2014 Summer Reading

2014 SUMMER READING

The Stanwich School Library Liz Oestreich 257 Stanwich Road Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 542-0013 www.stanwichschool.org

With Thanks to the Stanwich School Parent Association Library Volunteers 2013-14 Maureen Vitanza, Chair Amy Andrews Naomi Azrak Elli Bai Heather Benn Melissa Bennett Karen Colella Elin Collins Loretta Dahnke Beth Daigle Rachel DaPuzzo Ania Edward Kim Marie Evans Elizabeth Fitts Gretchen Foran Jennifer Frascella Kara Gerardi Kristine Gigliotti Katey Goldberg Nancy Hart Susan Heidere Kris Herndon Linda Hoffman Stefani Jampole Janine Kennedy Faye Kim Kimberly Kuppenheimer Lara Laitala Amy Leahy Hermione Leonard Alessandra Long Michelle Martello

Wynn McDaniel Greta Messina Samantha Moro Marwa Moustafa Stephani Nedzamar Susannah Peardon Amie Perez Oksana Quirk Thais Recarte Saskia Reilly Karen Richard Liz Roddy Kristen Rosenbaum Jayanti Samant Lara Sanders Lynn Schwartz Jennifer Servedio Jennifer Shaw Susan Shea-Gerson Cat Short Adam Siegel Alexis Siegel Jurgita Somma Stacy Stabinsky Lauren Stein Nancy Stuebe Susan Tejpaul Cristina Vittoria Natalie Wiegenfeld Jessica Winston

Cover art by Stanwich students.

Thank you, Mrs. Graham and Ms. LeBlanc!

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June 2014 Dear Stanwich Families, I am delighted to present you with this year’s list of summer reading recommendations.

My thanks to the many parents who volunteered in the library this year, led by the indefatigable Maureen Vitanza. Likewise, I am grateful for the assistance of Maggie Seligman and Anna Waters whose work both “on the front lines” and “behind the scenes” kept the library running smoothly.

As many of you know, after a fifteen-year association with Stanwich School, I am taking a leave of absence to move with my husband to London for an “empty nest” adventure. I hope to return to Greenwich frequently and look forward to a meaningful and continuing relationship with everyone at Stanwich.

Given my impending departure, however, I thought I would take this opportunity to answer the three questions that I have been most frequently asked over the past fifteen years.

1. Have You Read Every Book in the Stanwich Library?

The Stanwich Library contains nearly 17,000 books and I have read several thousand of them from start to finish. But no, I have not read every book in the library. However, during my tenure, I have sourced, ordered, unpacked, sampled, shelved, checked in and out, and reshelved every book that is now part of the Stanwich collection (many of them hundreds of times). With respect to the books I have not yet read, as I tell the students, “I’m working on it.”

2. What is Your Favorite Book?

My favorite books are like treasured friends. They inspire me, amuse me, and comfort me. I consider so many books to be favorites. I would not dream of labeling one my “best friend.” I would not insult the others.

3. How Do You Remember What Every Student is Reading?

I don’t know why I find it easy to remember particulars such as the names of authors, the names of characters from books, what books a student enjoys, what book a student is currently reading, or the order of books in a series. I do not have a great memory in general.

My only explanation is that I adore working in the Stanwich library. I adore the students. I adore their enthusiasm for books. I adore connecting a student to a book. I suppose that it is not difficult to remember what you love.

Thank you for fifteen unforgettable years.

Miz Liz

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Required Books Summer 2014 For all students entering Wildwood Cottage (Pre-K and K)

Miss Maple’s Seeds

By Eliza Wheeler ISBN-13: 978-0399257926

For all students entering Primary House (Grades 1-3)

Going Places

By Peter and Paul Reynolds ISBN-13: 978-1442466081

For all students entering Grade 3

Be A Perfect Person in Just Three Days!

by Stephen Manes ISBN-13: 978-0440413493

For all students entering Grade 4

The Real Thief

by William Steig ISBN-13: 978-0312371456 The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate ISBN-13: 978-0061992254

For all students entering Grade 5

Rules by Cynthia Lord ISBN-13: 978-0439443838 The Secret School by Avi ISBN-13: 978-0152046996

For all students entering Grade 6

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi ISBN-13: 978-0786816583 Wonder by R. J. Palacio ISBN-13: 978-0375869020

