Grand View Elementary School Library Manhattan Beach California

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

3/25/2024

Week of March 25, 2024 | TK-Fifth Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 5 of 5 | Vote

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee | Book 5 of 5
Negative Cat, by Sophie Blackall
After begging his family for a cat, a boy finally gets his way, on the condition that he works on his reading, which he struggles with. But Max the tabby cat turns out to be not the best pet--at first. Based on a true story, revealed in the back matter.

Video Kids read to cats in Berks County, PA, at the Animal Rescue League (running time 2:01 min.)

California Young Reader Medal Picture Books | Review and Vote
Review past nominees. Students vote by a show of hands (no peeking!)

Crafty Connection Color and cut out cat shape friend to read to and use as a bookmark.

About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program

Week of March 25, 2024 | Fourth and Fifth Grade
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)
Voting Party Wednesday this Week During Lunch

Optional CYRM Reading Challenge | Vote Wednesday, March 27 During Lunch In October 2023, students in fourth and fifth grade were invited to read the three nominated CYRM intermediate novels and be ready to vote for their favorite. Voting day is March 27, during lunch. Participants will eat their lunch in the library, vote, and receive prizes and giveaways. Students qualify to participate by completing this WORKSHEET and returning it to Mrs. Snively by Tuesday, March 26.

About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

3/18/2024

Week of March 18, 2024 | TK-Third Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 4 of 5

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee | Book 4 of 5
Chez Bob, by Bob Shea
An alligator comes up with a plan to lure his prey by opening up a restaurant for birds on top of his snout.
Crafty Connection Create your own nest | activity sheet (page 3) provided by the publisher
About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program

Week of March 18, 2024 | Fourth Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 4 of 5
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Review and Vote
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Note: 5th grade will miss this week due to library closure

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book for Older Readers | Review and Vote
Students vote by a show of hands (no peeking!)
The Elephants Come Home, by Kim Tomsic
Documents the heartwarming story of how a displaced herd of wild African elephants gradually adapted to a new home at Thula Thula, a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa, where they found safety and love with dedicated human caregivers.
Bartali's Bicycle : the True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero, by Megan Hoyt
Describes how Italian cyclist Gino Bartali (1914-2000), winner of the 1938 Tour de France, secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save more than eight hundred Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death during World War II.
Nicky & Vera, by Peter Sis
The true story of Sir Nicholas "Nicky" Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis in a race against time.
About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program

Optional CYRM Reading Challenge In October 2023, students in fourth and fifth grade were invited to read the three nominated CYRM intermediate novels and be ready to vote for their favorite. Voting day is Wednesday, March 27, during lunch. Participants will eat their lunch in the library, vote, and receive prizes and giveaways. Students qualify to participate by completing this WORKSHEET and returning it to Mrs. Snively by Monday, March 25.
About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

3/11/2024

Week of March 11, 2024 | TK-Third Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 3 of 5

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee | Book 3 of 5
The Scarecrow, by Beth Ferry
In this tender story about the comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others, a loving bond grows between two unlikely friends. About the California Young Reader Medal Program

Crafty Connection Scarecrow coloring sheet

Week of March 11, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 3 of 5
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 3 of 3
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Nicky with child set for Kindertransport, 1938

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee | Book 3 of 3
Nicky & Vera, by Peter Sis
1. Intro Click to enlarge image of Nicky and child then read this brief synopsis: The true story of Sir Nicholas "Nicky" Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis. Nicky visited Prague in December 1938 and found families who had fled the rise of the Nazis in Germany and Austria living in desperate conditions with little or no shelter and food, and under threat of Nazi invasion. He immediately realized it was a race against time to rescue the children before the borders closed. Like The Scarecrow, Nicky & Vera reminds us about the joy of helping others, and the lasting bond that can create.
2. Read one-sheet about Sir Nicholas Winton
3. Show One Life movie trailer (running time 2 min.)
4. Read Nicky & Vera, by Peter Sis
5. Read one-sheet about Peter Sis

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

3/4/2024

Week of March 4, 2024 | TK-2nd | SEL Week | Rotary Club Readers
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5

Social Emotional Learning Week
Our 3rd Annual SEL Week returns with the Districtwide theme "Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders." Students will have a chance to take part in activities throughout the week that focus on the SEL framework, and we are privileged to welcome volunteers from the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club to read the CYRM nominee that touches upon SEL themes.

