Great Books to Gift: The Tampa

by Becky Greer, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Great Books to Gift

When it comes to gift-buying, think of books! They can be read again and again and offer plenty of opportunities for family time. Here are suggestions for great books to gift to the young readers in your life:

Birth – Preschool Luli and the Language of Tea

by Andrea Wang Five-Year-Old Chinese immigrant Luli throws a tea party for her English as a Second Language class, bonding the group as they share their native languages.

Playtime for Restless Rascals

by Nikki Grimes A mother and daughter wake up and get started on their work, making it clear that the work of the child is to play.

See You Someday Soon

by Pat Zietlow Miller A girl uses her imagination to dream up different ways to visit her grandmother, including using a jetpack, while in the meantime they connect through phone calls and video chatting.

People Are Wild

by Margaux Meganck In a fun twist, wild animals tell their children what they think about humans (that they’re smelly and wild!) while the children find humans fun and cute.

I'm Not Scared, You're Scared!

by Seth Meyers Bear only has one friend, Rabbit, who supports him in facing his fears when the pair go on an adventure that doesn’t go as planned. Grades K – 5

Eyes That Speak to the Stars

by Joanna Ho A young Asian boy realizes his eyes are different from his friends and goes to his family who help him see the connection to his ancestors.

The Year We Learned to Fly

by Jacqueline Woodson Two bored African-American siblings stuck inside follow their grandmother’s advice to use their imagination to escape reality.

Hundred Years of Happiness

by Thanhha Lai An’s grandmother Bà gets trapped in memories, so An comes up with a plan to recreate her wedding food and bring back happier recollections.

Tiny Dino

by Deborah Freedman A small bird insists it’s actually a dinosaur, even though everyone believes dinosaurs no longer exist.

Sometimes I Gumblesquinch

by Rachel Vail Katie has a secret. Even though she loves her little brother, sometimes she gets upset by him and has to learn how to deal with her emotions.

Grades 6 – 8

Morning Sun In Wuhan

by Ying Compestine 13-year-old Mei lives in Wuhan when COVID first emerges, and she sees firsthand the devastation it brings as she tries to help.

Freddie vs. the Family Curse

by Tracy Badua Freddie Ruiz knows his family is cursed. When he finds a lucky amulet, he believes things will change, but first he must work with a trapped ancestor to break the curse.

Ellen Outside the Lines

by A.J. Sass Ellen, who is neurodivergent and used to life and people fitting into neat categories, has to deal with change.

The Lock-Eater

by Zack Loran Clark Orphan Melanie’s gift of being able to open any lock with the touch of her hand gets her chosen as a magical apprentice and whisked away on an adventure.

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

by Tae Keller Mallory’s preoccupation with popularity leads to her alien-believing neighbor running away after an “incident,” forcing Mal to face harsh truths about herself.

SIMMONS CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 1202 W. Grant St., Plant City 33563 813-707-7430; hillsboroughschools.org/simmons

Simmons Career Acceleration Academy High School in Plant City serves students 9-12, providing a school culture focused on academic achievement, personal growth, and preparing students for a successful future after high school. Students experience a hybrid learning approach, career preparation through industry certifications, and a streamlined path to graduation. Students can take part in athletics and extracurricular activities at their zoned school.

SKYCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 129 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater 33765 727-797-1186; skycrestchristianschool.org

Skycrest Christian School provides a 21st century education that enables your children to enter their high school years with outstanding academic preparation, leadership skills and confidence in their ability to succeed. Skycrest offers newly integrated technology, extensive extracurricular activities, and dedicated and caring teachers.

SLIGH MIDDLE MAGNET

(HUMAN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE, MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION AND SCIENCES)

2011 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa 33610 813-276-5596; hillsboroughschools.org/sligh

Join a culture of future health professionals whose uniforms are doctors' scrubs four days a week. We are preparing students for one of the fastest growing career fields in the country. Electives engage all students with Career and Technical Education, Family and Consumer Science and our AVID college readiness program.

