December Recommended Read Aloud Booklist

Winter/Holiday Theme books by Jan Brett

Noted children’s author/illustrator Jan Brett’s magnificent illustrations in a Swedish art form featuring beautiful borders and intricate detail enhance these popular books. With over thirty-four million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation’s foremost author illustrators of children’s books.

Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett (PreK-2nd)

Confident and cocky, the Gingerbread Baby happens upon a bakery, where he dances and prances in front of a sugar cookie girl, trying to make friends. But she just stares and doesn’t say a word, like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet. Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home, chased by a long line of hungry creatures, where Mattie has a fantastic surprise for him.

The Hat by Jan Brett (PreK-3rd)

When Lisa’s woolen stocking flies off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and pokes his nose in. He tries to pull it out, but the stocking gets stuck on his prickles — and the fun begins. A mother hen comes by, then a noisy goose, a talkative barn cat, a playful farm dog, a mama pig and her piglets, and a pony. And where is Lisa when all of this is going on? She’s in the borders, getting ready for winter, until she realizes her stocking is missing and she enters the story to look for it.

 

The Mitten by Jan Brett (PreK-3rd)

Grandmother knits snow-white mittens that Nikki takes on an adventure.

 

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore and Jan Brett (PreK-3rd)

As St. Nick and eight tiny reindeer descend through a brilliant night sky, the famous Christmas poem begins. The father narrates the words just as Clement Moore wrote them, and artist Jan Brett captures the spirit of the story in glorious illustrations. Visually she extends it for children who will delight in watching two mischievous stowaways from the North Pole enthusiastically exploring the sacks of gifts on the roof. St. Nick, inside the house, is unaware, until the toys spill down onto the lawn — then he turns with a jerk, and sees them. Antique toys and exquisite ornaments frame the borders, in which the father, St. Nick, or the family cat and dog can be found watching the action.

 

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett (PreK-2nd)

Aloo-ki glances up from fishing and sees her sled dogs floating off on an ice floe. She races after them and comes upon an igloo. Being a curious girl, she goes inside only to find no one home. That’s because the polar bear family who lives there is out walking while their breakfast cools off. Aloo-ki eats some soup, tries on their boots, and finally crawls into the smallest bed for a nap. Meanwhile, Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear see her dogs adrift, swim out to rescue them, and return home to find Aloo-ki fast asleep in Baby Bear’s bed. Sound familiar?

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett (PreK-3rd)

A centuries-old favorite holiday carol was one of the first to celebrate the secular tradition of gift-giving. This sumptuously illustrated version features not only the gifts of a suitor to his true love but a loving family’s Christmas preparations, how to say “Merry Christmas” in 12 different languages, and a vast array of charming woodland animals.

 

Who’s That Knocking on Christmas Eve? by Jan Brett (PreK-3rd)

Every year, trolls knock down Kyri’s door and gobble up her Christmas feast. But this year, the trolls are in for a surprise: a boy and his pet ice bear on their way to Oslo have come in from the cold. And once the ice bear is finished with the trolls, you can bet they won’t come knocking next Christmas Eve! Once again, Jan Brett creates an original Christmas story full of warmth and magic.

 

The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett (PreK-3rd)

This Christmas fantasy about Little Teeka learning how to best get the reindeer ready for Santa’s important flight shows that being too firm doesn’t work.

 

 

Winter/Winter Solstice Books

The winter solstice is December 21st.

Lights of Winter: Winter Celebrations Around the World by Heather Conrad and deforest Walker (PreK-3rd)

Children’s picture book about winter celebrations around the world: Solstice, Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Teng Chieh, Diwali, Soyal, Las Posadas, Zagmuk, Saturnalia.

The Winter Solstice by Ellen B. Jackson (1st-4th)

This book presents facts and folklore about the shortest day of the year, a day that has been filled with magic since ancient times.

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer and Jesse Reisch (1st-4th)

The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history.

A Solstice Tree for Jenny by Karen Shragg and Heidi Schwabacher (K-3rd)

It’s Christmas time all across America and Jenny is feeling left out. Her secular parents, born to different faiths that they no longer observe, don’t believe in celebrating Christmas. She never seemed to mind before, but this year it bothers her - maybe because they are home and not on the Florida coast where they usually go at this time of the year to avoid the holiday hoopla. All around her the neighbors have decorated their houses with festive lights, while her house by contrast looks drab and uninviting during the long, cold winter nights. Then one day a teacher gives her “an awesome idea”: she tells Jenny about the winter solstice and ancient traditions among many peoples of the northern hemisphere who celebrate this shortest day of the year. Why don’t we celebrate the winter solstice, too? Jenny wonders.

