This summer, spend time diving into the topics you want to learn about, outside of the classroom walls. This book list takes you down the Dewey Decimal system to explore some fun topics and answer big questions about everything, from learning a language to riding a skateboard!
For the Budding Bookworm
the reading adventure by we need diverse books
Packed with reviews, recommendations, and exclusive author interviews, this book will inspire young readers to discover a diverse range of books beyond the curriculum. From mystery to autobiography, the book is organized by genre, so you can jump to the section that interests you the most. Hidden gems, award-winners, classics, and current bestsellers are brought to life by vibrant illustrations. There’s truly something for everyone!
For the Eagerly Independent
How to be a person by catherine newman
Jam-packed with tips, tricks, and advice — all illustrated in an irresistible graphic novel–style — How to Be a Person shows kids just how easy it is to free themselves from parental nagging and become more dependable — and they’ll like themselves better, too! They’ll learn how to do chores like loading the dishwasher and making a bed, brush up on communication skills like making a phone call and apologizing, and master 61 other super-helpful skills including how to stick up for somebody, fold a T-shirt, and turn a 33-cent package of ramen into dinner.
For the enterprising Environmentalist
old enough to save the planet by rebecca hui
The world is facing a climate crisis like we’ve never seen before. And kids around the world are stepping up to raise awareness and try to save the planet. Meet 12 young activists from around the world who are speaking out and taking action against climate change. Learn about the work they do and the challenges they face, and discover how the future of our planet starts with each and every one of us.
for the little linguist
language around the world by gill budgell
Humans’ use of language is one of our distinguishing features. Language allows us to communicate what we think, what we want, what we feel, and what we have learned. Some 100,000 years ago, humans began speaking. Since then, we have developed nearly 7000 languages. Languages are living things; they evolve and change over time. Languages can even become extinct if they are not shared and learned by each new generation. Sharing feelings, thoughts, and ideas through the power of language is an essential part of being human.
For the Animal Aficionado
How Old is a Whale?: Animal Lifespans from the Mayfly to the Immortal Jellyfish by lily murray
This beautiful book explores life spans across the animal kingdom, beginning with the very shortest and ending with the longest. Learn about the lives of the incredible monarch butterfly, the mysterious axolotl, the grand Galápagos tortoise, and many more in this uplifting and eye-opening book. Discover creatures who are born within a day of their mothers and others who stay infantile for almost one hundred years.
For the silly scientist
is it okay to pee in the ocean? by ella schwartz
Explore the human systems that make pee happen, tackle environmental questions about the impacts of human waste, discover surprising uses of urine throughout history-like in mouthwash and skin creams-and even try out at-home, hands-on experiments (with no bodily fluids required, of course!).
With engaging black-and-white-illustrations and just enough ick-factor, this engrossing (and sometimes a little bit gross) book gets to the bottom of an oft-ignored part of the science of life.
for the curious chef
priya’s kitchen adventures by priya krishna
In this bright and kid-friendly cookbook, kids can travel the world with Priya–no passport required, just an open mind and a kitchen. Through her eyes, kids and their parents can see–and taste!–China, Greece, Peru, Mexico, Morocco, England, Italy, Japan, France, Egypt, Trinidad and Tobago, and India. They’ll come to discover what Priya was lucky to learn as a kid: that cooking is one of our greatest superpowers, allowing us to travel in our own kitchens and learn about incredible places and cultures–without the jet lag.
for the sporty superstar
the life-changing magic of skateboarding by sky brown
Teen skateboarding phenomenon Sky Brown knows how to go big. After becoming a professional athlete at age 10, she became the first woman to land a frontside 540 at the X Games and won an Olympic medal at age 13. Young readers will eagerly follow Sky’s story as she recounts how she got started in the sport and what it feels like to compete. Then they’ll find their own skateboarding magic as she shows basic skills like choosing a stance, stopping, and dropping in.
For the ravenous writer
your story matters by richard scrimger
Interested in writing but don’t know how to get started? Love reading and want to know more about how stories are created? Look no further! Esteemed writer Richard Scrimger is here to answer all your burning questions about writing: whether about plot, character, structure, story hooks or commas. (Actually, don’t ask him about commas, it’s not that kind of book.) Using clever (so he thinks) analogies, (sort of) brilliant examples and funny (well ) anecdotes, he will give you (truly) useful tools to start you on your way as a writer. And if that’s not enough, comic illustrations by D. McFadzean are the pepperoni on the writing pizza! (That will make sense once you read the book.) So come, read this book and start your writing journey
For the Thoughtful Traveler
slow adventures: Enjoy every moment by carl honorare
Carl Honoré’s Slow Adventures: Enjoy Every Moment is a travel guide your children can follow from the comfort of your living room that blends history and mindfulness in a beautiful package with illustrations by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell. Take time to connect with the world as you embark on 40 slow-paced adventures. Travel slowly on foot, bike, boat, or train, allowing yourself to take in the history, absorb the landscape, and meet extraordinary people along the way.
SS 07/23/2024