SOUTH COUNTY CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 2810 John Sherman Way, Ruskin 33570 813-233-3335; hillsboroughschools.org/sccc

South County Career Center offers an accelerated program to any high school student to either earn previously lost credits or to accelerate in current courses using Edgenuity. We currently offer Automotive program as well as Agriculture as electives.

SOUTH TAMPA ACADEMY AT MONROE MIDDLE MAGNET

(IB CANDIDATE)

4716 Montgomery Ave., Tampa 33616 813-272-3020; hillsboroughschools.org/monroe

We develop active learners and internationally-minded students. Students will be guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy. Students can pursue unique electives like computer modeling and simulation. Our sixth grade structure creates a supportive middle school transition. We are the only middle magnet school in South Tampa and prepare our students to potentially step into the halls of Robinson IB!

ST. CECELIA INTERPAROCHIAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1350 Court St., Clearwater 33756 727-461-1207; st-cecelia.org

St. Cecelia (SCS) is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, both in 2020 and 2010. SCS is also Pinellas county’s only private school to offer the International Baccalaureate to students in grades PreK-3 to grade 8. Through the IB Programme we provide tools, develop character and teach skills that prepare our students to thrive in high school, college and beyond. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our students’ educational and personal success and to the betterment of our local and global communities.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 1002 S. Rome Ave., 906 S. Orleans Ave., 240 S. Plant Ave., Tampa 33606 813-849-4200; stjohnseagles.org

Located in the heart of Tampa, St. John's Episcopal School delivers an unparalleled, values-driven, progressive education for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Hard work, faith, respect, honesty and a commitment to excellence allow our graduates to thrive in high school, college and beyond. Enrollment: 143 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 550 Class-Size: 18-25 Grades: K4-grade 8 Tuition: K4-4th: $12,500, 5th-8th: $12,850

Enrollment: 642 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 135 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 434 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 445 Class-Size: 20-25 depending on grade Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $7,774-$8,645

Enrollment: 575 Class-Size: 20 Grades: K4-8 Tuition: $15,280 - $15,840

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 5223 N. Himes Ave., Tampa 33614 813-879-5090; stlawrencecatholicschool.org

St. Lawrence is a Parish school filled with rich traditions of our Catholic faith. The graduates are well prepared spiritually and academically for the next phase of their journey, high school. We pride ourselves in our motto, “La Familia.” All are welcome here at St. Lawrence Catholic School. Enrollment: 493 Class-Size: <25 Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $8,046-$11,045

ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2101 S. Hubert Ave., Tampa 33629 813-258-5508; smeds.org

St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School provides challenging academics, performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, technology, public speaking, world languages, global studies, community service, religious education and more. St. Mary’s highly-qualified pre-K through 8th grade faculty inspires students to achieve their best, developing into well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead. Enrollment: 450 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-8 Tuition: $17,740

STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET (NASA EXPLORER SCHOOL)

1125 Spruce St., Tampa 33607 813-276-5691; hillsboroughschools.org/stewart

Be part of one of the only nationally recognized NASA Explorer Schools in the country! Through our Project Lead the Way curriculum, students choose from electives like aerospace and engineering. Stewart partners with NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force for real-world learning. Our location on the Hillsborough River and next to Blake and near Dunbar Magnet add to the opportunities our students enjoy every day! Enrollment: 842 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

TAMPA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 4630 N. Rome Ave., Tampa 33603 813-870-0860; tampacatholic.org

Tampa Catholic High School is a co-educational school of the Diocese of St. Petersburg dedicated to providing students with “Veritas et Caritas” (truth and charity) through educational excellence in a Christ centered environment. Its curriculum reinforces critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, problem solving and depth of understanding necessary for 21st-century learners. Enrollment: 725 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $12,000 - $15,000

TAMPA DAY SCHOOL 12606 Henderson Road, Tampa 33625 813-269-2100; tampadayschool.com