 

Holidays:

Sharing books from different cultures and traditions helps students develop better understanding and respect for others.

 

Hanukkah

In 2012 Hanukkah will be celebrated December 8-16. Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah Da Costa and Gosia Mosz (1st-3rd)

Isobel is invited to Aunt Luisa’s for Hanukkah, but she’s not sure what to expect. Aunt Luisa has recently arrived from Mexico. At Aunt Luisa’s you’ll get to celebrate the Hanukkah Moon, Isobel’s father promises. Isobel’s days at Aunt Luisa’s are filled with fun and surprises: a new camera, a dreidel piñata filled with sweets, and a mysterious late-night visit to welcome the luna nueva, the new moon that appears on Hanukkah. An unusual Hanukkah story with a multi-cultural focus, this title celebrates a little-known custom of the Latin-Jewish community.

 

Mrs. Greenberg’s Messy Hanukkah by Linda Glaser and Nancy Cote (K-3rd)

Though it’s the first night of Hanukkah, Rachel’s family won’t really be celebrating until next week. But Rachel wants to celebrate now, so she comes up with a good idea: she’ll visit her neighbor, Mrs. Greenberg, and they can make latkes together.

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser and Nancy Cote (K-3rd)

Of the many joys of Hanukkah, the joining of family and friends is perhaps the greatest. This is why young Rachel and her family are especially eager to have their dear elderly neighbor Mrs. Greenberg over for Hanukkah dinner. But every year their neighbor refuses, not wanting to be a bother. One year, on the last night of Hanukkah, Rachel’s mother discovers that she has run out of potatoes for the latkes. Maybe Mrs. Greenberg will come for dinner if we borrow some of her potatoes, suggests Rachel.

 

Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story by Naomi Howland (K-3rd)

Sadie and her four little brothers are very poor and always hungry. On the first night of Chanukah, Sadie performs a generous act, and in turn receives a frying pan that cooks up sizzling hot, golden latkes on command. Sadie tells her brothers never to use the magic pan, but when she goes out one afternoon, the mischievous boys can’t resist. They remember the words to start the pan cooking . . . but what were the words to make it stop?

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman (K-3rd)

What are the poor villagers to do? The holiday-hating, hill-dwelling hobgoblins are bound and determined to ruin yet another Hanukkah for them. Every year the beasties snuff out the menorah candles, destroy the dreidels, and pitch the potato latkes on the floor. Hershel manages to outwit all the creepy critters and break the spell. This is a Caldecott Honor Book.

 

The Magic Dreidels: A Hanukkah Story by Eric A. Kimmel and Katya Krenina (K-3rd)

When an old lady swindles him out of his magic dreidels, Jacob tries to get them back in time for the family’s Hanukkah celebration.

 

Light the Lights: A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas by Margaret Moorman (PreK-3rd)

Every December, Emma and her family celebrate two special holidays. First comes Hanukkah, with dreidel games and lighting the menorah. Then comes Christmas, with carols, bright lights on the tree, and presents for everyone!

 

My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story by Danielle Novack and Phyllis Harris (PreK-2nd)

When Sammy’s classmates take turns talking about which holiday they celebrate, Sammy becomes very nervous. Some people celebrate Christmas and some people celebrate Hanukkah. But Sammy celebrates both!

Hanukkah by Roni Schotter and Marylin Hafner (PreK-3rd)

Winner of the National Jewish Book Award, Hanukkah! follows one family’s celebration of the holiday, from eating latkes and spinning the dreidel, to singing prayers and lighting the menorah.

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.

 

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert E. Barry (PreK-2nd)

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree Came by special delivery. Full and fresh and glistening green- The biggest tree he’d ever seen.

That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn’t stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas?

 

The Lost Christmas Gift by Andrew Beckham ( 2nd-5th)

Seventy years after his father left to be a mapmaker for the war in Europe, Emerson Johansson received a package that had been lost in the mail for decades. The parcel contained a most extraordinary gift: an exquisite book Johansson’s father lovingly made by hand, detailing an unforgettable adventure they shared together just months before his departure. With maps, drawings, watercolors, and photographs, this artifact and family heirloom recounts a mountainous winter landscape alive with the dangers and magic of an alpine blizzard.

