Month 1: Exploring the World Around Us
“Magic School Bus Series” by Joanna Cole – Join Ms. Frizzle and her students on their exciting science adventures, exploring various topics from the human body to outer space.
“The Boxcar Children” by Gertrude Chandler Warner – Follow the adventures of four orphaned siblings who make a home in an abandoned boxcar, showcasing their resourcefulness and teamwork.
“The Raft” by Jim LaMarche – Dive into the story of a boy who discovers a raft in a pond, leading to a summer filled with imaginative exploration and friendship.
Month 2: Folklore and Legends
“Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti” by Gerald McDermott – Embark on an African folktale adventure with Anansi the Spider, the clever trickster, as he outsmarts his opponents.
“Pecos Bill: A Tall Tale” by Steven Kellogg – Delve into the wild and humorous adventures of Pecos Bill, a legendary cowboy of the American West.
“Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure” by Robert D. San Souci – Join Margaret as she outwits a shape-shifting witch and saves her family in this captivating Irish folktale.
Month 3: Inspirational Stories
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer – Discover the true story of a young boy from Malawi who overcomes obstacles and harnesses the power of wind to change his community.
“Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman” by Kathleen Krull – Learn about the inspiring journey of Wilma Rudolph, an Olympic gold medalist, as she overcomes physical challenges to become a champion.
“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds – Follow Vashti’s artistic journey as she learns to embrace her creativity and realize the power of a simple dot.
Month 4: Animal Adventures
“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White – Form a heartwarming bond with Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the pig as they navigate friendship, life, and the power of words.
“The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo – Follow the courageous mouse, Despereaux, as he embarks on a quest to save a princess and brings light to a dark world.
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate – Enter the world of Ivan, a gorilla living in captivity, as he finds hope, friendship, and a longing for freedom.
Month 5: Mystery and Adventure
“Encyclopedia Brown Series” by Donald J. Sobol – Solve mysteries alongside the clever detective, Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown, in this engaging series of short stories.
“The Secret of the Old Clock” (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories) by Carolyn Keene – Accompany Nancy Drew as she unravels the secrets surrounding an old clock and helps those in need.
“The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart – Join four gifted children on a secret mission to save the world from an evil mastermind in this thrilling adventure.
Month 6: Exploring Different Cultures
“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi – Follow the story of a young girl from Korea who faces the challenge of fitting in after moving to America and learns the importance of her own identity.
“The Empty Pot” by Demi – Discover the tale of a Chinese boy who faces a daunting task and learns the value of honesty and integrity.
“Journey to Jo’burg: A South African Story” by Beverley Naidoo – Explore the journey of two siblings as they search for their mother in apartheid-era South Africa, encountering challenges and discovering the power of hope.
Month 7: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
“Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson – Delve into the story of a girl who learns the impact of small acts of kindness and the importance of empathy.
“A Chair for My Mother” by Vera B. Williams – Join Rosa and her family as they work together to save money and buy a comfortable chair after losing their home in a fire.
“The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson – Explore the friendship that develops between two girls from opposite sides of a fence, challenging the racial divide in their town.
Month 8: Historical Fiction
“Little House in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls Wilder – Step into the life of Laura Ingalls as she shares her experiences growing up in the Wisconsin woods in the 1870s.
“Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry – Witness the courage of a young girl named Annemarie as she helps her Jewish friend escape the Nazis during World War II.
“The Story of Ruby Bridges” by Robert Coles – Learn about the true story of Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to integrate an all-white school in the 1960s.
Month 9: Fantasy and Imagination
“The BFG” by Roald Dahl – Enter the whimsical world of the Big Friendly Giant and Sophie as they go on an extraordinary adventure.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis – Step through the wardrobe into the enchanting land of Narnia, where four siblings embark on a magical quest.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl – Join Charlie Bucket as he visits Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and experiences a world of wonder and imagination.