I Am Enough, by Grace Byers
An ode to self-confidence and kindness that touches on themes of diversity, respecting others and loving oneself. Read by the author (play video from 1:22-5:39 | total running time 7:18 minutes)

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee | Book 2 of 5
The Littlest Yak, by Lu Fraser
In this celebration of individuality and self-esteem, Gertie yearns to be big but discovers that there are some things that only small yaks can do. About the California Young Reader Medal Program

Crafty Connection Directed drawing of Gertie the Yak on a bookmark

Kitchen Connection This video demonstrates how to make Tibetan Khapse cookies

Week of March 4, 2024 | Third Grade | SEL Week
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5

Social Emotional Learning Week
Our 3rd Annual SEL Week returns with the Districtwide theme "Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders." Students will have a chance to take part in activities throughout the week that focus on the SEL framework. This week's CYRM nominee touches upon SEL themes.

I Am Enough, by Grace Byers
An ode to self-confidence and kindness that touches on themes of diversity, respecting others and loving oneself. Read by the author (play video from 1:22-5:39 | total running time 7:18 minutes)

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee | Book 2 of 5
The Littlest Yak, by Lu Fraser
In this celebration of individuality and self-esteem, Gertie yearns to be big but discovers that there are some things that only small yaks can do. About the California Young Reader Medal Program

Crafty Connection Directed drawing of Gertie the Yak on a bookmark

Kitchen Connection This video demonstrates how to make Tibetan Khapse cookies

Week of March 4, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade | SEL Week
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 2 of 3
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Social Emotional Learning Week
Our 3rd Annual SEL Week returns with the Districtwide theme "Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders." Students will have a chance to take part in activities throughout the week that focus on the SEL framework. This week's CYRM nominee touches upon SEL themes.

I Am Enough, by Grace Byers
An ode to self-confidence and kindness that touches on themes of diversity, respecting others and loving oneself. Read by the author (play video from 1:22-5:39 | total running time 7:18 minutes)

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee | Book 2 of 5
The Littlest Yak, by Lu Fraser
In this celebration of individuality and self-esteem, Gertie yearns to be big but discovers that there are some things that only small yaks can do. About the California Young Reader Medal Program

Crafty Connection Directed drawing of Gertie the Yak on a bookmark

Kitchen Connection This video demonstrates how to make Tibetan Khapse cookies

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee | Book 2 of 3
Video The Legacy of the Righteous Cyclist (running time 2:19 minutes)
Bartali's Bicycle : the True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero, by Megan Hoyt
Describes how Italian cyclist Gino Bartali (1914-2000), winner of the 1938 Tour de France, secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save more than eight hundred Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death during World War II. About the California Young Reader Medal Program

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

2/26/2024

Week of February 26, 2024 | TK | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Ten Apples Up On Top! by Dr. Seuss (writing as Theo. LeSieg)
A lion, tiger, and dog are balancing ten apples on their heads when two irritable bears start to chase them.

Crafty Connection Cat in the Hat coloring sheet

Website Seussville

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee Book 1 of 5
About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program
Someone Builds the Dream, by Lisa Wheeler
Celebrates the skilled workers who bring to life the plans of architects, engineers, and designers.

Week of February 26, 2024 | KNDGTN | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! by Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat takes Young Cat in tow to show him the fun he can get out of reading.

Crafty Connection Cat in the Hat coloring sheet

Website Seussville

Week of February 26, 2024 | First Grade | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, by Dr. Seuss
Marco struggles to report truthfully to his father the events of his day, rather than embellish the dull sights in order to make for a more exciting tale. Published in 1937, this first book for children by Dr. Seuss was rejected by 27 publishers before being accepted by Vanguard Press.

Discuss When the book finally made it to the shelves, some people thought it was unsuitable for children, saying the story encouraged the telling of lies. In fact, the book is about an active imagination; Marco tells the truth at the end. However, in March 2021 Seuss Enterprises pulled Mulberry Street from publication along with five other works by Seuss due to the inclusion of imagery they deem as "hurtful and wrong." Talk about the removal in the context of Social Emotional Learning Week (coming next week) and how it can sometimes take many years to rectify a wrong.