A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel (PreK-3rd)

“Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the city, not a creature was stirring…Except for BAD KITTY.” A greedy Bad Kitty didn’t get all the presents she wanted for Christmas, but after she goes on a Christmas caper across town and through multiple alphabets, she makes a new friend, finds an old friend, and learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner (PreK-2nd)

Snowmen at Night shared with us the magical, slip-sliding adventures of snowmen after dark . . . but have you ever wondered what snowmen do for Christmas? Well, now’s your chance to find out! The snowmen are back, and this time they’re celebrating Christmas—the snowman way!

 

Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney (PreK-2nd)

If there’s one thing Llama Llama doesn’t like, it’s waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can’t wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that “Gifts are nice, but there’s another: The true gift is, we have each other.”

 

Charlie and the Christmas Kitty by Ree Drummond and Diane deGroat (PreK-1st)

This hilarious story is about getting into the holiday spirit and finding the good in all. Even though Charlie may not have put a kitty on his Christmas list, he learns that if you keep an open heart, new friends can come in unexpected packages.

 

Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer (PreK-2nd)

Olivia is getting into the Christmas spirit. There are presents to wrap, ornaments to hang on the tree, snowpigs to build…. But what mischief and mayhem will she get up to this time?

 

Christmas Wombat by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley (PreK-3rd)

“Slept. Scratched. Slept.” Indeed, it seems like Christmas will be just another day for the wombat . . . until she smells carrots! In this charming picture book, the star of Diary of a Wombat goes head to head with Santa’s reindeer in competition for carrots—and wins. Then, as an accidental stowaway on Santa’s sleigh, she learns that carrots are internationally available. No wonder she isn’t hungry for treats on Christmas morning!

 

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story by Gloria Houston and Barbara Cooney (K-3rd)

Acclaimed author Gloria Houston has written a tale that is as joyful and timeless as Christmas itself. Jewel-like paintings by two-time Caldecott Medal winner Barbara Cooney capture all of the season’s warmth and mountain flavor.

 

The Night Santa Got Lost: How NORAD Saved Christmas by Michael Keane and Michael Garland

Every Christmas many children and adults track Santa on the NORAD Santa Tracker. Now, author Michael Keane brings to life this fun tradition with his new children’s book in the iconic style of “The Night Before Christmas.” Santa sets off to deliver toys to good little boys and girls everywhere. As always, NORAD is faithfully tracking him to make sure no harm comes his way. But when Santa disappears from their radar screen, NORAD’s skills and resources are put to the test as they scramble to find Santa and save Christmas.

The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher by Robert Kraus, Vip and Virgil Partch (PreK-1st)

In a snow covered village, while children all sleep, the Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher, lands with a leap! All the sprinkles he snitches, it’s his Christmas fun, but without sprinkles the baking cannot be done! The villagers panic, but says Little Nat, “I’ll track down the Snitcher wherever he’s at!”

 

The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Came to New York City by George Metteson, Adele Ursone and James E. Ransome (PreK-3rd) Nothing says Christmas like a Christmas tree, and the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City has said it beautifully since 1931. But how does the tree get there? One year, the tugboat captain (and author) George Matteson, his wife, and their daughter traveled by tug to fetch the giant tree. This dramatic picture book tells the story of their real-life journey up the Hudson River.

 

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser (PreK-2nd)

What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles—and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way!

 

Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish (K-2nd)

It’s Christmas Eve, and Amelia Bedelia has to get the Rogers house ready for a visit from Aunt Myra. But with Amelia Bedelia in charge, this Christmas will be one of the funniest ever!

 

The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel and Jim LaMarche Barbara Cooney (K-3rd)

This new classic Christmas gift book “brings together two great traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity.” Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter’s Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family’s drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss (PreK-3rd)

This is the long-favorite, classic story from Dr. Seuss.

 

It’s Christmas, David! by David Shannon (PreK-2nd)

The bestselling star of No, David! turns Christmas traditions upside down with laugh-aloud humor.

 

Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano and Lee Harper (PreK-3rd)

Turkey is in trouble. Again, he made it through Thanksgiving without becoming a turkey dinner, but now it’s almost Christmas, and guess what’s on the menu? Turkey decides the only thing to do is to ask Santa for help. He sets off for the North Pole, but getting in to see Santa at Christmastime isn’t as easy as Turkey expected. It’s going to take all his ideas—and his clever disguises—to find a way into Santa’s house. After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise, and Santa has the perfect solution!

 

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto (PreK-3rd)

Maria was feeling very grown-up on Christmas Eve as she helped her mother prepare the tamales for Christmas dinner. When she slipped her mother’s diamond ring onto her finger, she only meant to wear it for a minute. But suddenly, the ring was gone, and there were 24 tamales that just might contain the missing ring.

