Special Collections
MSD of Wayne Township ELA Novels Grade 3-6
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Zathura
by Chris Van AllsburgOn the last page of the Caldecott Medal-winning book Jumanji, young Danny Budwing is seen running home with a game tucked under his arm. Now, after twenty years, Chris Van Allsburg is ready to reveal what happens when Danny and his brother roll the dice. This time the name of the game is Zathura and Walter and Danny Budwing are in for the ride of their lives. Only the mind and hand of Chris Van Allsburg could create such a fantastic world where shifts in time and space and perspective take the reader on an extraordinary journey.
Written in Bone
by Sally M. WalkerJoin author Sally M. Walker as she works alongside scientists investigating colonial-era graves near Jamestown, Virginia: a teenage boy, a ship's captain, an indentured servant, a colonial official and his family, and an enslaved African girl. All are reaching beyond the grave to tell us their stories, which are written in bone.
When Marian Sang
by Pam Muñoz RyanAn introduction to the life of Marian Anderson, extraordinary singer and the first African American to perform with the Metropolitan Opera, whose life and career encouraged social change.
Winner of the Sibert Honor
We Are the Ship
by Kadir Nelson"We are the ship; all else the sea"
--Rube Foster, founder of the Negro National League.
The story of Negro League baseball is the story of gifted athletes and determined owners; of racial discrimination and international sportsmanship; of fortunes won and lost; of triumphs and defeats on and off the field. Most of all, the story of the Negro Leagues is about the unsung heroes who overcame segregation, hatred, terrible conditions, and low pay to do the one thing they loved more than anything else in the world: play ball.
Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. The voice is so authentic, you will feel as if you are sitting on dusty bleachers listening intently to the memories of a man who has known the great ballplayers of that time and shared their experiences. But what makes this book so outstanding are the dozens of oil paintings--breathtaking in their perspectives, rich in emotion, and created with understanding and affection for these lost heroes of our national game.
We Are the Ship is a tour de force for baseball lovers of all ages.
[This text is listed as an example that meets Common Core Standards in English language arts in grades 4-5 at http://www.corestandards.org.]
Winner of the Sibert Medal and the Coretta Scott King Medal
Understanding Greek Myths
by Natalie HydeMyths Understood is an innovative new series that explores how myths reveal a culture's way of life. Each book begins with a brief overview of a civilization, including information about the physical landscape, government and religious beliefs, and then introduces myths from the culture, examining common themes that shed light on the people's way of life. Lastly, each book explores how myths inspired later literature and arts and how they continue to influence our world today. Simultaneous.
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains
by Scott O'DellThis powerful account of the tragic defeat of the Nez Perce Indians in 1877 by the United States Army is narrated by Chief Joseph's strong and brave daughter.
Tea with Milk
by Allen SayAt home in San Francisco, May speaks Japanese and the family eats rice and miso soup and drinks green tea. When she visits her friends' homes, she eats fried chicken and spaghetti. May plans someday to go to college and live in an apartment of her own. But when her family moves back to Japan, she soon feels lost and homesick for America. In Japan everyone calls her by her Japanese name, Masako. She has to wear kimonos and sit on the floor. Poor May is sure that she will never feel at home in this country. Eventually May is expected to marry and a matchmaker is hired. Outraged at the thought, May sets out to find her own way in the big city of Osaka. Allen Say has created a moving tribute to his parents and their path to discovering where home really is.
The Scarlet Stockings Spy
by Trinka Hakes Noble and Robert PappIn The Scarlet Stockings Spy Trinka Hakes Noble has masterfully created a heroine who is as brash and idealistic as her young country. Young Maddy Rose teaches the reader that the role of patriot has nothing to do with age and everything to do with heart.
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition
by John 'Lofty' WisemanThe ultimate guide to surviving anywhereUpdated to reflect the latest in survival knowledge and technology, and covering new topics such as urban survival and terrorism, the internationally bestselling SAS Survival Handbook is the definitive resource for all campers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers. From basic campcraft and navigation to fear management and strategies for coping with any type of disaster, this complete course includes:Being prepared: Understanding basic survival skills, like reading the weather, and preparation essentials, such as a pocket survival kit.Making camp: Finding the best location, constructing the appropriate shelter, organizing camp, staying warm, and creating tools.Food: What to eat, what to avoid, where to find it, and how to prepare it.First aid: A comprehensive course in emergency/wilderness medicine, including how to maximize survival in any climate or when injured.Disaster survival: How to react in the face of natural disasters and hostile situations--and how to survive if all services and supplies are cut off.Self-defense: Arming yourself with basic hand-to-hand combat techniques.Security: Protecting your family and property from intrusion, break-ins, and theft.Climate & terrain: Overcoming any location, from the tropics to the poles, from the desert to the mountains and sea.