Crafty Connection Cat in the Hat coloring sheet

Website Seussville

Week of February 26, 2024 | 2nd Grade | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Wild About Books, by Judy Sierra
In this celebration of the literary life, librarian Molly McGrew drives her bookmobile into the zoo, and then the fun begins! The animals draw close to listen to a Dr. Seuss story, and once they "learn all about this new something called reading," they try creating their very own stories.

Crafty Connection Create your Dr. Seuss name Students experiment with their names to create their own pseudonyms: Doctor + Middle Name | Abbreviation of First Name + Last Name spelled backwards.

Website Seussville

Week of February 26, 2024 | Third Grade | Black History Narrative
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Farm Boy, circa 1940
(top right) Library of Congress, Bound for Glory exhibit

Tenant Farmhouse, Poplar Grove Plantation, North Carolina, circa 1940
(bottom right) Library of Congress, Bound for Glory exhibit

Mr. Williams, by Karen Barbour
"I was good at making my rows straight." Born the same year as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mr. Williams lived simply, sometimes facing the harsh reality of racism in the South. This understated story drives home that though most of us will not grow up to be famous, we can live our lives with dignity.

Text Connection Describe an ordinary activity in your daily life to help others know what is is like to be you. Consider keeping a diary or journal to capture moments in your daily life.

Week of February 26, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 1 of 3
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee Book 1 of 3
About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program
The Elephants Come Home, by Kim Tomsic
Documents the heartwarming story of how a displaced herd of wild African elephants gradually adapted to a new home at Thula Thula, a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa, where they found safety and love with dedicated human caregivers.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

2/19/2024

Week of February 19, 2024 | Mid-Winter Break

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

2/12/2024

Week of February 12, 2024 | TK | Valentine's Day

Set the Mood Happy Dog Music

Clifford's First Valentine's Day, by Norman Bridwell
Emily Elizabeth describes all the Valentine fun that she and Clifford had when he was just a tiny puppy in her pocket.

Never Too Little to Love, by Jeanne Willis
How can a tiny mouse get the kiss he needs?

Library Crafty Connection Valentine lift-the-flap

At Home Crafty Connection Heart Mouse Paper Craft Instructions

Week of February 12, 2024 | Kindergarten | Valentine's Day

Set the Mood Whimsical Music

Mr. Tanen's Ties, by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
The principal at Lynnhurst Elementary School is well known for his colorful and unusual ties, but his boss orders him to stop wearing them until he learns to love them too, and ties a knot of another sort.

Crafty Connection Color a crazy tie from the template, cut out the shape, and paper clip it to your collar.

Week of February 12, 2024 | First Grade | Valentine's Day

Set the Mood Whimsical Music

Yuck, a Love Story, by Don Gillmor
Austin has a hard time admitting he likes his new neighbor, Amy, but when her birthday comes he goes to fantastic lengths to get her an unexpected present.

Video Small Talk "Kids on Valentine's Day: What's this Love Thing All About?"

Crafty Connection Coloring sheet with yucky fluffy slime recipe

Week of February 12, 2024 | Second Grade | Valentine's Day

Island of Aka, Okinawa, Japan

Shiro on Aka

Island of Zamami, Okinawa, Japan

Marilyn on Zamami

Set the Mood Classic Japanese Music

Shiro in Love, by Wendy Tokuda
Shiro started as an unwanted pup left in a garbage dump, but after he was rescued he became famous in Japan.

Crafty Connection Valentine's Day Puppy Love coloring sheet

Week of February 12, 2024 | Third Grade | Valentine's Day

Set the Mood Cuban dance music

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, by Carmen Agra Deedy
When her grandmother advises lovely cockroach Martina to spill coffee on suitors to see their true personality revealed, the beautiful cockroach is in for a surprise.

Website Cockroach info for kids

Video Cockroaches: Public Enemy #1 Discovery Education Streaming Video (password protected)

Crafty Connection Cockroach facts coloring sheet

Week of February 12, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Valentine's Day

You Loves Ewe, by CeCe Bell
Homonyms cause great confusion as an increasingly cranky yam tries to make introductions and provide explanations about a lady sheep to a silly donkey.