 

The Perfect Christmas by Eileen Spinelli and JoAnn Adinolfi (PreK-3rd)

Family one: exquisite pastries, a beautifully trimmed tree, and festive cello music.

Family two: an artificial tree, rock hard candy, and custom kazoo carols.

Full of silly humor, this cheerful picture book proves that no matter how you celebrate Christmas, it’s the spirit of the holiday that counts the most.

 

Together at Christmas by Eileen Spinelli and Bin Lee (PreK-2nd)

It’s Christmas Eve, and a family of ten mice shivers in the snow. One by one, each mouse finds a place to stay warm, only to discover that they’d rather huddle together on this holiday night.

 

The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska (PreK-1st)

The holidays are filled with joyful noise. But Christmas is sometimes wrapped in quiet: “Searching for presents quiet,” “Getting caught quiet,” and “Hoping for a snow day quiet.”

Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Renee Graef (PreK-3rd)

Long ago, a little girl named Laura Ingalls lived in a little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters, Mary and Carrie, and their good old bulldog, Jack. Winter was just around the corner, and Laura worked hard to help make the little house ready for the cold days ahead. Soon there was frost on the windows and snow on the ground, but Laura and her folks were warm and cozy in their snug little house in the Big Woods.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (PreK-5th)

For twenty years, The Polar Express has been a worldwide bestseller and Christmas classic. The tale of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve only to have Santa Claus sweep by and take him on a trip with other children to the North Pole. STORYLINE ONLINE title

 

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman (PreK-2nd) It’s the day before Christmas, and Bear’s friends have gathered in his lair to wake him up to celebrate the holiday. They get a tree, pop corn and bake fruitcake, and hang stockings and hum songs. The others doze off, but Bear keeps busy wrapping presents, baking cookies, and decorating, unaware that a certain plump, red-suited gentleman is watching from outside the cave.

 

How Do Dinosaur’s Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague (PreK-2nd) From decorating the tree to wrapping presents, little dinosaurs love to celebrate Christmas-and everything about it. With ornaments on the branches and carolers singing at the door, the spirit of Christmas is finally here and filling the hearts of families everywhere.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and Canada honoring African-Canadian and African-American heritage and culture, observed from December 26th - January 1st each year.

 

My First Kwanzaa Book by Deborah Chocolate, Deborah M. Chocolate and Cal Massey (PreK-3rd)

During the last week of December, Kwanzaa is a time to dress up in African clothes and gather together with relatives from all over the country. Grandma brings special things to eat, Grandpa lights the candles, and everyone in the family celebrates their heritage.

Seven Days of Kwanzaa by Melrose Cooper (PreK-3rd)

Celebrate the culture, heritage, family, and tradition of Kwanzaa through this variation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford and Shelly Hehenberger (PreK-2nd)

Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But this year it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.

The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday by Dolores Johnson (2nd-4th)

Each year on December 26, the African American holiday of Kwanzaa begins. What is the purpose of Kwanzaa? How did it get its start? Dolores Johnson’s easy-to-follow guide gives detailed descriptions of Kwanzaa’s principles and symbols. This comprehensive resource also includes recipes and craft and gift ideas, as well as suggestions to help young readers and their families create their own special Kwanzaa celebration.

 

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Kwanzaa: With Candles, Community and the Fruits of the Harvest by Carolyn Otto (1st-4th)

This book celebrates African-American culture and helps us understand and appreciate this special holiday. Over the course of seven days, families and friends come together to light the candles that symbolize past and future—and African-American unity. Readers are introduced to the symbols of the holiday, such as the mkeka (a special placemat), kinara (candleholder), and kikombe cha umoja (unity cup). Important concepts, like the seven principles, are explained.

 

Seven Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney (K-3rd)

In this spirited introduction to Kwanzaa, Andrea Davis Pinkney explains the meaning of the week-long African-American winter holiday and the special way each day is celebrated. Filled with facts about the festival, this is a perfect selection for anyone interested in learning more about this unique holiday.

 

Kwanzaa by Trudi Strain Trueit (1st-3rd)

Following the well-known and much-loved Rookie Books format, these fun and informative books introduce early elementary-school children to the basic facts about major holidays. Each book explains the development of the holiday and how it is celebrated today, and includes holiday games, traditions, crafts, and foods.

 

The Story of Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington and Stephen Taylor (Krd)

It’s Kwanzaa-time! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa! The festival of Kwanzaa was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor the customs and history of African Americans. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, serve to remind African Americans of the struggles of the past, and also focus on present-day achievements and goals for the future.