For all students entering Grade 7

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak ISBN-13: 978-0375842207 Before Columbus: The Americas of 1491

by Charles C. Mann ISBN-13: 978-1416949008

For all students entering Grade 8

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck ISBN-13: 978-0140177398 Where Death and Glory Meet: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry by Russell Duncan ISBN-13: 978-0820321363

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For all students entering Grade 9

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card ISBN-13: 978-0765378484 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini ISBN-13: 978-1594631931

For all students entering Grade 10

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque ISBN-13: 978-0449213940 Brunelleschi’s Dome: How A Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King ISBN-13: 978-1620401934

For all students entering Grade 11

Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick ISBN-13: 978-0143125327 The Help by Kathryn Stockett ISBN-13: 978-0425232200

For all students entering Grade 12

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein ISBN-13: 978-0441790340 Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell ISBN-13: 978-0316324069

For Parents and Teachers

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell ISBN-13: 978-0316204361

Recommended by Paul Geise for Parents

Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and Less From Each Other by Sherry Turkle ISBN-13: 978-0465031467 The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Ken Robinson ISBN-13: 978-0143116738 Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman ISBN-13: 978-0374533557

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New Picture Books (Pre-K to Grade 2) Alemagna, Beatrice

A Lion in Paris A lion, bored by his rural life in the savanna, seeks excitement and opportunity in the City of Light. Magnifique!

Beaty, Andrea

Rosie Revere, Engineer (Series) A celebration of creativity and perseverance.

Dempsey, Kristy

A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream The story of one little ballerina who was inspired by Janet Collins to make her own dreams come true.

Donaldson, Julia

Superworm From the creators of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, a new adventure with an unforgettable, wriggly, squiggly hero.

Himmelman, John

Duck to the Rescue (Series) More barnyard slapstick in the To the Rescue series. A library favorite.

Kaplan, Michael

Betty Bunny Wants a Goal (Series) Betty Bunny returns in a fourth book and she’s still a “handful,” especially on the soccer field.

Kim, Patti

Here I Am Beautiful, evocative pictures tell the story of a boy who comes from an Asian land to a big U.S. city.

Light, Steve

Have You Seen My Dragon?

A boy searches for his dragon in Manhattan in this beautiful counting book.

Lovell, Patty

Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon Molly Lou proves that the best thing to play with is a big imagination.

Thong, Roseanne

Green is a Chile Pepper A girl discovers all of the bright colors in her neighborhood.

Willems, Mo

The Pigeon Needs A Bath (Series) The pigeon is back, and he is filthy!

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New Early Chapter Books for Emergent Readers (Grades K to 2) Arnold, Tedd

A Pet for Fly Guy (Series) Fly Guy gets his own zany picture book!

Chorao, Kay

Ed and Kip A day in the life of two little white elephants.

Dean, James

Pete the Cat and the New Guy (Series) When Pete finally meets Gus, he realizes they're very different from each other. But that's what makes him cool.

Due August 5th.

Hamilton, Tim

The Big Fib A boy learns the value of telling the truth, and makes a new friend in the process.

Osborne, Mary Pope

Perfect Time for Panda (Series) For Magic Tree House lovers, this 48th installment is due July 22nd.

Pizzoli, Greg

The Watermelon Seed In this hilarious early reader, a crocodile has one big fear: swallowing a watermelon seed. Also look for Number One Sam, another new title by this author.

Schneider, Josh

Princess Sparkle-Heart Gets a Makeover Amelia and her dog are best friends . . . until a new doll comes along.

Sullivan, Mary

Ball While searching for someone to play ball with him, a dog dreams of fantastical adventures he could have with his ball.

Viorst, Judith

Lulu’s Mysterious Mission (Series) This irresistible third book starring Lulu is full of hilarious hi-jinks and a top-secret mission!

Willems, Mo

My New Friend is So Fun! (Series) Piggie has found a new friend! But is Gerald ready to share?

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New Junior Chapter Books (Grades 2 to 4) Birney, Betty

Secrets According to Humphrey (Series) Humphrey, the pet hamster of Longfellow School's Room 26, is back in his tenth adventure.

Gutman, Dan

Back to School, Weird Kids Rule! (Series) A special edition title in the popular series, due June 24th.

Includes games and puzzles.

Gutman, Dan

Miss Klute Is a Hoot! (Series) In the latest installment of the wildly popular My Weirder School series, Miss Klute arrives at school and she’s a Labradoodle!

Klise, Kate

The Greatest Star on Earth (Series) Who is the biggest star in the circus? That’s the question in this second book in the entertaining Three-Ring Rascals series.

