Special Collections

District List: SDP-2018 Summer Reading List for Grades K-2

Description: School District of Philadelphia Summer Reading List for Grades K-2 #kids #teachers #sdp


Showing 1 through 25 of 28 results

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

by William Steig

One rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his own donkey self makes a story that is beautifully tender and perfectly joyful.

Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this winner of the 1970 Caldecott Medal is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere. It also features his moving Caldecott Medal acceptance speech.

Date Added: 05/16/2019


The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree, a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein, has been a classic favorite for generations.

Since it was first published fifty years ago, Shel Silverstein's poignant picture book for readers of all ages has offered a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

Date Added: 05/23/2019


Tito Puente

by Monica Brown and Rafael Lopez

Meet Tito Puente--the King of Mambo. Tum Tica! From musical prodigy on the streets of Harlem to five-time Grammy Award winner, Tito's life was full of rhythm. Drums and claves, saxophones and tambourines were all part of the fun. Tac Tic! Monica Brown and Rafael López, the award-winning creators of the Pura Belpré Honor Book "My Name is Celia/Me Llamo Celia," team up once again for another spectacular collaboration in this upbeat tribute to a musical legend. Tum Tic! Tom Tom! Conoce a Tito Puente, el Rey del Mambo. ¡Tum Tica! De prodigio musical en las calles de Harlem a ganador de cinco premios Grammy, la vida de Tito fue muy rítmica. Tambores y claves, saxófonos y panderetas siempre formaron parte de la diversión. ¡Tac Tic! Monica Brown y Rafael López, los creadores del libro "My Name is Celia/Me Llamo Celia," el cual fue galardonado con el Honor Pura Belpré, se reúnen una vez más para crear otra colaboración espectacular en este alegre homenaje a una leyenda musical. ¡Tum Tic! ¡Tom Tom!

Date Added: 05/18/2017


The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses

by Paul Goble

From the Book jacket: In simple words and brilliant paintings that sweep and stam pede across his pages, Paul Goble tells of a Native American girl's love of horses. Her people saw that she understood the herd in a special way. The horses would follow her to drink at the river. And in the hot sun she would sleep con tentedly beside them as they grazed among flowers near her village. One day a thunderstorm drove the girl and the horses far from home, and the people were frightened. The girl was lost beneath strange, moonlit cliffs; yet, next morning, she was glad, for a beautiful stallion who was the leader of the wild horses wel comed her to live with them. PAUL GOBLE is in Residence at the Gall Indian and Western Arts at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Among his other books are: THE FRIENDLY WOLF "A young Plains Indian boy and his sister, bored with berry-picking, wander off and become lost. They take overnight shelter in a wolfs den, and, in answer to their pleas for help, the wolf leads them home. Their tribe honors the wolf and declares friendship with the wolf people ... The clear text is complemented by colorful, full-page illustrations which present accurate, richly detailed information about Indian life...A splendid resource for children..." School Library Journal (starred review) LONE BULL'S HORSE RAID "The Plains Indians needed horses for hunting buffalo and hauling their possessions...This story tells of Lone Bull's first horse raid and the battle it led to, which enabled Lone Bull to stand before his people as a warrior. . .Magnificent color illustrations full of rich detail... in this excellently designed, honest portrayal of the Indian point of view." School Library Journal (starred review)

Date Added: 05/18/2017


Llama Llama and the Bully Goat

by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama likes to sing. Gilroy laughs at everything. Llama sings out just the same. Gilroy says a not-nice name. Teacher has some things to say: calling names is not OK. Llama Llama is learning lots of new things at school and making many friends. But when Gilroy Goat starts teasing him and some of their classmates, Llama Llama isn't sure what to do. And then he remembers what his teacher told him#151;walk away and tell someone. It works! But then Llama Llama feels badly. Can he and Gilroy try to be friends again? Taking on a difficult but important part of children's lives, Anna Dewdney gives readers a way to experience and discuss bullying in a safe and comforting way

Date Added: 05/18/2017


17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore

by Jenny Offill

I had an idea to staple my brother's hair to his pillow. I am not allowed to use the stapler anymore. Here's a kid full of ideas, all day long. For example, in the morning, gluing her brother's bunny slippers to the floor sounds like a good plan. But now she's not allowed to use glue anymore. And what about when she shows Joey Whipple her underpants--they're only underpants, right? Turns out she's not allowed to do that again, either. And isn't broccoli the perfect gift for any brother? It's just too bad her parents don't think so. But she has the last laugh in this humerous first picture book by an acclaimed novelist of books for adults. From the Hardcover edition.

Date Added: 05/18/2017


Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

by Mo Willems

When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate. In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum. Images and image descriptions available.

Date Added: 05/18/2017


Dad, Jackie, and Me

by Myron Uhlberg

Jackie Robinson is the new first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers--and the first black player in Major League Baseball. A young boy shares the excitement of Robinson's rookie season with his deaf father.

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award

Date Added: 05/18/2017


Make Way for Ducklings

by Robert Mccloskey

This classic tale of the famous Mallard ducks of Boston was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1941. Make Way for Ducklings has been described as 'one of the merriest picture books ever' (The New York Times). Ideal for reading aloud, this book deserves a place of honor on every child's bookshelf. Images and image descriptions available.

