Category: CA Young Reader Medal

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

4/28/2025

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Week of April 28, 2025 | All Grades
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

California Young Reader Medal
Winners announced on May 1. Compare the state results with our local voting results.

Screen Time Awareness Week
Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, by Shel Silverstein Poem
Though a child could never actually turn into a TV, or have brains turn to mush from excessive screen time, children who spend too much time with electronic entertainment might not enjoy an imagination such as is gained through exploratory play, pleasure reading, and quiet reflection. Unplug from screen-based entertainment and let your imagination run wild. Find out more at screenfree.org.

Children's Book Week
Celebrate with books that engage readers of all ages - pictures that invite second and third closer looks - stories that are fun and meaningful - books that beg for repeat readings! Find out more.

Week of April 28, 2025 | TK and Kindergarten
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Screen Time Awareness Week
If..., by Sarah Perry
Illustrations present such imaginative possibilities as worms with wheels, caterpillar toothpaste, and whales in outer space.
Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
The world of Mo Willems is exactly what Children's Book Week is about: books that engage readers of all ages - pictures that invite second and third closer looks - stories that are fun and meaningful - books that beg for repeat readings!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

That Is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems
A plump mama goose is invited to dinner by a hungry fox while her babies warn that it is a bad idea.

Week of April 28, 2025 | First Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Screen Time Awareness Week
The Dragon in the Clock Box, by M. Jean Craig
When Joshua says he has a dragon's egg his family plays along. Note: no electronic entertainment is visible and readers can see how family members spend their leisure time.

Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
This book about imagination is exactly what Children's Book Week is about: books that engage readers of all ages - pictures that invite second and third closer looks - stories that are fun and meaningful - books that beg for repeat readings!

Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

Not a Box, by Antoinette Portis
To an imaginative little bunny, a box is not always just a box.

What Is Inside This Box? by Drew Daywalt
Monkey has a box, which he tells Cake has a cat inside, but only when the box is closed; Cake suggests that maybe there is a dinosaur instead.

Crafty Connection Take and make foldable box

Week of April 28, 2025 | Second Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Screen Time Awareness Week
Open this Little Book, by Jesse Klausmeier
An imaginative exploration of the art of book making and a charming tale of friendship and the power of books. The special invitation at the end is the perfect lead-in for...

Emma Kate, by Patricia Polacco
The best thing to play with is a huge imagination.
Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
This book about honesty is exactly what Children's Book Week is about: books that engage readers of all ages - pictures that invite second and third closer looks - stories that are fun and meaningful - books that beg for repeat readings!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

Betty Bunny Didn't Do It, by Michael B. Kaplan
When Betty Bunny breaks a lamp, she blames it on the Tooth Fairy. “Is that the honest truth?” her mom asks. “It's an honest lie,” Betty Bunny replies proudly. Honest lies, white lies, crying wolf – how can a little bunny keep track of the right thing to do?

Week of April 28, 2025 | Third Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Screen Time Awareness Week
Goodnight iPad, by Ann Droyd
In this parody for the next generation, a family bids goodnight to their electronic gadgets before going to bed.

When Charlie McButton Lost Power, by Suzanne Collins
A boy who likes nothing but playing computer games is in trouble when the power goes out and his little sister has all of the batteries in the house.
Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
These fairy tales are exactly what Children's Book Week is about: books that engage readers of all ages - pictures that invite second and third closer looks - stories that are fun and meaningful - books that beg for repeat readings!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

Elements of Fairy Tales Readwritethink.org
Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude, by Kevin O'Malley
Videos Before reading the story, set the mood with We Are Princesses and The Biker.
Cooperatively writing a fairy tale for school, a girl imagines a beautiful princess whose beloved ponies are being stolen by a giant, and a boy conjures up a muscular biker who will guard the last pony in exchange for gold.

Waking Beauty, by Leah Wilcox
Prince Charming tries all sorts of silly ways to wake Sleeping Beauty before he learns how he is really supposed to wake her up.

