Bright Futures School Partnerships: Partner Package Titles 2018
“Libraries Rock!”
The Collaborative Summer Library Programs (CSLP) National Summer Reading theme is all about music. The titles below were chosen because they fall under the theme, have a library or reading tie-in, or are exceptional books that received starred reviews. PLEASE NOTE that some Idaho libraries create their own themes each year instead of using the CSLP theme.
Starred Reviews: (*)
Reviewing agencies: School Library Journal (SLJ); ALA Booklist (BL); Publisher’s Weekly (PW), Kirkus(K); Horn (H)
(Grade levels listed are interest levels, not reading levels)
NOTE: If your school only serves K-2, K-3, or 4-6 your packages may be customized to include more age-appropriate titles.
Baby Monkey, Private Eye, by Brian Selznick and DavidSerlin. February 2018. (Gr PK-2) Baby Monkey, private eye, will investigate stolen jewels, missing pizzas, and other mysteries--if he can manage to figure out how to put his pants on. Bookmaking maverick Selznick and children's book debut author Serlin create a dazzling new form for younger readers. (BL*, PW*, K*, SLJ*)
Becoming Bach, by Tom Leonard.February 2017. (Gr 1-4) For Johann Sebastian there was always music. His family had been musicians, or bachs as they were called in Germany, for 200 years. He always wanted to be a bach. As he grew, he saw patterns in everything. Patterns he would turn into melodies and song, eventually growing into one of the most important and celebrated musical composers of all time. (BL, K, PW, SLJ*)
Dude! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Dan Santat. April 2018. (PK-3) The author of Creepy Carrots! teams up with the Caldecott-winning illustrator behind The Adventures of Beekle to create a hilarious, gnarly picture book that tells a complex and hilarious story using only one word: dude. (K*, SLJ, B*, PW)
It’s Shoe Time! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)by Brian Collier. November 2017. (Gr PK-2) This lyrical beginning reader by multi award-winning artist Collier turns the closet on its heel and redefines what it means to be a pair. Beautifully rendered art paired with rich, rhyming dialog creates a powerful reading experience. (SLJ*, K, BL*, H*)
First Rule of Punk, by Celia Perez.August 2017. (Gr 3-7) Roller Girl meets School of Rock in this illustrated novel about identity, friendship, and riot-girl power by librarian and debut author Perez.(B, K*, PW*, SLJ*; 2018 Pura Belpre Honor Book)
The Giant Pumpkin Suite, by Melanie Heuiser Hill. September 2017. (Gr 4 – 7). Twelve-year-old Rose Brutigan has always been different from her twin brother, Thomas, but now she towers over him in too many ways. But when a serious accident changes the course of the summer, Rose is forced to grow and change in ways she never could have imagined. (K*, PW, SLJ, H)
Martin Rising: Requiem for a King, by Andrea Davis Pinkney; illustrated by Brian Pinkney. January 2018. (Gr 3 and up) In a rich embroidery of visions, musical cadence, and deep emotion, the award-winning Pinkney duo celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.'s nonviolent struggle for civil rights as he transforms America through the spirit of love. (B*, K*, SLJ*, H*, PW*)
Brian Pinkney is also the CSLP illustrator for the “Libraries Rock!” children’s and early literacy slogans. Schools can obtain copyrighted images with Pinkney’s work from their public library partner.
Now Make This: 24DIY Projects by Designers for Kids, by Thomas Bärnthaler. April 2018.(Gr 2-5) Contributors ranging from lauded graphic designers to successful industrial designers offer 24 unique and practical objects for kids to make and use. Each project features fully illustrated step-by-step instructions, a photographic list of materials, and more.
Singing in the Rain, by Tim Hopgood. October2017. (Gr PK-1) Spring calls in this classic Broadway number, immortalized on film by Gene Kelly and brought to life in a beautiful picture book that's perfect for sharing. With colorful, springy scenes and the familiar lyrics, this is a beautiful, gift-worthy, feel-good read-aloud. (K*, SLJ, H)
Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals, by Nicola Davies.October 2017. (Gr K-5) Two renowned picture book creators team up for a captivating first look at animals around the world. Sometimes lyrical and sometimes humorous, the poems reveal fascinating facts about animals of every color, shape, size, and origin, from giant blue whales to bats as tiny as bumblebees. (B, K*, PW*, SLJ)
Plus, 50 Paperback Books: Variety, Interest levels K – 6th grade (to be used to increase access to books for children with limited access over the summer; not to be used for prizes)