Date Added: 05/18/2017


Duck for President

by Doreen Cronin

Publisher’s Description: My fellow Americans: It is our pleasure, our honor, our duty as citizens to present to you Duck for President. Here is a duck who began in a humble pond. Who worked his way to farmer. To governor. And now, perhaps, to the highest office in the land. Some say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he is a duck. We say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he will be the next president of the United States of America. Adults and teens will enjoy reading this satirical book to their young charges. Other books by Doreen Cronin are available from Bookshare.org.

Date Added: 05/18/2017


We're Going on a Bear Hunt

by Michael Rosen

It's never easy going on a bear hunt, as the five prospective hunters soon find out. On a beautiful day, four children and their dad cross a field of long grass, wade through a deep cold river ... and go into a narrow cave. They say they're not scared... But what's that fearful creature looming up ahead?

Date Added: 05/18/2017


Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?

by Nancy White Carlstrom

Jesse Bear, what will you wear? What will you wear in the morning My shirt of red Pulled over my head Over my head in the morning. And so Jesse Bear starts his day.

Date Added: 05/18/2017


Ocean Counting

by Brian Skerry and National Geographic Kids Staff and Janet Lawler

Throughout our world's oceans live wild animals that swim, leap, and dive through the pages of this charming title. The photography in this book presents young readers with a foundation for learning basic counting skills while discovering some magnificent ocean animals. The marine life captured on each page portray familiar favorites along with a few lesser-known, but still amazing, animals. Lyrical text about each creature is both lively and thought-provoking. "Did You Know" facts accompany each spread to add both fun and fascinating tidbits about each creature. Fact boxes in the back of the book include information about the animals' homes, sizes, diets, predators, and babies. The book ends with an interactive map and a brief and inspirational note from National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry. A glossary helps kids expand their vocabulary, and a list of books and websites for further reading help jump-start more discovery.

Date Added: 06/26/2019


Little Humans

by Brandon Stanton

Street photographer and storyteller extraordinaire Brandon Stanton is the creator of the wildly popular blog "Humans of New York." He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Humans of New York. To create Little Humans, a 40-page photographic picture book for young children, he's combined an original narrative with some of his favorite children's photos from the blog, in addition to all-new exclusive portraits. The result is a hip, heartwarming ode to little humans everywhere.

Date Added: 07/12/2019


Animalia

by Graeme Base

An alphabet book with fantastic and detailed pictures, bearing such labels as Lazy lions lounging in the local library..

Date Added: 08/27/2019


Mommy's Khimar

by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

A young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn.

A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears. Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.

A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.

Date Added: 07/03/2019


I Got the Rhythm

by Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrision

On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!

Date Added: 04/30/2019


We're All Wonders

by R. J. Palacio

We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.

Date Added: 04/30/2019


Creature Features

by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Dear axolotl: Why do you have feathers growing out of your head? Axolotl: They aren't feathers—they're gills! They let me breathe underwater. Let's face it. Even as babies, we humans pay close attention to faces. Observing another person's features and expressions tells us whether they are happy, angry, excited, or sad. And when we look at an animal, it's hard not to imagine that its face is communicating human feelings. This isn't true, of course. Squinty eyes, an upturned mouth, or another odd expression is probably there because, in some way, it helps that animal survive. Packed with many cool facts and visuals on where certain animals live and what they eat, this book captures twenty-five humorous—and very true—explanations of why animals look the way they do in order to exist in this world.

Date Added: 04/30/2019


What Do You Do With an Idea?

by Kobi Yamada

A New York Times Best Seller and award-winning book, What Do You Do With an Idea? is for anyone who's ever had a big idea.

This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child's confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who's ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It's a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's just getting started.

Date Added: 04/30/2019


The Quickest Kid in Clarksville

by Pat Zietlow Miller

It's the day before the big parade. Alta can only think about one thing: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. She'll be riding on a float tomorrow. See, Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was. It doesn't matter that Alta's shoes have holes because Wilma came from hard times, too. But what happens when a new girl with shiny new shoes comes along and challenges Alta to a race? Will she still be the quickest kid? The Quickest Kid in Clarksville is a timeless story of dreams, determination, and the power of friendship. Plus, this is the fixed-format version, which looks almost identical to the print edition!

Date Added: 04/30/2019


The Totally Secret Secret

by Bob Shea

Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony are trying to decide what to play today. Nothing that Sparkles suggests--making crafts, playing checkers, and selling lemonade--goes well with the leaping, spinning, and twirling that Ballet Cat likes to do. When Sparkles's leaps, spins, and twirls seem halfhearted, Ballet Cat asks him what's wrong. Sparkles doesn't want to say. He has a secret that Ballet Cat won't want to hear. What Sparkles doesn't know is that Ballet Cat has a secret of her own, a totally secret secret. Once their secrets are shared, will their friendship end, or be stronger than ever?

Date Added: 04/30/2019


He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

by Kadir Nelson

What began as a spiritual has developed into one of America’s best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, Kadir has created a dazzling, intimate interpretation, one that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature. Inspired by the song’s simple message, Kadir sought to capture the joy of living in and engaging with the world. Most importantly, he wished to portray the world as a child might see it—vast and beautiful.

Date Added: 01/28/2020


You Can't Taste A Pickle With Your Ear A Book About Your 5 Senses

by Amanda Haley

You Can't Taste A Pickle With Your Ear: A Book About Your 5 Senses Paperback - 2002

Date Added: 01/24/2020


Double Trouble in Walla Walla

by Andrew Clements

It's an ordinary morning in Walla Walla until Lulu, her teacher, the school nurse, and the principal are all infected by a word warp which makes them reduplicate everything they say.

Date Added: 01/24/2020



Showing 1 through 25 of 28 results