out in search of peace and quiet. There's loads
of humor in the art and text, making this a read-aloud pleasure.
LEVEL L

WE ARE GROWING by: LAURIE KELLER
2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal
Walt and his friends are growing up! Everyone is the something-est. But . . .
what about Walt? He is not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is
not the anything-est! As a BIG surprise inches closer, Walt discovers
something special of his own! LEVEL E
THE INFAMOUS RATSOS
2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor
Louie and Ralphie Ratso’s dad, Big Lou, always says that there are two
kinds of people: those who are tough and those who are soft. Louie and
Ralphie are tough just like Big Lou, and they’re going to prove it. But every
time they try to show just how tough they are, the Ratso brothers end up
accidentally doing good deeds instead. What’ll Big Lou do when he finds out
they’ve been acting like softies all over the Big City?
LEVEL N

GO,OTTO,GO! By: DAVID MILGRIM
2017 Geisel Honor Book
See Otto work and work on a spaceship to take him home.
Since landing on Earth, Otto has made many friends, but what Otto
wants most is to visit his family. Will Otto’s spaceship take him up,
up, up, so he can go, go, go? LEVEL C
OOPS,POUNCE,QUICK,RUN!
2017 Geisel Honor Book
In the vein of Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, and other classic
cartoons, Oops, Pounce, Quick, Run! is a hilariously clever alphabet
book, perfect for fans of LMNO Peas. A little mouse is asleep
until a ball suddenly bounces into his home, setting off an epic
chase from A to Z. LEVEL D

GOOD NIGHT OWL by: GREG PIZZOLI
2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
Owl is ready for bed. But as soon as he settles in, he hears a
strange noise. He'll never get to sleep unless he can figure out
what's going on! He looks everywhere in his cupboard,
underneath the floorboards even in his walls. But while he's
busy tearing his house apart, he doesn't notice one tiny,
squeaky, mouse-shaped detail. . . . Will Owl ever get a good
night's sleep? LEVEL H

JUANA AND LUCAS by: JUANA MEDINA
2017 Pura Belpre Medal Winner
Juana loves drawing, eating Brussels sprouts,
living in Bogotá, Colombia, and especially her
dog, Lucas, the best amigo ever! She hates
wearing her itchy school uniform, solving math
problems, going to dance class, and especially
learning English. But when Juana’s abuelos tell
her about a special trip they are planning, and
she will need to speak English to go on, Juana
begins to wonder whether learning the English
might be a good use of her time after all.
Hilarious, energetic, and utterly relatable,
Juana will win over los corazones of readers
everywhere in her first adventure.
Fans of Judy Moody will love Juana, a
Colombian girl who stars in this playful,
abundantly illustrated new series.
LEVEL Q, R

LOWRIDERS TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH by: CATHY
CAMPER
2017 Pura Belpre Honor Book
The lovable trio Lupe Impala, Elirio Malaria, and El Chavo
Octopus are living their dream at last. They're the proud
owners of their very own garage. But when their beloved cat
Genie goes missing, they need to do everything they can to find
him. Little do they know the trail will lead them to the realm of
Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of the Underworld, who is
keeping Genie prisoner! LEVEL M
ESQUIVEL SPACE-AGE SOUND ARTIST by: JUAN GARCIA
ESQUIVEL
Juan Garcia Esquivel was born in Mexico and grew up to the sounds
of mariachi bands. He loved music and became a musical explorer.
Defying convention, he created music that made people laugh and
planted images in their minds. Juan’s space-age lounge music,
popular in the fifties and sixties, has found a new generation of
listeners. LEVEL P

THE PRINCESS AND THE WARRIOR by: DUNCAN TONATIUH
A Mexican legend. Princess Izta had many wealthy admirers but dismissed them all. When a
simple warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in
love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca
and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a
messenger to Izta saying Popoca was dead. Izta fell into a deep sleep and, upon his return,
even Popoca could not wake her. As promised Popoca stayed by her side. So two volcanoes
were formed: Iztaccíhuatl, who continues to sleep, and Popocatépetl, who spews ash and
smoke, Trying to wake his love. LEVEL O, P

SIX DOTS by: JEN BRYANT
An inspiring picture-book biography of Louis Braille—a blind boy so
determined to read that he invented his own alphabet.
Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was
smart and determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted
more than anything was to be able to read. However, at the school for
the blind in Paris, there were no books for him.
Braille invented his own alphabet, a whole new system for writing that
could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by
the blind community today. LEVEL M
EMMANUEL’S DREAM THE TRUE STORY OF EMMANUEL
OFOSU YEBOAH by: LAURIE ANN THOMPSON
This picture book biography tells the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu
Yeboah, who bicycled across Ghana nearly 400 miles with only one
leg. With that achievement he forever changed how his country
treats people with disabilities, and he shows us all that one person is
enough to change the world. Level P