MacLachlan, Patricia

Fly Away Newbery winner MacLachlan's story about family love will touch your heart.

McDonald, Megan

The Big Bad Blackout (Series) Stock up on the batteries as Judy and Stink and the whole Moody family hunker down during a hurricane.

McDonald, Megan

Stink and the Shark Sleepover (Series) In this ninth book in the popular series, Stink and his two best friends sleep over at the aquarium.

Mills, Claudia

Annika Riz, Math Wiz (Series) In this second installment in the Franklin School Friends Series, Annika likes math as much as Kelsey Green loves reading.

Myracle, Lauren

The Life of Ty: Non-Random Acts of Kindness (Series) Ty Perry's second-grade life is crazier than ever.

Selfors, Suzanne

The Order of the Unicorn (Series) The fourth book in this popular series about mythical creatures is due on July 1st. The third installment, The Rain

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New Intermediate Chapter Books (Grades 3 to 6) Clements, Andrew

The Map Trap The latest from Clements, the author of Frindle, Lunch Money and many other favorites. Due July 22nd.

Colfer, Chris

The Land of Stories: A Grimm Warning (Series) The third book in the bestselling Land of Stories series puts the twins to the test.

Epstein, Adam Jay

Palace of Dreams (Series) The Familiars — Aldwyn the cat, Skyler the blue jay, and Gilbert the tree frog — are off on an all-new adventure.

Evans, Lissa

Horten’s Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery & Another Very Strange Adventure (Series) In this sequel to last year’s enchanting Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms, Stuart must use magic to locate his uncle’s will.

Once again there are plenty of clues to figure out, puzzles to solve, and codes to break.

Gibbs, Stuart

Poached (Series) Teddy Fitzroy's back for another zoo mystery—this time it's a koala caper—in this action-packed follow-up to Belly Up.

Lean, Sarah

A Hundred Horses Eleven-year-old Nell must spend spring break in the country with an aunt and cousins she has never met. For animal lovers.

Lord, Cynthia

Half a Chance A moving new novel from the Newbery Honor author of Rules.

Mlynowski, Sarah

Bad Hair Day (Series) In this magical fifth installment of the hit series, siblings Abby and Jonah fall into the fairy tale of Rapunzel . . . and hilarity ensues!

Tarshis, Lauren

I Survived…The Nazi Invasion 1944 (Series) The ninth book in the thrilling series. The tenth book, I Survived...The Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79 is due August 26th.

Turnage, Sheila

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing The eagerly anticipated follow-up to the Newbery Honor winner, Three Times Lucky; a laugh-out-loud, ghostly mystery.

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New Teen Chapter Books (Grades 5-8) These books may contain mature themes, strong language, and situations not suitable for younger readers.

Alexander, Kwame

The Crossover Basketball-playing twin brothers find challenges to their relationship on and off the court as they cope with changes in their lives.

Auxier, Jonathan

The Night Gardener A Victorian ghost story; an ideal mix of horror and adventure.

Baldacci, David

The Finisher The best-selling adult author creates a thrilling fantasy for younger readers.

Beil, Michael D

Lantern Sam and the Blue Streak Bandits A hilarious adventure set in the 1930s that's chock-full of quirky characters, red herrings, and an irresistible talking cat.

Berk, Josh

Say It Ain’t So (Series) Berk hits it out of the park with this mystery about baseball, friendship, and the perils of middle school. The follow up to Strike Three, You’re Dead.

Cody, Matthew

Will in Scarlet Action-packed adventure based on the Robin Hood legend, by the author of the popular Powerless and Super.

Oppel, Kenneth

The Boundless All aboard the Canadian Pacific Railway for this swashbuckling historical fantasy set in 1885. Not to be missed.

Palacio, R.J.

The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Book (Series) Short-story based on the novel Wonder. Available in eBook format only.

Preus, Margi

West of the Moon In this enthralling and unflinching historical tale, a girl escapes a povertystricken life in mid-19th century Norway. By Newbery Honor author of Heart of a Samurai.

Philbrick, W. Rodman

Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina Gripping novel about a boy and his dog trapped in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, from a Newbery Honor author.

Starmer, Aaron

The Riverman A dark, twisting tale for fans of Neil Gaiman.

Vernick, Audrey

Screaming at the Ump Baseball. Friendship. Compassion. Not just for sports lovers.

Lloyd, Natalie

A Snicker of Magic Eccentric characters, an original, highly likable narrator and a mighty "spindiddly"plot. For lovers of a happy ending.