Week of April 28, 2025 | Fourth Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Screen Time Awareness Week
If You Give a Mouse an iPhone, by Ann Droyd
In this parody of the Laura Numeroff storiies if you give a bored little mouse an iPhone he's likely to miss out on all the real fun going on around him.
Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
The following two stories are exactly what Children's Book Week is about: books that engage readers of all ages - pictures that invite second and third closer looks - stories that are fun and meaningful - books that beg for repeat readings!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

The Taking Tree, by Shrill Travesty
In this parody of The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, a selfish little boy takes advantage of a long-suffering tree who finally gives him just what he deserves.

Video Click here for The Tree's Revenge, a brief animated parody

Video Eat It Weird Al Yankovic's music video parody of Michael Jackson's Beat It.

Week of April 28, 2025 | Fifth Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Screen Time Awareness Week
Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, by Shel Silverstein Poem
Though a child could never actually turn into a TV, or have brains turn to mush from excessive screen time, children who spend too much time with electronic entertainment might not enjoy an imagination such as is gained through exploratory play, pleasure reading, and quiet reflection. Unplug from screen-based entertainment and let your imagination run wild. Find out more at screenfree.org.
Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
This picture book biography is exactly what Children's Book Week is about: books that engage readers of all ages - pictures that invite second and third closer looks - stories that are fun and eye-opening - books that beg for repeat readings!

Girl Running : Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon, by Annette Bay Pimentel
An uplifting account of the achievements of the first woman to run the Boston Marathon describes how as a girl, Bobbi Gibb was not allowed to participate in sports at school and was subsequently barred from the 1966 Boston Marathon, compelling her to prove that women are just as capable as men.

28th Annual Exer Urgent Care Gator Run
Now let's get signed up for the Gator Run!

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

3/17/2025

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Week of March 17, 2025 | All Grades | CYRM Picture Books
Review the Five Nominees and Vote for Favorite

The California Young Reader Medal Program encourages recreational reading of popular literature among the young people of our state. Young people recommend their favorite books for consideration, or teachers and librarians note popular titles and these are submitted to the CYRM committee for nomination. Since its inception in 1974, millions of California children have nominated, read, and voted.

Crafty Connection TK-2nd graders will decorate and sign a thank you card for the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club volunteer who read to their class in the library. 3rd-5th graders will decorate and sign a thank you card for the generous donation made by the Manhattan Beach Friends of the Library.

Week of March 17, 2025 | Third Grade | SLQB Prep

Super Literacy Quiz Bowl Next Week
Every third grade class has at least one team playing in the event on Wednesday, March 17, in the Performing Arts Center from 9:00-10:30. This week, some picture book selections will be reviewed.

Week of March 17, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade
Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 3 of 3 | Review and Vote

Cougar Crossing, by Meeg Pincus (CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 3 of 3)
P-22 was born in a national park near Los Angeles, California. When it was time for him to leave home and stake a claim to his own territory, he embarked on a perilous journey--somehow crossing sixteen lanes of the world's worst traffic--to make his home in LA's Griffith Park, overlooking the famed Hollywood sign. P-22 remained in Griffith Park for ten years until he was captured on December 12, 2022. He was euthanized on December 17, 2022, after examinations revealed he was suffering from traumatic injuries consistent with being hit by a car, in combination with several longer-term health issues. P-22 was buried at a secret site in March, 2023, in sacred ceremony led by representatives of the Chumash, Tataviam, and Tongva tribes. Mountain lions are regarded as relatives and considered teachers in LA's tribal communities.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing
Residents of Los Angeles embraced this brave cougar as their own and, along with the scientists monitoring P-22, raised money to build a wildlife bridge across Highway 101 to help cougars and other wildlife safely expand their territories and build new homes--ensuring their survival for years to come. The crossing is a vegetated overpass spanning the Ventura Freeway and Agoura Road at Liberty Canyon in Agoura Hills, CA. Project groundbreaking took place April 22, 2022. Once completed (slated for 2026), the bridge will be one of the largest urban wildlife crossings in the world, connecting the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains over a busy 10-lane freeway.

