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.
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.
A River of Words
by Jen BryantThis book traces the childhood urges to write of William Carlos Williams
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.
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.
Blood on the River
by Elisa CarboneTwelve-year-old Samuel Collier is a lowly commoner on the streets of London. So when he becomes the page of Captain John Smith and boards the Susan Constant, bound for the New World, he can't believe his good fortune. He's heard that gold washes ashore with every tide. But beginning with the stormy journey and his first contact with the native people, he realizes that the New World is nothing like he imagined. The lush Virginia shore where they establish the colony of James Town is both beautiful and forbidding, and it's hard to know who's a friend or foe. As he learns the language of the Algonquian Indians and observes Captain Smith's wise diplomacy, Samuel begins to see that he can be whomever he wants to be in this new land.
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.
The Circulatory Story
by Jef Czekaj and Mary K. CorcoranHumorous text paired with comic illustrations, brings anatomy and science of the body to life for young readers in this exploration of the circulatory system. From the author and illustrator of THE QUEST TO DIGEST comes another playful way to learn about the body and its inner workings. Readers follow a red blood cell on its journey through the heart, lungs, veins, arteries, capillaries, and more, as they see how the body combats disease, performs gas exchanges, and fights plaque. This whimsical glimpse into the human body is fun and informative, perfect for the classroom or the home, and is sure to please the most curious of readers.
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.
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.
Bud, Not Buddy
by Christopher Paul CurtisHit the road with Bud in this Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning classic about a boy on a journey to find his father—from Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. It&’s 1936, in Flint Michigan. Times may be hard, and ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but Bud&’s got a few things going for him: 1. He has his own suitcase full of special things. 2. He&’s the author of Bud Caldwell&’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself. 3. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: flyers advertising Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression!!!!!! Bud&’s got an idea that those flyers will lead him to his father. Once he decides to hit the road to find this mystery man, nothing can stop him—not hunger, not fear, not vampires, not even Herman E. Calloway himself. &“[A] powerfully felt novel.&” —The New York Times
DK Super Readers Level 4 Shark Attack
by DKHelp your child power up their reading skills and learn all about sharks, both feared and fascinating, with this engaging nonfiction reader carefully leveled to help children progress.DK Super Readers Level 4: Shark Attack will introduce kids to everything they need to know about sharks–including how to swim safely with sharks, real-life encounters with sharks, and why we need to keep these predators safe in our oceans–and is a motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills, proving ideal for children ready to enter the riveting world of reading. DK Super Readers take children on a journey through the wonderful world of nonfiction: traveling back to the time of dinosaurs, learning more about animals, exploring natural wonders and more, all while developing vital nonfiction reading skills and progressing from first words to reading confidently. The DK Super Readers series can help your child practice reading by:- Covering engaging, motivating, curriculum-aligned topics.- Building knowledge while progressing key Grades 4 and 5 reading skills.- Developing subject vocabulary on topics such as sharks, predators, and sea creatures.- Boosting understanding and retention through comprehension quizzes.Each title, which has been leveled using MetaMetrics®: The Lexile Framework for Reading, integrates science, geography, history, and nature topics so there&’s something for all children&’s interests. The books and online content perfectly supplement core literacy programs and are mapped to the Common Core Standards. Children will love powering up their nonfiction reading skills and becoming reading heroes. DK Super Readers Level 4 titles are visually engaging, full of fun facts, and challenge young readers to broaden their subject knowledge while practising nonfiction reading skills. Perfect for children ages 9 to 11 (Grades 4 and 5) who are confident readers ready for a challenge.
Family Pictures / Cuadros de Familia
by Carmen Lomas GarzaFamily Pictures is the story of Carmen Lomas Garza's girlhood: celebrating birthdays, making tamales, finding a hammerhead shark on the beach, picking cactus, going to a fair in Mexico, and confiding to her sister her dreams of becoming an artist.
These day-to-day experiences are told through fourteen vignettes of art and a descriptive narrative, each focusing on a different aspect of traditional Mexican American culture. The English-Spanish text and vivid illustrations reflect the author's strong sense of family and community. For Mexican Americans, Carmen Lomas Garza offers a book that reflects their lives and traditions. For others, this work offers insights into a beautifully rich community.
[This text is listed as an example that meets Common Core Standards in English language arts for K-1 at http://www.corestandards.org.]
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.
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.
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.
Coming to America
by Betsy Maestro and Susannah RyanWith clearly written prose and warm, child-friendly illustrations, this picture book is a wonderful first introduction to the moving story of the history of immigration to the United States--a story that belongs to all Americans. Full-color.
The Boys' War
by Jim MurphyAn ALA Best Book for Young Adults: Firsthand accounts of the experiences of boys sixteen and younger who fought in the Civil War, with photos included. Winner of the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction &“Making extensive use of the actual words—culled from diaries, journals, memoirs, and letters—of boys who served in the Union and Confederate armies as fighting soldiers as well as drummers, buglers, and telegraphers, Murphy describes the beginnings of the Civil War and goes on to delineate the military role of the underage soldiers and their life in the camps and field bivouacs. Also included is a description of the boys' return home and the effects upon them of their wartime experiences…An excellent selection of more than 45 sepia-toned contemporary photographs augment the text of this informative, moving work.&” —School Library Journal (starred review) &“This wrenching look at our nation&’s bloodiest conflict through the eyes of its youthful participants serves up history both heartbreaking and enlightening.&” —Publishers Weekly &“This well-researched and readable account provides fresh insight into the human cost of a pivotal event in United States history.&” —The Horn Book (starred review)
The Boys' War
by Jim MurphyFirst-hand accounts that include diary entries and personal letters describe the experiences of boys, sixteen years old or younger, who fought in the Civil War.
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
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.
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.
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