Hug Me, by Simona Ciraolo
Felipe the cactus just wants a hug, but his family is not the touchy-feely kind, so he goes out into the world to find a friend and maybe get that long awaited hug.

Nobody Hugs a Cactus, by Carter Goodrich
Hank is prickly and cantankerous. He enjoys a solitary life in the windowsill of a desert hut, where he can survey the surrounding Southwestern vistas. Through encounters with various passersby, Hank soon realizes how lonely for affection he is.

Video A camel snacks on a prickly pear cactus with 6-inch spikes

Library Crafty Connection Cactus coloring sheet

At Home Crafty Connection Paint a cactus rock garden

Week of February 12, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Valentine's Day

Mr. Scruff, by Simon James
Polly belongs with Molly, Eric belongs with Derek, Perry belongs with Terry--everyone knows that owners and their dogs belong together in their own unique way. But for Poor Mr Scruff, alone in the dogs' home, there's no one--that is until a very special little boy arrives looking for a friend.

Video NBC Nightly News Report: the Loving Case (aired 2012)

The Case for Loving, by Selina Alko
Children these days would be shocked to know that before 1967 they could not marry a person of a race different from their own. This is the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial couple who, in 1958, struggled with marriage laws. They fought the unfair laws and took their case all the way to the Supreme Court.

Video Released in 1966, "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees was top of the charts in 1967

Crafty Connection Fairy tale coloring sheet | All you need is love coloring sheet

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

2/4/2024

Week of February 5, 2024 | TK & K | Celebrating Black Joy

Join us! Grand View hosts districtwide event 2/7

Parker Looks Up, by Parker and Jessica Curry
This book is based on the viral photograph of two-year-old Parker Curry, who, during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery in the spring of 2018, became mesmerized by Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama. Sparkles and confetti show when Parker is spellbound, or she sees something that is inspiring to her. Attentive readers will notice that pieces of confetti match the colors from Michelle Obama's dress.

Crafty Connection Museum coloring sheet

Celebrate Black History Month February 7 from 1:30-3:30 at Grand View on the upper playground with featured performances, food, arts, crafts, a reading corner, and more

Week of February 5, 2024 | First Grade
Black History is American History

Join us! Grand View hosts districtwide event 2/7

Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story, by Ruby Bridges
In 1960 Ruby Bridges (born September 8, 1954) became a pioneer in school integration at the age of six, when she was chosen to spend her first-grade year in what had formerly been an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Video Segment First Day of School Discovery Education Streaming Video (password protected)
What was it like for young Ruby that first day? Ruby speaks about the angry crowds she saw, a US Marshall talks about Ruby's bravery, and her teacher speaks about the anger of the crowds outside.

Crafty Connection Ruby Bridges coloring sheet

Celebrate Black History Month February 7 from 1:30-3:30 at Grand View on the upper playground with featured performances, food, arts, crafts, a reading corner, and more

Week of February 5, 2024 | Second Grade
Black History is American History

Join us! Grand View hosts districtwide event 2/7

Rosa Parks, by Lisbeth Kaiser
A brief biography of Rosa Parks (1913-2005), civil rights activist.

Video Segment Rosa Parks Discovery Education Streaming Video (password protected)
Identifies civil rights activist Rosa Parks and describes her role in the movement.

Sweet Justice, by Mara Rockliff
A picture book biography about Georgia Gilmore (1920-1990), the woman whose cooking helped feed and fund the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott.

Crafty Connection Rosa Parks coloring sheet

Kitchen Connection Classic butter pound cake recipe

Celebrate Black History Month February 7 from 1:30-3:30 at Grand View on the upper playground with featured performances, food, arts, crafts, a reading corner, and more

Week of February 5, 2024 | Third Grade
Black History is American History

Join us! GV hosts districtwide event 2/7

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson. Though a fence segregates a pre-Civil Rights Era town, two girls find a way to overcome the separation and become playmates.

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles. The friendship between two boys in 1964 underscores the bittersweet aftermath of the passage of the Civil Rights Act when, rather than opening swimming pools and other public spaces to African Americans, many towns and property owners boarded up the doors. The story ends with the promise of rights and freedoms yet to come.