A River of Words
by Jen Bryant2009 Caldecott Honor BookAn ALA Notable BookA New York Times Best Illustrated Children&’s BookA Charlotte Zolotow Honor BookNCTE Notable Children&’s Book When he wrote poems, he felt as free as the Passaic River as it rushed to the falls. Willie&’s notebooks filled up, one after another. Willie&’s words gave him freedom and peace, but he also knew he needed to earn a living. So he went off to medical school and became a doctor -- one of the busiest men in town! Yet he never stopped writing poetry. In this picture book biography of William Carlos Williams, Jen Bryant&’s engaging prose and Melissa Sweet&’s stunning mixed-media illustrations celebrate the amazing man who found a way to earn a living and to honor his calling to be a poet.
A River of Words
by Jen BryantThis book traces the childhood urges to write of William Carlos Williams
The River Between Us
by Richard PeckThe year is 1861. Civil war is imminent and Tilly Pruitt's brother, Noah, is eager to go and fight on the side of the North.
With her father long gone, Tilly, her sister, and their mother struggle to make ends meet and hold the dwindling Pruitt family together. Then one night a mysterious girl arrives on a steamboat bound for St. Louis.
Delphine is unlike anyone the small river town has even seen. Mrs. Pruitt agrees to take Delphine and her dark, silent traveling companion in as boarders.
No one in town knows what to make of the two strangers, and so the rumors fly. Is Delphine's companion a slave? Could they be spies for the South? Are the Pruitts traitors? A masterful tale of mystery and war, and a breathtaking portrait of the lifelong impact one person can have on another.
Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Ramayana
by Sanjay PatelArtist and veteran Pixar animator Sanjay Patel lends a lush, whimsical illustration style and lighthearted voice to one of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales. Teeming with powerful deities, love-struck monsters, flying monkey gods, magic weapons, demon armies, and divine love, Ramayana tells the story of Rama, a god-turned-prince, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita after she is kidnapped by a demon king. This illustrated tale features over 100 colorful full-spread illustrations, a detailed pictorial glossary of the cast of characters who make up the epic tale, and sketches of the work in progress. From princesses in peril to gripping battles, scheming royals, and hordes of bloodthirsty demons, Ramayana is the ultimate adventure story presented with an unforgettably modern touch.
Ramayana
by Sanjay PatelA 21st century retelling of a 2500-year-old story: Artist and veteran Pixar animator Sanjay Patel lends a lush, whimsical illustration style and lighthearted voice to one of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales.Teeming with powerful deities, love-struck monsters, flying monkey gods, magic weapons, demon armies, and divine love, Ramayana: Divine Loophole tells the story of Rama, a god-turned-prince, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita after she is kidnapped by a demon king.From princesses in peril to gripping battles, scheming royals, and hordes of bloodthirsty demons, this incredible retelling of the classic Ramayana for kids is the ultimate adventure story presented with an unforgettably modern touch.Fans of Sanjay Patel's books, including The Little Book of Hindu Deities and Ganesha's Sweet Tooth, will be entranced by this ancient story brought to life with more than 100 dazzlingly colorful illustrations. Readers of all ages who love Hindu as well as Celtic, Roman, Chinese, and Greek mythology, and mythological creatures, will enjoy this timeless tale and its essential themes of duty, honor, and loyalty.RAMAYANA ILLUSTRATED FOR A NEW GENERATION: Even readers familiar with this ancient tale will find delight and new understanding in these pages. This keepsake volume includes more than 100 colorful full-spread illustrations, a detailed pictorial glossary of the cast of characters who make up the epic tale, and sketches of the work in progress.GREAT FAMILY READ-ALONG: A hit with parents eager for enthralling books to share with the whole family, Ramayana: Divine Loophole's "incredible illustrations and simple story for kids make this perfect bedtime reading for children aged five and above . . . [A] fun, technicolor way to introduce Hindu mythology to your children." (theswaddle.com)PIXAR ARTIST AUTHOR: Sanjay Patel is a wildly talented artist whose work as an animator and storyboard artist for Pixar Animation Studios includes Monsters, Inc., A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3, Ratatouille, and The Incredibles. His short film Sanjay's Super Team was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.Perfect for:Readers who love Hindu goddesses, Indian mythology, and ancient adventure talesEducational material for classroom or homeschool curriculumGift giving for Diwali, birthday, graduation, or any special occasionFans of Pixar movies, Classic Tales from India, The Illustrated Mahabharata, and D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
One Giant Leap
by Robert BurleighThe exciting story of the first-ever moon landing—a perfect way to introduce young readers to that pivotal moment in human history! On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person in history to set foot on the moon. As he did so, he uttered his famous declaration: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” But how did he and Buzz Aldrin reach the moon? What was their journey like? In this gorgeously illustrated book, readers join the crew of Apollo 11 as they race into space and reach incredible new heights. With a message that anything is possible if you try, and a large trim size that works nicely for group reads, this is a wonderful classroom or story-time read-aloud and a great way to share the story of the first moon landing with young readers. To commemorate this extraordinary moment in human history, Robert Burleigh and Mike Wimmer have created a breathtakingly beautiful tribute that transports readers to the stars, where they will experience the moon landing just as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did.