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New Young Adult Books These books contain mature themes, strong language, and situations not suitable for younger readers.

Anderson, Laurie Halse

The Impossible Knife of Memory Hayley is the daughter of a veteran, and his PTSD colors every aspect of their lives. The latest from multiple-award-winning Anderson.

Brashares, Ann

The Here and Now An unforgettable romantic thriller about a girl from the future who might be able to save the world.

Cass, Kiera

The One (Series) The highly anticipated third book in the bestselling Selection series; for fans of Divergent by Veronica Roth and Matched by Ally Condie.

Huntley, Fitzpatrick

What I Thought Was True (Series) Follow-up to My Life Next Door; a magnetic summer romance for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han.

Klass, David

Grandmaster A father-son chess tournament reveals the darker side of the game.

Lorentz, Dayna

No Easy Way Out Lord of the Flies meets Hunger Games in this emotionally intense survival tale.

MacHale, D.J.

Storm (Series) Exhilarating, action-packed sequel to Sylo.

Riggs, Ransom

Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children (Series) Jacob Portman and his newfound friends travel to war-torn 1940 London.

Rocco, John

Swim That Rock A working-class teen fights to save his family's diner after his father is lost in a fishing-boat accident.

Schrefer, Eliot

Threatened Gripping tale of survival in the deep wilds of Gabon, a thematic follow-up to 2012's Endangered.

Walters, Eric

The Rule of Thre3 A teen's suburban neighborhood bands together for its own survival in a world stricken by a catastrophic blackout.

Wein, Elizabeth

Rose Under Fire A stunning World War II thriller; companion to Code Name Verity.

Whaley, John Corey

Noggin Travis Coates has a good head‌on someone else's shoulders. A touching, hilarious, and wholly original story.

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Selected 2014 Award Winners

Visit www.ala.org for complete lists and so much more!

Batchelder Award (best children’s book first published in another language) Matti, Truus Mister Orange (3-6) Batchelder Honor Moundlic, Charlotte Lunde, Stein Erik Sax, Aline

The Bathing Costume or the Worst Vacation of My Life (K-3) My Father’s Arms Are a Boat (K-3) The War Within These Walls (YA)

Belpre Author Award (best children’s work by a Latino/Latina writer) Medina, Meg Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass (YA) Belpre Illustrator Award (best children’s work by a Latino/Latina illustrator) Morales, Yuyi Nino Wrestles the World (K-3) Caldecott Medal (most distinguished American picture book) Floca, Brian Locomotive (K-3) Caldecott Honors Becker, Aaron Idle, Molly Wiesner, David

Journey (K-3) Flora and the Flamingo (K-3) Mr. Wuffles! (K-3)

Geisel Award (most distinguished American book for beginning readers) Pizzoli, Greg The Watermelon Seed (K-3) Newbery Medal (most distinguished contribution to American literature for children) DiCamillo, Kate Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures (3-6) Newbery Honors Black, Holly Henkes, Kevin Timberlake, Amy Vawter, Vince

Doll Bones (5-8) The Year of Billy Miller (3-6) One Came Home (5-8) Paperboy (5-8)

Odyssey Award (best audiobook for children or young adults) Kraus, Daniel Scowler (YA) Printz Award (excellence in young adult literature) Sedgwick, Marcus Midwinterblood (YA) Sibert Medal (best informational book for children) Roth, Susan L. Parrots Over Puerto Rico (K-3)

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Notable New Non-Fiction Art Ehlert, Lois Goldman, Susan Rosenstock, Barb

The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life (K-3) Everybody Paints!: The Lives and Art of the Wyeth Family (5-8) The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art (K-3)

Biography Bober, Natalie Gandhi, Arun Kalman, Maira

Papa is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost (K-3) Grandfather Gandhi (K-3) Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything (K-3) Kerley, Barbara A Home for Mr. Emerson (3-6) Kidder, Tracy Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World (YA) Martin, Jacqueline Briggs Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table (K-3) Polacco, Patricia Clara and Davie: The True Story of Young Clara Barton, Founder of the Red Cross (K-3) History Atkinson, Rick Bausum, Ann Prius, Marcel Roberts, Cokie

D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944 (5-8) Our Country’s Presidents: All You Need to Know About the Presidents, From George Washington to Barack Obama (5-8) Hidden Like Anne Frank: Fourteen True Stories of Survival (5-8) Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies (3-6)