Los Angeles Times Video The Sad Plight of P-22, Los Angeles' Mountain Lion

The California Young Reader Medal Program encourages recreational reading of popular literature among the young people of our state. Young people recommend their favorite books for consideration, or teachers and librarians note popular titles and these are submitted to the CYRM committee for nomination. Since its inception in 1974, millions of California children have nominated, read, and voted.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

3/10/2025

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Week of March 10, 2025 | All Grades | CYRM Picture Book Nominee
Marking Five-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Pandemic

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominee 5 of 5
Are You a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo
When a raccoon finds Seed in the garbage, he plants him in the hopes of growing a cheeseburger plant. Seed isn't exactly sure what he's going to grow into, but he wants to make his new friend happy.
About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program

Video A raccoon and his cheeseburger meal

Video Time-lapse flower blossoms

Crafty Connection Sunflower coloring sheet

Week of March 10, 2025 | Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade
Marking Five-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Pandemic

The Longest Storm, by Dan Yaccarino
A ferocious storm is a metaphor for the COVID-19 pandemic in this story about a family cooped up together, with no idea how long their isolation will last. The longer the family is confined, the more boredom sets in and tempers flare until they learn how to weather the storm together.

Video Mr. Rogers reminds us to "look for the helpers"

Windows, by Patrick Guest
Inspired by the author's experience as a medical worker who had to isolate from his family, this is a heartfelt story of how we can feel together even when we must be far apart.

Video Neighborhood window scavenger hunt

Week of March 10, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 2 of 3

The Gardener of Alcatraz, by Emma Bland Smith
In 1941, convicted counterfeiter Elliott Michener (1906-1997) was sent to Alcatraz prison. There he plotted his escape, until he was assigned to work as a landscaper and discovered his passion for gardening.
About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

3/3/2025

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Week of March 3, 2025 | TK | SEL Week | Celebrating Dr. Seuss
Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | Kindergarten | SEL Week | Dr. Seuss
Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | First Grade | SEL Week | Dr. Seuss
Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Social Emotional Learning Week
Our Annual SEL Week returns with the Districtwide theme "Skills for Success - Ready for the Future." 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 read to our students and talk about making good choices and doing the right thing.

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 deemed as "hurtful and wrong." Talk about the removal in the context of Social Emotional Learning 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 March 3, 2025 | Second Grade | SEL Week | Dr. Seuss
Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | Third Grade | SEL Week
Doing the Right Thing

Social Emotional Learning Week
Our Annual SEL Week returns with the Districtwide theme "Skills for Success - Ready for the Future." Students will have a chance to take part in activities throughout the week that focus on the SEL framework.

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 March 3, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade | SEL Week
CA Young Reader Medal Picture Book for Older Readers (1 of 3)

Social Emotional Learning Week
Our Annual SEL Week returns with the Districtwide theme "Skills for Success - Ready for the Future." Students will have a chance to take part in activities throughout the week that focus on the SEL framework.

California Young Reader Medal, Picture Book for Older Readers (1 of 3)
World Map Damascus, Syria
Photographs Courtyard homes in Syria
Nour's Secret Library, by Wafa' Tarnowska
Forced to take shelter when their city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library. This story takes place in Damascus, Syria, in 2011, when demonstrations began in support of teenagers arrested for anti-government graffiti in the southern town of Daraa, and the demonstrations engendered a violent government crackdown. Damascus is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on Earth but its sprawling outer suburbs have been pounded to near-oblivion. The story is based on the author’s own life experience with the power books have to heal, transport, and create safe spaces during difficult times. About the CYRM

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

2/17/2025

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Week of February 17, 2025 | All Grades | CYRM Picture Books

California Young Reader Medal Picture Book Nominees 3 and 4 of 5
About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program

Luli and the Language of Tea, by Andrea Wang
When ten children gather for play while their immigrant parents attend an ESL class, each child plays alone, since the children speak different languages, until one child has a plan to unite them over a word they all recognize.

Resource Author Andrea Wang's website (scroll down a ways) features a selection of audio files to hear how the word for tea is expressed in multiple languages. The samples are recorded by creators of children's literature for whom the language is a native or heritage language.

Crafty Connection Do the right thing coloring sheet or Making good choices coloring sheet

Mel Fell, by Corey Tabor
In this story that encourages confidence and bravery a little bird falls from a tree branch and plummets down, down, down until splash! Students will hold their breath as they witness the little bird's glorious triumph.

