At home resources #64

Happy Summer, Lawrence School students! 

I'll be looking forward to hearing about your summer adventures! 

Brookline Summer reading lists 2020

Available here: https://sites.google.com/psbma.org/brooklinesummerreading/home

Don't forget: Lawrence Library has ebooks and audiobooks that are available all summer! 

Click here and if you see a book you want to borrow, login with the beginning of your psbma login. Email Ms. Moriarty if you're still not sure what to do: kathleen_moriarty@psbma.org

Need encouragement to read more diverse titles this summer?

This fun graphic will help you along! 

Book suggestions

Younger readers

Bummer in the Summer! by Dan Gutman

School's almost out for the summer, and A.J. is dreaming about all the fun things he's going to do on vacation.
But A.J.'s dream quickly turns into a nightmare when three familiar spirits appear to show him summers past, present, and yet to come. Will they be able to convince him to leave his bad ways behind? Or will this summer end up being a total bummer? Available as an ebook on Hoopla. 

Middle grade readers

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

    Eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. She's had to be, ever since their mother, Cecile, left them seven years ago for a radical new life in California. But when the sisters arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with their mother, Cecile is nothing like they imagined.

    While the girls hope to go to Disneyland and meet Tinker Bell, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer. Available on Hoopla through the public libraries. 

Upper grade readers

Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya

    After a fight at school leaves Marcus facing suspension, Marcus's mom decides it's time for a change of environment. She takes Marcus and his younger brother to Puerto Rico to spend a week with relatives they don't remember or have never met. But Marcus can't focus knowing that his father—who walked out of their lives ten years ago—is somewhere on the island.

    So begins Marcus's incredible journey, a series of misadventures that take him all over Puerto Rico in search of his elusive namesake. Marcus doesn't know if he'll ever find his father, but what he ultimately discovers changes his life. And he even learns a bit of Spanish along the way. Available on OverDrive as an ebook and audiobook. 

What's going on at the public library this summer? 

Follow this link to see a video describing the Brookline Library's plan for summer activities! 

At home resources #63

Happy Monday! 

Just one day of school left after today! 

Listen to this fun read aloud of Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale

Younger readers

Froggy Goes to Camp by Jonathan London

Froggy's off to camp! He packs a lot into one week: archery lessons, food fights, and scary stories around the campfire. But only Froggy could also manage to lose his trunks during swim class and overturn his kayak with the camp director in it. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Middle grade readers

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Summer Vacation by Tommy Greenwald

Despite all attempts to avoid reading and extra work, Charlie Joe Jackson finds himself in a terrible dream he can't wake up from: Camp Rituhbukkee (pronounced "read-a-bookie")—a place filled with grammar workshops, Read-a-Ramas, and kids who actually like reading. But Charlie Joe is determined to convince the entire camp to hate reading and writing—one genius at a time. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Upper grade readers

Major Impossible by Nathan Hale

John Wesley Powell (1834–1902) always had the spirit of adventure in him. As a young man, he traveled all over the United States exploring. When the Civil War began, Powell went to fight for the Union, and even after he lost most of his right arm, he continued to fight until the war was over. In 1869 he embarked with the Colorado River Exploring Expedition, ten men in four boats, to float through Grand Canyon. Over the course of three months, the explorers lost their boats and supplies, nearly drowned, and were in peril on multiple occasions. Another exciting adventure in the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series of graphic books. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Brookline Summer Reading Lists 2020

Everything you need to know is available here! Email Ms. Moriarty if you have additional questions as the summer progresses. The public library should be ready for curbside delivery by the first week in July. Check the library's website for updates: brooklinelibrary.org

Barnes and Noble -- earn a free book -- students in grades 1 -6

https://dispatch.barnesandnoble.com/content/dam/ccr/h/summer-reading/2020/2020/SummerReadingJournal.pdf

At home resources #62

Book suggestions

Younger readers

The Good Egg by Jory John

Meet the good egg. He's a verrrrrry good egg indeed.

But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol' rotten.

As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect.

So, he decides enough is enough! It's time for him to make a change... Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Middle grade readers

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost. . . . Edward is passed from owner to owner having adventures along the way. He goes from being a pampered pet to striking out fearlessly as each new adventure occurs. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Upper grade readers

Torpedoed by Deborah Heiligman

During World War II British parents by the thousands chose to send their children out of the country: the wealthy, independently; the poor, through a government relocation program called CORB. In September 1940, passenger liner SS City of Benares set out in a convoy of nineteen ships sailing for Canada. On board were ninety CORB children, chaperones, and crew, along with paying passengers.

When the war ships escorting the Benares to safe waters peeled off and the way forward seemed certain, a German submarine attacked and torpedoed the Benares. What followed is an amazing example of all that people are capable of—the worst, and the best. Page turning nonfiction. Available as an audiobook on OverDrive. 

Juneteenth

Listen to a read aloud about Juneteenth from the St. Paul Public Library.