Poetry Florian, Douglas Frost, Helen Janeczko, Paul Lewis, J. Patrick Muth, Jon Schmidt, Annie Sidman, Joyce

Poem Depot: Aisles of Smiles (3-6) Room 214: A Year in Poems (5-8) Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems (K-3) Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems (K-3) Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons (K-3) A Pond Full of Ink (K-3) What the Heart Knows (YA)

Rainy Day Diversions Bahn, Paul Carle, Eric Forbes, Scott Riordan, Rick Samworth, Kate Tibballs, Geoff

Ancient Civilizations Explained: The Guide for Curious Minds (YA) What’s Your Favorite Animal? (K-3) How to Make a Planet: A Step by Step Guide to Building the Earth (3-6) Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods (3-6) Aviary Wonders Inc. Spring Catalogue and Instruction Manual: Renewing the World’s Bird Supply Since 2031 (5-8) Ripley’s Believe It Or Not: Completely Awesome! (YA)

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Recommended Books on Parenting Apter, Terri

The Confident Child: Raising Children to Believe in Themselves

Brooks, Robert B.

Nurturing Resilience in our Children: Answers to the Most Important Parenting Questions

Gauld, Laura

The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have: The Hyde School Program for Character-Based Education and Parenting

Ginsburg, Kenneth R.

Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings

Jarvis, F. Washington

With Love and Prayers: A Headmaster Speaks to a New Generation

Kindlon, Dan

Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age

Levine, Mel

Ready or Not, Here Life Comes

Medina, John

Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home and School

Mogel, Wendy

The Blessing of a B Minus: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Resilient Teenagers

Tarbox, Katherine A Girl’s Life Online Thompson, Michael The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Find Success in School and Life Volpitta, Donna

The Resilience Formula: Proactive Not Reactive Parenting

Walsh, David

Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen

Wiseman, Rosalind Queen Bees & Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence Wood, Chip

Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom, Ages 4-14

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Thoughts About the Importance of Reading To be successful in today’s world, children need strong literacy skills. They need to use listening, speaking, reading and writing to interact with others, learn new ideas, exchange information, and express thoughts and feelings. They need to think critically about complicated issues to create new knowledge. Learning to read is the first step towards developing literacy. Research has shown that parents and caregivers have a profound impact on their children’s reading skills. The positive influence of the family continues to be important as young people develop through elementary, middle and high school. It is vital that families make reading a priority in their homes.

The single most important thing that parents can do for their children is to model the behavior of an avid reader. This means that parents demonstrate through concrete, observable behaviors that reading is a valuable part of their lives, for business, for information, and for pleasure. Children must see their parents reading, discussing what they read, and enjoying what they read. Here are some other important ways to support your child’s literacy skills: x

Talk to your child about things that interest him or her.

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Ask questions that require your child to observe and learn.

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Teach your child ways to locate information on his or her own.

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Visit libraries and bookstores.

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Go with your child to listen to talks by favorite authors and visit author websites.

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Read aloud to your child regularly.

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Buy books as gifts.

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Encourage your child to read all different types of books.

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Encourage your child to draw and to write.

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Create a family book club.

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Give your child a book allowance.

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Establish a reading space in your home with comfortable seating.

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Talk to your child about what he or she is reading.

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Limit television viewing and other electronic diversions.

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Celebrate your child’s successful completion of a book!

Remember that children develop at different rates and each child is unique. Do not compare your child’s reading abilities to others. Try not to judge his or her responses to literature. Talk to your child and respect his or her opinions. Support your child’s achievements in reading and he or she will become a life-long book lover!

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Resources for Book Lovers www.ala.org The American Library Association website. Click on “Awards and Scholarships” for many lists of award-winning books. www.indiebound.org Locate an independent bookstore, read reviews, and more. www.booksontape.com Browse for suggestions. www.hbook.com Click on “Parent’s Page” for a list of children’s classics. www.kids.nypl.org New York Public Library for Kids. www.greenwichlibrary.org/children Check out what’s happening at Greenwich Library. *

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Codell, Esme Raji

How To Get Your Child To Love Reading: For Ravenous and Reluctant Readers Alike

Hamilton, Emma W.

Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment

Lewis, Valerie

Valerie and Walter’s Best Books for Children: A Lively, Opinionated Guide

Lipson, Eden Ross

The New York Times Parent’s Guide to the Best Books for Children

Miller, Donalyn

The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child

Odean, Kathleen

Great Books for Boys

Trelease, Jim

The Read-Aloud Handbook

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