Wright Brothers

 

On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright did something that changed transportation and accomplished a feat that forever changed the world. These two bicycle-making brothers from Ohio, with no more than high-school educations built the first powered, heavier-than-air flying machine. At a time when most people still hadn’t ridden in an automobile, they were pioneering air travel.

 

The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane by Russell Freedman, Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright (4th-6th)

Using written descriptions and the accounts of awed observers, Russell Freedman takes readers back to the exciting time when the Wright Brothers proved the possibility of powered, controlled human flight. The book includes photographs that the brothers took to document their experiments.

 

First Flight: The Wright Brothers by Caryn Jenner (3rd-6th)

Growing up in rural Ohio, Orville and Wilbur Wright were fascinated by all kinds of vehicles — a toy helicopter, bicycles, and the first motorized cars-but what they dreamed of was flight. They were convinced they could build a machine that a man could pilot-and they did. Read about their amazing story of trial, error, and success.

 

The Wright Brothers by Elizabeth MacLeod and Andrej Krystoforski (1st-3rd)

Meet the Wright Brothers-inventors of the airplane. The story of how they created one of the most influential machines in history is told in level-appropriate language and detailed illustrations.

 

To Fly: The Story of the Wright Brothers by Wendie C. Old and Robert Andrew Parker (1st-3rd)

Orville and Wilbur Wright were a fascinating pair. Not only did they invent, build, and fly the first airplane, they were also idiosyncratic individuals who had a unique relationship, sharing a home, a bank account, and a business throughout their lives. Their story is portrayed here in brief, accessible chapters, beginning with their childhood fascination with flight and love of problem solving, then detailing their early experiments and dangerous trial runs in North Carolina, and ending with their successful flights of 1903.

 

The Wright Brothers (Landmark Books) by Quentin James Reynolds (4th-6th)

Young Orville and Wilbur Wright loved building things. From the fastest sled in town to the highest-flying kite, the Wright brothers’ creations were always a step ahead of everyone else’s. They grew up learning all about mechanics from fixing bicycles and studied math and physics. On December 17, 1903, Orville took off in the world’s first flying machine! The Wright airplane is one of the most amazing–and life-changing–inventions.

 

First Flight: The Story of Tom Tate and the Wright Brothers by George Shea and Don Bolognese (PreK-3rd)

When Tom Tate hears that Wilbur and Orville Wright are building a flying machine, he can’t wait to try it. Tom’s dad thinks it’s dangerous. Some people think the Wrights are crazy. Can Tom help the brothers get their dream off the ground?

 

The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk by Donald J. Sobol (4th-6th)

This is the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright and their history making flight.

 

Wilbur and Orville Wright: Young Fliers (Childhood of Famous Americans) by Augusta Stevenson (3rd-5th)

This book presents the boyhood of the brothers who flew the first airplane in 1903.

 

These chapter books have been specially selected because they are from series of books or by authors who have written several chapter books. Hopefully, after hearing one of the books read aloud, the students will be interested in reading other books in the same series or by the same author.

 

Magic Tree House #29: Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne and Sal Murdocca (1st-3rd)

Christmas in Camelot is a very special Magic Tree House book. Here, author Mary Pope Osborne uses the literary skills for which she’s known to create a longer, more in-depth story featuring the characters students have come to love. The result is magical: a fast-paced but detailed, easy-to-read story. Jack and Annie go on a quest to save Camelot, a quest that will prove to a beleaguered King Arthur that children and imagination really can make a difference.

Magic Tree House #44: A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osborne and Sal Murdocca (1st-3rd)

Jack and Annie are ready for their next adventure: a spirited holiday mission! The magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie back in time to the foggy streets of Victorian London, where they must help Charles Dickens. But the famous author has everything he could possibly want. How are they supposed to help him? It’s not until Mr. Dickens rescues them from being thrown in jail that they discover his secret past and the sad memories that haunt him. Jack and Annie will need all their magic—and help from three ghosts!—to save the great writer.

 

Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May) by Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus (1st-3rd)

It’s holiday time, and Room One is doing lots of fun things to celebrate. Like making elf costumes! And singing joyful songs! Only, how can Junie B. enjoy the festivities when Tattletale May keeps ruining her holiday glee? And here is the worst part of all! When everyone picks names for Secret Santa, Junie B. gets stuck with Tattletale you-know-who! It’s enough to fizzle your holiday spirit! Hmm . . . or is it? Maybe, just maybe, a Secret Santa gift is the perfect opportunity to give May exactly what she deserves.