Crafty Connection Ice cream coloring sheet

Celebrate Black History Month February 7 from 1:30-3:30 at Grand View on the upper playground with featured performances, food, arts, crafts, a reading corner, and more

Week of February 5, 2024 | Fourth Grade
Black History is American History

Join us! GV hosts districtwide event 2/7

Freedom on the Menu : the Greensboro Sit-ins, by Carole Boston Weatherford
The 1960 civil rights sit-ins at the Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, are seen through the eyes of a young girl.

Video The Sit-in Movement February 1, 1960, four black college students sat a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. Their peaceful protest inspired other people to organize sit-ins throughout the South.

Crafty Connection Banana split coloring sheet

Celebrate Black History Month February 7 from 1:30-3:30 at Grand View on the upper playground with featured performances, food, arts, crafts, a reading corner, and more

Week of February 5, 2024 | Fifth Grade
Black History is American History

Join us! Grand View hosts districtwide event 2/7

When the Schools Shut Down, by Yolanda Gladden
In 1954, Yolanda Gladden was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia, the same year that the Supreme Court handed down the Brown v. Board of Education decision, mandating the desegregation of schools. Yet in 1959, when Yolanda was old enough to begin her formal education, local authorities decided to close the county's schools rather than integrate them. Some in the Black community protested in the streets, while others organized schools to educate their children. Besides traditional subjects, Yolanda learned Black history in the basement of First Baptist Church. And in 1964, when the county was forced to reopen and desegregate its schools, she was well prepared academically and proud of her heritage. Spotlights an often-overlooked aspect of civil rights history.

Crafty Connection Black History Month coloring sheet

Celebrate Black History Month February 7 from 1:30-3:30 at Grand View on the upper playground with featured performances, food, arts, crafts, a reading corner, and more

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

1/29/2024

Week of January 29, 2024 | TK & Kindergarten
Getting Ready for the 100th Day of School

The Very Kind Rich Lady and Her One Hundred Dogs, by Chinlun Lee
The very kind rich lady cares for 100 lucky dogs!

Video Zero the Hero by Joan Holub book trailer
He's not a Froot Loop, a bagel or a doughnut... he's Zero the Hero!

Video How Krispy Kreme doughnuts are made
Speaking of doughnuts, let's find out how doughnuts are made at Krispy Kreme.

Video Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller read by Chris O'Dowd
Arnie much more than an average doughnut, round, iced and deliciously sprinkled.

Crafty Connection Dog name coloring sheet

Week of January 29, 2024 | First Grade | Groundhog Day

Video History of Groundhog Day Discovery Education Streaming Video (password protected)
Find out the story behind Punxsutawney Phil and the history of Groundhog Day.

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox, by Susan Blackaby
Brownie is waiting for spring and meets a fox... will Brownie be able to talk her way out of becoming a mid-winter snack?

Activity Groundhog Coloring Sheet

Kitchen Connection Groundhog Pudding Cups Turn pudding, cookies, and simple trimmings into the cutest treat ever!

Week of January 29, 2024 | Second Grade | Dinosaurs

Are the Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? by Julie Middleton
During a trip to the museum Dave keeps trying to get his dad's attention. The dinosaurs around him are springing to life!

What Happened to Patrick's Dinosaurs? by Carol Carrick
Patrick imagines that at one time dinosaurs were great friends of people and were responsible for building the world we enjoy today.

Tiny Dino, by Deborah Freedman
A small but mighty bird declares it is a dinosaur! But no one believes that dinosaurs still exist. How can it be a dinosaur when it is so little?

Video United Kingdom: Birds Related to Dinosaurs Discovery Education (password protected)
Scientists study the link between modern birds and dinosaurs.

Dinosaur vs. Bedtime, by Bob Shea
Roaar! Roaaaar! Nothing can stop him!

Crafty Connection Draw Bob Shea's dinosaur following these video step-by-step directions

Week of January 29, 2024 | Third Grade | Doing the Right Thing

A Bike Like Sergio's, by Maribeth Boelts
Money is tight for Ruben's parents so the chances of him getting the bike he want's are slim until he finds a hundred dollar bill. Finders keepers? Or honesty is the best policy?

