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[Grades 3-4] Great Books to Read in January

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Being the first month of the year, January got its name from the Latin word "door". This is the month when you think of opening doors to new possibilities and new beginnings. It's a good time of the year to make new year's resolutions, take up a hobby (it's a National Hobby Month) and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. January is also National Soup Month and International Creativity Month. Set a reading target for year 2021 and start reading!

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  • Spaghetti And Meatballs For All!

    Marilyn Burns, Debbie Tilley

    Paperback (Scholastic Paperbacks, Aug. 1, 2008)
    Kids will exercise their early math skills with this bestselling picture book--now available in Scholastic Bookshelf!Mr. and Mrs. Comfort are having a family reunion! Mr. Comfort starts cooking up his famous spaghetti and meatballs, while Mrs. Comfort carefully arranges eight tables and thirty-two chairs so that everyone will have a seat. The tables look lovely, the food is ready, and here come the guests--with their own seating plans!This delightful Marilyn Burns Brainy Day Book uses wit and humor to draw children into thinking about area and perimeter.
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  • Rise of the Earth Dragon: A Branches Book

    Tracey West, Graham Howells

    Paperback (Scholastic Inc., Aug. 26, 2014)
    The DRAGON MASTERS series is "How to Train Your Dragon" meets the DRAGON SLAYERS' ACADEMY!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! DRAGON MASTERS has it all! Dragons, a Dragon Stone, a king, a wizard, and magic! In the first book in this fully-illustrated series, 8-year old Drake is snatched up by King Roland's soldier and taken to the castle. He is to be trained as a Dragon Master. At the castle, he is joined by three other young Dragon Masters-in-training: Ana, Rori, and Bo. The Dragon Masters must learn how to connect with and train their dragons--and they must also uncover their dragons' special powers. Does Drake have what it takes to be a Dragon Master? What is his dragon's special power?
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  • The Rag Coat

    Lauren A Mills

    Hardcover (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Sept. 3, 1991)
    With paintings that capture all the beauty of Appalachia in authentic detail, this tender story about a resourceful mountain girl's special coat will touchreaders with its affirming message of love and friendship.
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  • Popcorn: Poems

    James Stevenson

    Hardcover (Greenwillow Books, April 14, 1998)
    Here is James Stevenson's follow-up to his popular poetry collection, Sweet Corn, which School Library Journal labeled in a starred review "A book to savor." Inside this volume are poems to make you laugh and poems to make you dream...and wonder ...and think. Some are exuberant and some are quirky and some are sad, but each and every one will leave you hungry for more. So open the book, dig in-and enjoy!
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  • I am Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos

    Hardcover (Dial Books, Jan. 5, 2016)
    We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times Bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer. Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America. This lively, New York Times Bestselling biography series inspires kids to dream big, one great role model at a time. You’ll want to collect each book.
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  • Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Doreen Rappaport, Bryan Collier

    Paperback (Hyperion Book CH, Dec. 18, 2007)
    This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. Bryan Collier's stunning collage art combines remarkable watercolor paintings with vibrant patterns and textures. A timeline and a list of additional books and web sites help make this a standout biography of Dr. King.
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  • When Martin Luther King Jr. Wore Roller Skates

    Mark Andrew Weakland, Patrick Ballesteros

    Paperback (Picture Window Books, Aug. 1, 2016)
    Martin Luther King Jr. led the American Civil Rights Movement. But do you know what he was like as a child? From roller skating to playing football and basketball, Martin was a fun-loving child. This playful story of his childhood will help young readers connect with a historic figure and will inspire them to want to achieve greatness.
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  • I Have a Dream

    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Kadir Nelson

    Hardcover (Schwartz & Wade, Oct. 9, 2012)
    Experience history with this picture book of Martin Luther King's iconic speech, with an audio CD included. This Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book will inspire young readers. From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.” On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation's history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson's magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults alike. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation's past. Included with the book is an audio CD of the speech.
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  • Winnie-the-Pooh

    A. A. Milne, Ernest H. Shepard

    Hardcover (Dutton Books for Young Readers, Oct. 31, 1988)
    Happy 90th birthday, to one of the world's most beloved icons of children's literature, Winnie-the-Pooh! Since 1926, Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends—Piglet, Owl, Tigger, and the ever doleful Eeyore—have endured as the unforgettable creations of A.A. Milne, who wrote this book for his son, Christopher Robin, and Ernest H. Shepard, who lovingly gave Pooh and his companions shape. These characters and their stories are timeless treasures of childhood that continue to speak to all of us with the kind of freshness and heart that distinguishes true storytelling."Winnie-the-Pooh is a joy; full of solemn idiocies and the sort of jokes one weeps over helplessly, not even knowing why they are so funny, and with it all the real wit and tenderness which alone could create a priceless little masterpiece." Saturday Review, 1926
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  • National Geographic Readers: Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Kitson Jazynka

    Paperback (National Geographic Children's Books, Dec. 26, 2012)
    The most effective method used to influence children to read is to incorporate the information that interests them the most. National Geographic Readers are educational, high-interest, and comprehensive for children. In this title, readers will learn about the fascinating life and legacy civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this level three biography, difficult concepts are made understandable and transitioned into a more approachable manner. This includes the use of sidebars, timetables, diagrams and fun facts to hold the interest of the young reader. The colorful design and educational illustrations round out this text as an exemplary book for their young minds to explore. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.
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  • How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

    Marjorie Priceman

    Paperback (Dragonfly Books, Sept. 9, 1996)
    Bake a delicious apple pie--and take a trip with this culinary global adventure!An apple pie is easy to make...if the market is open. But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This picture book takes readers around the globe to gather ingredients for a delicious apple pie. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And, oh yes! Don't forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple pie is included.
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  • Rosie Revere, Engineer