One Giant Leap
by Robert BurleighOn July 29, 1969, as Americans sat glued to their televisions and radios, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did the seemingly impossible--something humans had dreamed of doing for centuries: They traveled 240,000 miles through space and set foot on the moon. One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind. This achievement not only brought the moon within reach, but now everything seemed possible. If it could be imagined, it could be done.
The Odyssey
by Gillian Cross and Neil PackerOdysseus faces storm and shipwreck, a terrifying man-eating Cyclops, the alluring but deadly Sirens, and the fury of the sea-god Poseidon as he makes his ten-year journey home from the Trojan War. While Odysseus struggles to make it home, his wife, Penelope, fights a different kind of battle as her palace is invaded by forceful, greedy men who tell her that Odysseus is dead and she must choose a new husband. Will Odysseus reach her in time? Homer’s epic, age-old story is powerfully told by Carnegie Medalist Gillian Cross and stunningly illustrated by rising talent Neil Packer.
Ocean Sunlight
by Molly Bang and Penny ChisholmIn this timely book, acclaimed Caldecott artist Molly Bang and award-winning M.I.T. professor Penny Chisholm use poetic language and dazzling illustrations to introduce the oceanic world. From tiny aquatic plants to the biggest whale or fish, Bang and Chisholm present a moving, living picture of the miraculous balance sustaining each life cycle and food chain deep within our wondrous oceans.
On land or in the deep blue sea, we are all connected--and we are all a part of a grand living landscape. Award-winning scientist Penny Chisholm, a leading expert on oceans, packs Ocean Sunlight with clear, simple science, illuminated by Molly Bang's wondrous illustrations. This informative, joyous book will help children understand and celebrate the astonishing role our oceans play in human life.
Mountains
by Seymour Simon"In the trademark Simon style, carefully selected color photos, drawings, and a clear and informative text tell the story of Earth's mountains: their formation, relative sizes, ecology, and influence on weather. . . . Simon may have done more than any other living author to help us understand and appreciate the beauty of our planet and our universe;
Love That Dog
by Sharon CreechWith a fresh and deceptively simple style, acclaimed author Sharon Creech tells a story with enormous heart. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, Love That Dog shows how one boy finds his own voice with the help of a teacher, a writer, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. With classic poetry included in the back matter, this provides the perfect resource for teachers and students alike.
"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."
Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments—and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns he does have something to say.
Grandfather's Journey
by Allen SayWhen he was a young man, Allen Say's grandfather left his home in Japan to explore the world. He began his journey by crossing the Pacific Ocean on a steamship, then wandered the deserts, farmlands, and cities of North America. Allen Say lovingly tells the story of his own family's cross-cultural history in elegant watercolor paintings that earned him a Caldecott Medal in 1994. This twentieth-anniversary edition of the modern classic features read-aloud audio and a new introduction by Allen Say.
Grandfather's Journey
by Allen SayA picture book masterpiece from Caldecott medal winner Allen Say. Lyrical, breathtaking, splendid--words used to describe Allen Say's Grandfather's Journey when it was first published. At once deeply personal yet expressing universally held emotions, this tale of one man's love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places captures readers' attention and hearts. Images and descriptions available.
Gifts from the Gods
by Lise Lunge-Larsen and Gareth HindsAncient names come to rich and fascinating life in this lavishly illustrated book for mythology fans and word lovers.Did you know that “museums” were initially temples built to worship the nine muses, the goddesses of the arts? That “Janus” was the god of the doorways and hallways, and we have named our janitors after him?Where did these words — and other words, such as chaos, genius, nemesis, panic, echo, and narcissus — come from? From the ancient stories of the Greeks — stories that rang so true and wise that the names of the characters have survived for centuries as words we use every day. The brief stories here not only impart the subtle wisdom of these ancient tales, but make us understand the words, and our own world, more deeply.
Gifts From The Gods
by Lise Lunge-Larsen and Gareth HindsDid you know that museums were initially temples built to worship the nine muses? That Janus was the god of doorways and hallways, and after him we have named janitors? Where did these words--and other words, such as chaos, genius, nemesis, panic, and echo, come from? From the ancient stories of the Greeks--stories that rang so true and wise that the names of the characters have survived for centuries as words we use every day. This rich collection of myths is perfect for the classroom or as a gift book.
Giant Squid
by Mary M. Cerullo and Clyde F. E. RoperThis sea monster is real. It lurks in the freezing black depths of underwater canyons. Nearly 50 feet long, it hunts with its long arms and tentacles. Its powerful suckers leave giant round scars on those that live through a battle with it. But this enormous beast, with its huge, strange eyes, remains hidden from humans. We rarely see it and know little of its ways. What is this monster? The giant squid. This famed member of the cephalopod group has a history of frightening fishermen, starring in fictional adventure tales, and keeping scientists guessing. What is the story of this mythic creature? Why is it so hard to study? What secrets does it keep? Clyde Roper, ocean scientist and squid expert, has been seeking this secretive creature for decades. Come along as he and other researchers unravel its mysteries.