Video Kingfisher in action

Crafty Connection Kingfisher coloring sheet

At Home Connection Fold a circle paper airplane that flies like a bird

Deepen the Understanding
With younger students, talk about how both stories touch upon the theme of spreading one's wings. Literally, in Mel Fell because the bird is learning to fly. Figuratively, in Luli and the Language of Tea because the families in the story are starting new lives in a new country. With older students, see if they can find the common theme themselves through a post-reading discussion. They may make other connections, as well.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

1/20/2025

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Week of January 20, 2025 | TK | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

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

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (2 of 5)
My First Day, by Phung Nguyen Quang
World Map Vietnam and the Mekong River Delta
Photographs Mekong River Delta
The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta where a young boy sets out for school alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar in this story of resilience and determination. About the CYRM

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

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

At-Home Kitchen Connection Try this simple recipe for ginger vegetable congee

Week of January 20, 2025 | Kindergarten | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

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.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (2 of 5)
My First Day, by Phung Nguyen Quang
World Map Vietnam and the Mekong River Delta
Photographs Mekong River Delta
The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta where a young boy sets out for school alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar in this story of resilience and determination. About the CYRM

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

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

At-Home Kitchen Connection Try this simple recipe for ginger vegetable congee

Week of January 20, 2025 | First Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

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.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (2 of 5)
My First Day, by Phung Nguyen Quang
World Map Vietnam and the Mekong River Delta
Photographs Mekong River Delta
The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta where a young boy sets out for school alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar in this story of resilience and determination. About the CYRM

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

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

At-Home Kitchen Connection Try this simple recipe for ginger vegetable congee

Week of January 20, 2025 | Second Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

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.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (2 of 5)
My First Day, by Phung Nguyen Quang
World Map Vietnam and the Mekong River Delta
Photographs Mekong River Delta
The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta where a young boy sets out for school alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar in this story of resilience and determination. About the CYRM

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

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

At-Home Kitchen Connection Try this simple recipe for ginger vegetable congee

Week of January 20, 2025 | Third Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake |CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

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.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (2 of 5)
My First Day, by Phung Nguyen Quang
World Map Vietnam and the Mekong River Delta
Photographs Mekong River Delta
The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta where a young boy sets out for school alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar in this story of resilience and determination. About the CYRM

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

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

At-Home Kitchen Connection Try this simple recipe for ginger vegetable congee

Week of January 20, 2025 | Fourth Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

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.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (2 of 5)
My First Day, by Phung Nguyen Quang
World Map Vietnam and the Mekong River Delta
Photographs Mekong River Delta
The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta where a young boy sets out for school alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar in this story of resilience and determination. About the CYRM

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

At-Home Crafty Connection Cupcake liner dragon

At-Home Kitchen Connection Try this simple recipe for ginger vegetable congee

Week of January 20, 2025 | Fifth Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake

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.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (2 of 5)
My First Day, by Phung Nguyen Quang
World Map Vietnam and the Mekong River Delta
Photographs Mekong River Delta
The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta where a young boy sets out for school alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar in this story of resilience and determination. About the CYRM

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)

At-Home Kitchen Connection Try this simple recipe for ginger vegetable congee

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

1/13/2025

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Week of January 13, 2025 | TK and Kindergarten
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, by Jean Marzollo
Focuses on highlights and accomplishments to help the very young appreciate Dr. King.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (1 of 5)
Room for Everyone, by Naaz Khan
World Map Tanzania and Zanzibar Island
Photographs Zanzibar Island
There's always room for one more, which is the heartwarming take-away from this joyous tale that touches on unity and brotherhood, through-lines of the life and work of Dr. King. About the CYRM

Crafty Connection All you need is love coloring sheet

Crafty Connection Use crayons to create scratch art in the style used to illustrate the book. Directions

Week of January 13, 2025 | First Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, by Mir Tamim Ansary
Introduces Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.