Ben Rides On, by Matt Davies
When Ben rides his new bicycle the to school a bully takes it away from him and later, when Ben finds the bully in trouble, he must decide whether or not to help him.

Video Ben Rides On presented by Daisy Wallace (running time 3:37 min.)

Crafty Connection Do the right thing coloring sheet

Week of January 29, 2024 | Fourth Grade
SEL New Perspectives | Curriculum Connection Geology

Old Rock (is not boring) by Deb Pilutti
Tall Pine, Spotted Beetle, and Hummingbird are certain that being a rock is boring until Old Rock shares what he has seen and done since he first flew out of a volcano.

Rick the Rock of Room 214, by Julie Falatko
Tired of sitting all day on the Nature Finds shelf in Room 214, a rock named Rick escapes the classroom for the great outdoors, only to discover that sometimes the greatest adventure in life is friendship.

Crafty Connection Rock painting tutorial with suggested supplies, step-by-step and simple designs.

Week of January 29, 2024 | Fifth Grade | SEL Empathy

Trevor, by Jim Averbeck
Lonely and looking for a friend, Trevor the canary stretches to the width of his boring cage and tries to befriend someone sitting on a branch outside the window

Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse, by Marcy Campbell
Refusing to believe that a classmate has a horse of his own, Chloe becomes angry, calling him out at school and complaining about him to her mom, but instead of the vindication she wants, Chloe learns valuable lessons in empathy and imagination

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree, by Jamie L.B. Dennahan
A young girl is given a lemon tree and learns to care for it until she can make lemonade for a lemonade stand. Read-aloud presented by Reading in a Virtual World

Kitchen Connection Nothing says kindness like sharing a batch of soft and chewy lemon cookies

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

1/22/2024

Week of January 22, 2024 | TK | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Video Scholastic News Lunar New Year for Kids

My First Chinese New Year, by Karen Katz
This very simple introduction to the Chinese New Year focuses on food, families, and customs

Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw a dragon

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

Week of January 22, 2024 | Kindergarten | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Video Scholastic News Lunar New Year for Kids

Bringing In the New Year, by Grace Lin
A girl and her family get ready for Chinese New Year.

Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw a dragon

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

Week of January 22, 2024 | First Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Video Scholastic News Lunar New Year for Kids

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, by Natasha Yim
n this retelling of a favorite fairy tale, Goldy Luck is asked to take a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors. The Chans aren't home, but that doesn't stop Goldy from trying out their rice porridge, their chairs and their beds -- with disastrous results. But plucky Goldy takes responsibility for her actions and makes a new friend just in time for Chinese New Year.

Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw a dragon

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

Week of January 22, 2024 | Second Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Video Scholastic News Lunar New Year for Kids

The Runaway Rice Cake, by Ying Chang Compestine
After chasing a special rice cake, nian-gao, that their mother has made to celebrate the Chinese New Year, three poor brothers share it with an elderly woman and have their generosity richly rewarded.

Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw a dragon

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

Week of January 22, 2024 | Third Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Video Scholastic News Lunar New Year for Kids

The Nian Monster, by Andrea Wang
The legendary Nian monster has returned at Chinese New Year. With horns, scales, and wide, wicked jaws, Nian is intent on devouring Shanghai. The old tricks to keep him away don't work on Nian anymore, but a clever girl has a plan.

Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw a dragon

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

Week of January 22, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Video Scholastic News Lunar New Year for Kids

Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon, by Virginia Loh-Hagan
This retelling of a Chinese legend explains why people light firecrackers, wear red, and give food offerings to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw a dragon

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

Week of January 22, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Video Scholastic News Lunar New Year for Kids

Friends are Friends, Forever, by Dane Liu
Just before New Year, Dandan discovers that her family is moving to America, far away from her best friend Yueyue; before they leave Yueyue gives her a stack of red paper and a spool of string so she can share the art of paper cutting with Americans--and when New Year comes around again Dandan remembers Yueyue's gift and introduces her new friend Christina to this ancient art.

Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw a dragon

Crafty Connection Fold and cut intricate designs on red paper (instructions begin at minute 7:07)

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Week of March 25, 2024 | TK-Fifth GradeCalifornia Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 5 of 5 | Vote

Week of March 25, 2024 | Fourth and Fifth Grade​CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)Voting Party Wednesday this Week During Lunch

Week of March 18, 2024 | TK-Third GradeCalifornia Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 4 of 5

Week of March 18, 2024 | Fourth Grade​California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 4 of 5​CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Review and Vote​CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Week of March 11, 2024 | TK-Third GradeCalifornia Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 3 of 5

Week of March 11, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade​California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 3 of 5​CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 3 of 3​CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Week of March 4, 2024 | TK-2nd | SEL Week | Rotary Club ReadersCalifornia Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5

Week of March 4, 2024 | Third Grade | SEL Week California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5

Week of March 4, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade | SEL Week​California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5​CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 2 of 3​CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Week of February 26, 2024 | TK | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | KNDGTN | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!​and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | First Grade | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!​and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | 2nd Grade | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!​and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | Third Grade | Black History Narrative​and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade​California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5​CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 1 of 3CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Week of February 19, 2024 | Mid-Winter Break

Week of February 12, 2024 | TK | Valentine's Day

Week of February 12, 2024 | Kindergarten | Valentine's Day

Week of February 12, 2024 | First Grade | Valentine's Day

Week of February 12, 2024 | Second Grade | Valentine's Day

Week of February 12, 2024 | Third Grade | Valentine's Day

Week of February 12, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Valentine's Day

Week of February 12, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Valentine's Day

Week of February 5, 2024 | TK & K | Celebrating Black Joy

Week of February 5, 2024 | First GradeBlack History is American History

Week of February 5, 2024 | Second GradeBlack History is American History

Week of February 5, 2024 | Third Grade​Black History is American History

Week of February 5, 2024 | Fourth GradeBlack History is American History

Week of February 5, 2024 | Fifth GradeBlack History is American History

Week of January 29, 2024 | TK & KindergartenGetting Ready for the 100th Day of School

Week of January 29, 2024 | First Grade | Groundhog Day

Week of January 29, 2024 | Second Grade | Dinosaurs

Week of January 29, 2024 | Third Grade | Doing the Right Thing

Week of January 29, 2024 | Fourth GradeSEL New Perspectives | Curriculum Connection Geology

Week of January 29, 2024 | Fifth Grade | SEL Empathy

Week of January 22, 2024 | TK | Happy New Year!​Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Kindergarten | Happy New Year!Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | First Grade | Happy New Year!Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Second Grade | Happy New Year!Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Third Grade | Happy New Year!Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Happy New Year!Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Happy New Year!Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Library Program

Archives

Categories

Week of March 25, 2024 | TK-Fifth Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 5 of 5 | Vote

Week of March 25, 2024 | Fourth and Fifth Grade
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)
Voting Party Wednesday this Week During Lunch

Week of March 18, 2024 | TK-Third Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 4 of 5

Week of March 18, 2024 | Fourth Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 4 of 5
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Review and Vote
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Week of March 11, 2024 | TK-Third Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 3 of 5

Week of March 11, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 3 of 5
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 3 of 3
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Week of March 4, 2024 | TK-2nd | SEL Week | Rotary Club Readers
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5

Week of March 4, 2024 | Third Grade | SEL Week
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5

Week of March 4, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade | SEL Week
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 2 of 5
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 2 of 3
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Week of February 26, 2024 | TK | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | KNDGTN | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | First Grade | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | 2nd Grade | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | Third Grade | Black History Narrative
and California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5

Week of February 26, 2024 | Fourth and 5th Grade
California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 1 of 5
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 1 of 3
CYRM Intermediate Novels Reading Challenge (Optional)

Week of February 5, 2024 | First Grade
Black History is American History

Week of February 5, 2024 | Second Grade
Black History is American History

Week of February 5, 2024 | Third Grade
Black History is American History

Week of February 5, 2024 | Fourth Grade
Black History is American History

Week of February 5, 2024 | Fifth Grade
Black History is American History

Week of January 29, 2024 | TK & Kindergarten
Getting Ready for the 100th Day of School

Week of January 29, 2024 | Fourth Grade
SEL New Perspectives | Curriculum Connection Geology

Week of January 22, 2024 | TK | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Kindergarten | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | First Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Second Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Third Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)

Week of January 22, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Happy New Year!
Celebrating the New Year of the Dragon (February 10)