At home resources #61

Reading suggestions

Younger readers

Swimming Time! by Brendan Flynn

This nonfiction book is part of a good series for new readers. Swimming Time is full of photos and basics about the sport of swimming. Available as an ebook on Hoopla. 

Middle grade readers

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Lisa Kessler

For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep Emily away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery — about her own identity, the mysterious father she's never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water's surface. This is the beginning of a nine book series. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Upper grade readers

Up for Air by Laurie Morrison

Thirteen-year-old Annabelle struggles in school, no matter how hard she tries. But as soon as she dives into the pool, she's unstoppable. She's the fastest girl on the middle school swim team, and when she's asked to join the high school team over the summer, everything changes. Suddenly, she's got new friends, and a high school boy starts treating her like she's somebody special—and Annabelle thinks she'll finally stand out in a good way. She'll do anything to fit in and help the team make it to the Labor Day Invitational, even if it means blowing off her old friends. A story of friendships and growing up. Available as an ebook on OverDrive. 

Here's a fun BINGO card for summer reading

https://www.highlights.com/files/screenshot2018-05-31at33647pmpng

There are also several ways to record your reading on the library's summer reading website. 

At home resources #60

Book suggestions

Younger readers

Miss Daisy is Crazy by Dan Gutman

The first book in the "My Weird School" series. Second-grade teacher Miss Daisy is in over her head. She doesn't even know how to add or subtract! But the kids have other things on their minds. Principal Klutz has promised that if they read a million pages in books, they can turn the school into a video-game arcade for one whole night! This book and many in the series are available as ebooks on OverDrive. 

Middle grade readers

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the Forest, Xan, is kind. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. As Luna's thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge--with dangerous consequences. Newbery Award winner. Available as an ebook on Hoopla. 

Upper grade readers

The Selection by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape a rigid caste system, live in a palace, and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her, and competing for a crown she doesn't want. Available as an ebook and audiobook on OverDrive. 

Drawing with Matt Tavares

Illustrator Matt Tavares has been posting a video each week since March. See the whole collection of how-to-draw videos here. 

Yo-Yo Mo Show! 

Watch as Mo Willems and cellist Yo-Yo Ma collaborate! This will make you smile! 

https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/

At home resources #59

Book suggestions

Younger readers

Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg

It's the last week of school, and Mrs. Hartwell's class is excited to leave for summer vacation. The only problem is that the kids don't want their teacher to miss them while they're gone. Read this book as your final days of school arrive! Available as an ebook on Hoopla. 

Middle grade readers

New Kid by Jerry Craft 

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Available on OverDrive as an audiobook. 

Upper grade readers

Travel Team by Mike Lupica

Danny Walker may be the smallest kid on the basketball court, but don't tell him that. Because no one plays with a bigger love of the game. Or a better sense of how to hit the open player with the perfect pass. Which is why his world shatters when he is cut from the local travel team for being too small. Not just any travel team, either–the very same one his father had led to the national championship on ESPN when he was a kid. Available as an sudiobook on OverDrive. 

Scott Magoon's story time

Author and illustrator Scott Magoon has been offering a weekly storytime online. Catch up on all the episodes here. His final episode includes his most recent book, Linus the Little Yellow Pencil. 

Funny chapter books 

From School Library Journal, a list of titles to make you laugh! 

And here's SLJ's list of funny books for middle grade students.

At home resources #58

Happy Monday! 

Brookline Schools' Summer Reading Lists

All summer reading information can be found here on the summer reading webpage. 

The school librarians hope you'll take some time to enjoy some good books this summer. The grade level lists provide recommendations based on our reading. 

Reading suggestions

Younger readers

We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan Higgins

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all! Available as an ebook on Hoopla. 

Middle grade readers

Wayside School: Beneath the Cloud of Doom by Louis Sachar

It's been quite some time since there was a new Wayside School book! This one was just published this spring and is available as an audiobook on Hoopla. Your favorite students and teachers are all here. That includes Sharie, who loves her striped-and-spotted umbrella more than anything; Kathy, who has a bad case of oppositosis; Jason, who has to read the longest book in the world; and the rest of Mrs. Jewls's class on the thirtieth floor, who are busily collecting toenail clippings. Everyone is scrambling to prepare for the all-important Ultimate Test, but meanwhile, there is a mysterious Cloud of Doom looming above them! 

Upper grade readers

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Kristin Cashore's bestselling, award-winning fantasy Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable-yet-strong Katsa, a smart, beautiful teenager who lives in a world where selected people are given a Grace, a special talent that can be anything from dancing to swimming. Katsa's is killing. As the king's niece, she is forced to use her extreme skills as his thug. Along the way, Katsa must learn to decipher the true nature of her Grace… and how to put it to good use. Ebook on Hoopla. 

Arlington resident promotes diverse Little Free Libraries

An inspiring story for your Monday!