Strictly No Elephants, by Lisa Mantchev
Sweetly affirming, a boy and his unusual pet create a space where all are welcome.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (1 of 5)
Room for Everyone, by Naaz Khan
World Map Tanzania and Zanzibar Island
Photographs Zanzibar Island
There's always room for one more, which is the heartwarming take-away from this joyous tale that touches on unity and brotherhood, through-lines of the life and work of Dr. King. About the CYRM

Crafty Connection Have courage and be kind coloring sheet

Week of January 13, 2025 | Second Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, by Mir Tamim Ansary
Introduces Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade, by Justin Roberts
Sally McCabe is a very little girl who speaks out about the unkindness she sees, and people start to pay attention.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (1 of 5)
Room for Everyone, by Naaz Khan
World Map Tanzania and Zanzibar Island
Photographs Zanzibar Island
There's always room for one more, which is the heartwarming take-away from this joyous tale that touches on unity and brotherhood, through-lines of the life and work of Dr. King. About the CYRM

Crafty Connection MLK coloring sheet

Week of January 13, 2025 | Third Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Video The Story of MLK by Kid President

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers, by Christine King Farris
Growing up in the segregated South forced a very young Martin to learn a bitter lesson, and as a seven-year-old he embarked on a journey that would change the course of American history.

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (1 of 5)
Room for Everyone, by Naaz Khan
World Map Tanzania and Zanzibar Island
Photographs Zanzibar Island
There's always room for one more, which is the heartwarming take-away from this joyous tale that touches on unity and brotherhood, through-lines of the life and work of Dr. King. About the CYRM

Crafty Connection Have courage and be kind coloring sheet

Week of January 13, 2025 | Fourth Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

My Uncle Martin's Words for America, by Angela Farris Watkins
The niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recounts her uncle's work to promote racial equality and introduces key events during the civil rights era, focusing on key tenets of King's philosophy: freedom, justice, brotherhood and nonviolence.

Video Children give speeches inspired by Dr. King

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (1 of 5)
Room for Everyone, by Naaz Khan
World Map Tanzania and Zanzibar Island
Photographs Zanzibar Island
There's always room for one more, which is the heartwarming take-away from this joyous tale that touches on unity and brotherhood, through-lines of the life and work of Dr. King. About the CYRM

What a Wonderful World based on the song by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Illustrations and lyrics introduce a song, first recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, which celebrates the wonders of nature, loving friends, and the promise of the future in a baby's cry.

Video Louis Armstrong sings What a Wonderful World with spoken word introduction.

Video What a Wonderful Word, animation

Crafty Connection What a wonderful world coloring sheet

Week of January 13, 2025 | Fifth Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

MLK August 28, 1963, Washington, DC

President Lyndon Johnson signs Civil Rights Act, July 2, 1964

MLK accepting Nobel Peace Prize December 10, 1964, Oslo, Sweden

The Famous Speech
On August 28, 1963, the "I Have a Dream" speech was delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The March was partly intended to show support for civil rights legislation proposed June 11th by President John F. Kennedy.

A Place to Land, by Barry Wittenstein
The backstory to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech paints a portrait of the struggle Dr. King had with finding just the right words, even up to the night before they were to be delivered, only to abandon the agonized-over speech in favor of improvisation, summoning "the passion of a Sunday morning sermon."

Video I Have a Dream

President Johnson Signs Civil Rights Act Kennedy did not live to see the civil rights dream come true. The Civil Rights Act was signed by President Johnson on July 2, 1964. It outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. It ended racial segregation in schools, the workplace, and public facilities.

Video Martin Luther King, Jr. accepting the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1964 in Oslo, Sweden .
For students to view at home with their families, if library time is limited.

Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds
Encourages readers to say something using their actions and words to show the importance and power of their voice to bring about change.

Video Children give speeches inspired by Dr. King

California Young Reader Medal Nominee (1 of 5)
Room for Everyone, by Naaz Khan
World Map Tanzania and Zanzibar Island
Photographs Zanzibar Island
There's always room for one more, which is the heartwarming take-away from this joyous tale that touches on unity and brotherhood, through-lines of the life and work of Dr. King. About the CYRM

Audio All You Need Is Love

Crafty Connection All you need is love coloring sheet

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

10/7/2024

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Week of October 7, 2024 | TK | Pumpkin Season

It's Pumpkin Time! by Zoe Hall
A brother and sister plant and tend their own pumpkin patch so they will have jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.