    Andrea Beaty, David Roberts

    Hardcover (Harry N. Abrams, Sept. 3, 2013)
    The beloved New York Times bestselling picture book about pursuing one’s passion with persistence and learning to celebrate each failure on the road to achieving one’s dreams. And now you can follow Rosie’s further adventures—with her friends Iggy Peck and Ada Twist—in the instant New York Times bestseller Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, the first in a BRAND-NEW chapter book series, The Questioneers! Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie’s gizmos would astound—if she ever let anyone see them. Afraid of failure, she hides them away under her bed. Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose (AKA Rosie the Riveter!), who shows her that the first flop isn’t something to fear—it’s something to celebrate. And you can only truly fail, if you quit. Collect them all! Add these other STEM favorites from #1 New York Times bestselling team Andrea Beaty and David Roberts to your family library today! Ada Twist, ScientistIggy Peck, Architect Rosie Revere and the Raucous RivetersAda Twist and the Perilous PantsAda Twist’s Big Project Book for Stellar ScientistsIggy Peck’s Big Project Book for Amazing ArchitectsRosie Revere’s Big Project Book for Bold Engineers Praise for Rosie Revere, Engineer"Comically detailed mixed-media illustrations that keep the mood light and emphasize Rosie’s creativity at every turn."—Publishers Weekly"The detritus of Rosie’s collections is fascinating, from broken dolls and stuffed animals to nails, tools, pencils, old lamps and possibly an erector set. And cheddar-cheese spray."—Kirkus Reviews"This celebration of creativity and perseverance is told through rhyming text, which gives momentum and steady pacing to a story, consistent with the celebration of its heroine, Rosie. She’s an imaginative thinker who hides her light under a bushel (well, really, the bed) after being laughed at for one of her inventions."—Booklist Award2013 Parents' Choice Award - GOLD2014 Amelia Bloomer Project ListReadBoston's Best Read Aloud Book
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  • My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Martin Luther King III, AG Ford

    Paperback (Amistad, Jan. 2, 2018)
    What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”Martin Luther King III was one of those four little children mentioned in Martin Luther King’s groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. In this memoir, Martin Luther King Jr.’s son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.AG Ford is the illustrator of several other books for children, including the New York Times bestselling Barack. He is the recipient of an NAACP Image Award.This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share in the classroom or during homeschooling.
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  • My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    Christine King Farris, Chris Soentpiet

    Paperback (Aladdin, Jan. 1, 2006)
    Renowned educator Christine King Farris, older sister of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., joins with celebrated illustrator Chris Soentpiet to tell this “outstanding” (School Library Journal) and inspirational story of how one boyhood experience inspired a movement that would change the world as we know it.Mother Dear, one day I’m going to turn this world upside down. Long before he became a world-famous dreamer, Martin Luther King Jr. was a little boy who played jokes and practiced the piano and made friends without considering race. But growing up in the segregated south of the 1930s taught young Martin a bitter lesson—little white children and little black children were not to play with one another. Martin decided then and there that something had to be done. And so he began the journey that would change the course of American history.
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  • Squirrel's New Year's Resolution

    Pat Miller, Kathi Ember

    Hardcover (Albert Whitman & Company, Sept. 1, 2010)
    Squirrel knows that New Year's Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year’s resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her very own.
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  • The New Year's Eve Sleepover from the Black Lagoon

    Mike Thaler

    Paperback (Scholastic, July 6, 2008)
    Eric is having a New Year's Eve sleepover, but Hubie has never spent the night away from home. He's going to be in a strange bed, in a strange room, in a strange house. What if Hubie gets sick or has a bad dream? What happens if Eric starts telling his cheesy jokes? And what's all this talk about making a New Year's revolution?
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  • Soup

    Robert Newton Peck

    Paperback (Yearling, Nov. 17, 1998)
    "Rural Vermont during the 1920's is the setting for this nostalgic account of episodes in the lives of young Robert Peck and his pal, Soup."--starred, School Library Journal
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  • Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss

    Pat Schwiebert, Chuck DeKlyen, Taylor Bills

    Hardcover (Grief Watch, June 1, 2005)
    If you are going to buy only one book on grief, this is the one to get! It will validate your grief experience, and you can share it with your children. You can leave it on the coffee table so others will pick it up, read it, and then better appreciate your grieving time. Grand's Cooking Tips section at the back of the book is rich with wisdom and concrete recommendations. Better than a casserole! Hardbound; 56 full-color pages. Affirms the bereaved. Educates the un-bereaved. A building-block for children..... WINNER! of the 2001 Theologos Book Award, presented by the Association of Theological Booksellers.
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  • Freedom Soup

    Tami Charles, Jacqueline Alcántara

    Hardcover (Candlewick, Dec. 10, 2019)
    Join the celebration in the kitchen as a family makes their traditional New Year’s soup — and shares the story of how Haitian independence came to be.The shake-shake of maracas vibrates down to my toes.Ti Gran’s feet tap-tap to the rhythm.Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the new year by eating a special soup, a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. This year, Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make the soup — Freedom Soup — just like she was taught when she was a little girl. Together, they dance and clap as they prepare the holiday feast, and Ti Gran tells Belle about the history of the soup, the history of Belle’s family, and the history of Haiti, where Belle’s family is from. In this celebration of cultural traditions passed from one generation to the next, Jacqueline Alcántara’s lush illustrations bring to life both Belle’s story and the story of the Haitian Revolution. Tami Charles’s lyrical text, as accessible as it is sensory, makes for a tale that readers will enjoy to the last drop.
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