HIAWATHA AND THE PEACEMAKER by: ROBBIE ROBERTSON
Born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, musical icon Robbie Robertson
learned the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker,
as part of the Iroquois oral tradition. Now he shares the same gift of
storytelling with a new generation.
Hiawatha was a strong Mohawk who was chosen to translate the
Peacemaker’s message of unity for the five warring Iroquois nations
during the 14th century. This message united the tribes and changed
how the Iroquois governed themselves. A plan for democracy that later
inspired the authors of the U.S. Constitution.
LEVEL S,T
GOIN’ SOMEPLACE SPECIAL by: PATRICIA McKISSACK
Author Patricia McKissack uses childhood memories of
growing up in the segregated South to create this
enlightening and touching story of one very special place. A
young girl takes a trip in a 1950’s town in the south to were
everyone is welcome…the library! This touching story provides
personal insight into a time that might be hard to understand
for young readers. LEVEL O, P

NICE WORK, FRANKLIN by: TRIPP JURYMAN
As one of our most inspirational and determined presidents, Franklin
Roosevelt overcame his disability to lead the country out of the
Great Depression. Franklin said that if you have a problem, solve it. If
one solution doesn’t work, try another but above all TRY SOMETHING.
LEVEL P
ENDLESS EXPLORATIONS by: BRENDA SCOTT-ROYCE
Endless Explorations Level 4" provides fascinating facts and challenging
content that promotes reading success and enjoyment. Developed in
partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and childhood literacy
expert Dr. Adria Klein, "Smithsonian Readers: Endless Explorations
Level 4" contains six 32-page topics for children on their way to
becoming expert readers: Predators, Space Exploration, Natural
Disasters, World Wonders, Ocean Habitats, and Flight. Most of the
vocabulary should be familiar to second-graders. LEVEL L, M

IF AN EGG HATCHES by: BLAKE A. HOENA
When a bird builds a nest, she'll lay an egg inside. If the egg cracks,
what will happen next? Beautiful, full-color photos and simple, fun text
offer facts about animals! LEVEL N
SIR CUMFERENCE AND THE ROUNDABOUT BATTLE A MATH
ADVENTURE by: CINDY NEUSCHWANDER
Geometry is explained with humor making it fun and accessible for
beginners. What would you do if the neighboring kingdom were
threatening war? Would you call your strongest and bravest knights to
come up with a solution? You need expert help when your conference table
causes more problems than the threat of your enemy. Sir Cumference, his
wife Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius, along with the carpenter,
Geo of Metry, design the perfect table conducive to discussing the
perfect peace plan. LEVEL O, P

ORANGUTAN HOUDINI by: LAUREL NEME
The true story of Fu Manchu, an adult male orangutan, who
loves outsmarting his friend, zookeeper Jerry Stones,
escaping his enclosure at will. Fu spends sunny days with
the elephants in another part of the zoo. Jerry thinks his
staff is careless. But when that assumption proves wrong,
he starts an investigation mission to discover how Fu
manages his getaways. Jerry discovers that Fu can open
the locked door, but can't figure out how. Eventually, Fu
reveals to Jerry how he did it, and is rewarded with
honorary membership in the American Association of
Locksmiths. LEVEL S
TUESDAY TUCKS ME IN IN THE LOYAL BOND BETWEEN A SOLDIER
AND HIS SERVICE DOG by: LUIS CARLOS MONTALVAN
2014 Amazon’s Best Non-Fiction Children’s Book
Narrated by Tuesday, this true story is a day in the life of this service dog
exceptional and tail-wagging ambassador for all positive and uplifting things in
the world. The book shows a typical day of adventures, starting with Tuesday
waking Luis in the morning and greeting him with dog breath in the face. It
ends with Tuesday cuddling up to Luis on their bed, the last moment they
spend together before sleep. LEVEL M

HIPPOS CAN’T SWIM AND OTHER FUN FACTS by:
LAURA LYN DiSIENA
Did you know that hippos can't swim and zebra's stripes are
as unique as a human`s fingerprints? This hilarious book is
full of fun facts about all sorts of animals. From sleepy ants
to jellyfish. Colorful, humorous illustrations accompany tons
of cool facts about animals of all shapes, sizes, speeds, and
species making nonfiction fun! LEVEL O
FINDING WINNIE: THE TRUE STORY OF THE WORLD’S MOST
FAMOUS BEAR by: LINDSAY MATTICK
Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie.
In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in
World War I, rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his
hometown of Winnipeg, and took the bear to war. From the fields of
Canada to a convoy across the ocean and to an army base in England,
finally Winnie was placed at the London Zoo. There, Winnie made
another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin.
Here is the remarkable true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-
the-Pooh. LEVEL M

LOCOMOTIVE by: BRIAN FLOCA
2014 Caldecott Medal Winner
A rich and detailed sensory exploration of America's early railroads.
It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling
together, riding America's brand-new transcontinental railroad.
These pages come alive with the details of the trip and the sounds,
speed, and strength of the mighty locomotives; the work that keeps
them moving; and the thrill of travel from the plains to the mountain
to the ocean. LEVEL P, Q

 Book Reviews Taken From:
Amazon Books: www.amazon.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com>Childrens>Picture Books
Melissa Taylor: imaginationsoup.net
*If you wish, you may purchase these books online at
www.childrensbooks.com.co or call 6459935 / 304 357 5914.

Summer reading recommendations 2017

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Summer reading recommendations 2017