How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? by Wendell Minor
With increasing absurdity as pumpkins grow bigger and bigger still, giant pumpkins decorate American landmarks.

Video Pumpkin: How Does It Grow?

Crafty Connection Pumpkin bead bracelet

At-Home Activities Various Halloween crafts for this age group, with supervision

Week of October 7, 2024 | Kindergarten | Pumpkin Season

Pumpkin Heads! by Wendell Minor
Pumpkin heads and jack-o-lanterns abound when Halloween rolls around.

Stumpkin, by Lucy Ruth Cummins
A stemless pumpkin that yearns to be a Halloween jack-o-lantern sees all of the other pumpkins in the shop chosen until he is the last one left without a home.

Video Pumpkin: How Does It Grow?

Crafty Connection Pumpkins coloring sheet

At-Home Activities Various Halloween crafts for this age group, with supervision

Week of October 7, 2024 | First Grade | Black Cats

Night's Nice, by Barbara and Ed Emberley
A little kitty (can you spot him?) explores the wonders of nighttime.

Moonlight the Halloween Cat, by Cynthia Rylant
One special night of the year for one special cat.

Max at Night, by Ed Vere
Unable to go to sleep without closing his nighttime ritual, Max the kitten embarks on a journey to find the moon and say goodnight.

What! Cried Granny: an Almost Bedtime Story, by Kate Lum
When her grandson Patrick arrives for his first sleepover, Granny's resourceful efforts to provide him with a bed, pillow, and other necessities result in a sleepless night for both of them

Video A time-lapse of cats enjoying the sunshine through a window

Crafty Connection Use the back of A purr-fect Halloween coloring sheet to draw the cat in the moon

At-Home Activities Various Halloween crafts for this age group, with supervision

Week of October 7, 2024 | Second Grade | Monster Season

Quit Calling Me a Monster! by Jory John
A little monster resents being labeled as a monster.

When a Monster is Born, by Sean Taylor
What happens when the monster comes to school, eats the principal, wanders into town, and falls in love? He becomes the parent of a baby monster, who may grow up to be an under-your-bed monster in this circular tale of possibilities.

Crafty Connection Trace hand print bookmarks from monster-green paper. Embellish with pointy fingernails before cutting out.

Week of October 7, 2024 | Third Grade | Dewey Decimal System
Information Literacy Part 2

Melvil Dewey (1851-1931)

Dewey Decimal System

1: Website & Map -- 2: Dewey Decimal System -- 3: Video "The Lure of the Library" -- 4: Catalog Demonstration and Scavenger Hunt -- 5: Quiz Show What You Know Part 1 of 2 and Scavenger Hunt -- 6. Quiz Show What You Know Part 2 of 2 and Scavenger Hunt.
Students will earn the privilege of using the library computers by part 4 of the 6-part practicum designed to allow them to demonstrate their awareness of library procedures and their ability to execute simple catalog searches.

Website page Library map

Website page Dewey classification chart

PowerPoint The Caveman's Guide to the Dewey Decimal System created by Mount Erie Elementary School, Anacortes, Washington

Crafty Connection Autumn mandala coloring sheet

Week of October 7, 2024 | Fourth/Fifth Grade | Intro CYRM Novels

California Young Reader Medal | Intermediate Novel Category
This is an optional reading activity for 4th and 5th graders that will culminate in a voting party to be held in the library during 4th and 5th grade lunch on March 26, 2025. Participants are responsible for completing a brief questionnaire (document to come) on or before March 24, 2025 in order to attend the voting party. Participants will eat their lunch in the library then cast their ballots. Small giveaways and raffle prizes will be on hand. Click here for more information about the California Young Reader Medal

Week of October 7, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Reading Appreciation

I Don't Want to Read this Book, by Max Greenfield
A playful take on the challenges and pleasures of reading a book

The Ink Drinker, by Eric Sanvoisin
A strange breed of vampire sucks the black blood of literature and changes a book-hating boy...forever.

Week of October 7, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Reading Appreciation

Happy Hocky Family, by Lane Smith
A series of short silly stories takes a humorous look at the activities of various members of the Hocky family.

It's a Book, by Lane Smith
A donkey is curious about the book a monkey is reading, and wonders why it does not text, tweet, scroll, or blog, and why monkey enjoys the book so much even though it cannot do any of these things.

Week of April 28, 2025 | All GradesCYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | TK and KindergartenCYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | First GradeCYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | Second GradeCYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | Third GradeCYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | Fourth GradeCYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | Fifth GradeCYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of March 17, 2025 | All Grades | CYRM Picture BooksReview the Five Nominees and Vote for Favorite

Week of March 17, 2025 | Third Grade | SLQB Prep

Week of March 17, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 3 of 3 | Review and Vote

Week of March 10, 2025 | All Grades | CYRM Picture Book NomineeMarking Five-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Pandemic

Week of March 10, 2025 | Third, Fourth, and Fifth GradeMarking Five-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Pandemic

Week of March 10, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade​CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee

Week of March 3, 2025 | TK | SEL Week | Celebrating Dr. Seuss​Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | Kindergarten | SEL Week | Dr. SeussRotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | First Grade | SEL Week | Dr. SeussRotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | Second Grade | SEL Week | Dr. SeussRotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | Third Grade | SEL Week​Doing the Right Thing

Week of March 3, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade | SEL Week​CA Young Reader Medal Picture Book for Older Readers (1 of 3)

Week of February 17, 2025 | All Grades | CYRM Picture Books

Week of January 20, 2025 | TK | Happy Lunar New Year!​Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Kindergarten | Happy Lunar New Year!Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | First Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Second Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Third Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!Celebrating the Year of the Snake |CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Fourth Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Fifth Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!Celebrating the Year of the Snake

Week of January 13, 2025 | TK and Kindergarten​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | First Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | Second Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | Third Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | Fourth Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | Fifth Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of October 7, 2024 | TK | Pumpkin Season

Week of October 7, 2024 | Kindergarten | Pumpkin Season

Week of October 7, 2024 | First Grade | Black Cats

Week of October 7, 2024 | Second Grade | Monster Season

Week of October 7, 2024 | Third Grade | Dewey Decimal SystemInformation Literacy Part 2

Week of October 7, 2024 | Fourth/Fifth Grade | Intro CYRM Novels

Week of October 7, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Reading Appreciation

Week of October 7, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Reading Appreciation

Library Program

Archives

Categories

Week of April 28, 2025 | All Grades
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | TK and Kindergarten
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | First Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | Second Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | Third Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | Fourth Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of April 28, 2025 | Fifth Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

Week of March 17, 2025 | All Grades | CYRM Picture Books
Review the Five Nominees and Vote for Favorite

Week of March 17, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade
Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee 3 of 3 | Review and Vote

Week of March 10, 2025 | All Grades | CYRM Picture Book Nominee
Marking Five-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Pandemic

Week of March 10, 2025 | Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade
Marking Five-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Pandemic

Week of March 10, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade
CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee

Week of March 3, 2025 | TK | SEL Week | Celebrating Dr. Seuss
Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | Kindergarten | SEL Week | Dr. Seuss
Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | First Grade | SEL Week | Dr. Seuss
Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | Second Grade | SEL Week | Dr. Seuss
Rotary Club Volunteers Read to Students in the Library

Week of March 3, 2025 | Third Grade | SEL Week
Doing the Right Thing

Week of March 3, 2025 | Fourth and Fifth Grade | SEL Week
CA Young Reader Medal Picture Book for Older Readers (1 of 3)

Week of January 20, 2025 | TK | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Kindergarten | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | First Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Second Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Third Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake |CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Fourth Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake | CYRM Picture Book 2 of 5

Week of January 20, 2025 | Fifth Grade | Happy Lunar New Year!
Celebrating the Year of the Snake

Week of January 13, 2025 | TK and Kindergarten
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | First Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | Second Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | Third Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | Fourth Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of January 13, 2025 | Fifth Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | CYRM Picture Book 1 of 5

Week of October 7, 2024 | Third Grade | Dewey Decimal System
Information Literacy Part 2