Celebrating 50 years of meeting the needs of bright students with Dyslexia, ADHD or anxiety, TDS offers a uniquely designed college-prep curriculum. With small class sizes, instruction incorporates interactive and handson experiences, along with an emphasis on study and organizational skills, promoting success and improved confidence. Contact us to learn more! Enrollment: 153 Class-Size: 10-12 Grades: 3-8 Tuition: $22,250 + $1,800 in fees

TAMPA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY MAGNET

(GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY)

305 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa 33602 813-276-5405; hillsboroughschools.org/tampaheights

Our students become innovative thinkers who achieve academically and socially through our seven Wonders—leadership, environment, economics, wellness, innovation, communication and culture. Students can participate in Model United Nations and Odyssey of the Mind, learn world languages and leadership, and experience cultural clusters such as yoga, cooking, African art and LEGO makerspace.

TAMPA PREPARATORY SCHOOL 727 W. Cass St., Tampa 33606 813-251-8481; tampaprep.org

At Tampa Prep, we don't limit our thinking. We keep moving forward even if we can't see over the horizon just yet. We stay open to new ideas and at the ready for new challenges. We are Florida's Most Innovative School. We are Tampa Prep, a co-ed, independent school for grades 6 - 12 in downtown Tampa. We are here to inspire the next great explorers, innovators and creators. Enrollment: 294 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 710 Class-Size: 15 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: $26,295 - $27,245

VALRICO LAKE ADVANTAGE ACADEMY 13306 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569 813-699-5049; valricoacademy.com

A tuition-free, public charter school proudly serving students in kindergarten through fifth Grade, the school provides a well-rounded elementary foundation through a challenging curriculum with a focus on teaching math and science in proven and innovative instructional methods preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies. Cognia accredited.

VANGUARD SCHOOL 22000 US Highway 27, Lake Wales 33859 863-676-6091; vanguardschool.org

The Vanguard School is a co-educational boarding and day school for students in grades 6-12. Vanguard specializes in educating students who experience academic learning challenges in an environment that works with academic strategies, executive functioning, social skills, celebrates student strengths and assists in transitioning into higher educational opportunities and independent living.

VICTORY CHARTER SCHOOL TAMPA K-12 13901 Sheldon Road, Tampa 33625 813-551-2144; victorychartertampa.org | victorychartertampa612.org

VCS Tampa K-12 is proud to be an IB Candidate School! Our mission is to awaken and develop the socially responsible, technologically literate, and self-motivated leader within ALL students via an innovative, internationally focused, and student-centered curriculum that challenges students intellectually, creatively, in a nurturing and safe environment that promotes the development of the total child so that they can be successful in an interconnected global community.

THE WALDORF SCHOOL OF TAMPA BAY 1857 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor 34683 727-786-8311; waldorftampabay.org

The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay is a 24-year old early childhood and elementary school with a 100+ year old European curriculum rooted in child development. Our preschool and kindergarten is play-based with an emphasis on developing the physical body, and our grades classes teach art, music, movement and practical skills concurrently with robust academics. All our children spend between 2 to 6 hours outdoors, every day.

WALKER MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)

8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa 33556 813-631-4726; hillsboroughschools.org/walker

We develop creative and confident learners. Communication, reflection and whole-child learning energize Walker Middle Magnet, Odessa's IB World School. As a Magnet School of Distinction, students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum. High-impact teachers and our Florida Power School Library highlight our exceptional, highly-rated team of educators.

WEB OF WISDOM 5238 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday 34690 727-389-4750; wowschools.org

WOW, where learning meets adventure and education, isn’t limited to the classroom. We offer college preparatory academics (AP/Dual Enrollment) in conjunction with extraordinary extracurriculars. These include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, climbing, camping, athletics (K-12), computer programming, automotive repair, music and photography. We are the education that you’re looking for, with the experiences that your child will remember forever.

WESTLAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor 34683 727-781-3808; westlakechristianschool.org

Westlake Christian School, a National Blue Ribbon School, is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Cognia. Westlake’s mission is to help students develop in their faith, academics, fine arts and athletics. Westlake serves approximately 475 students in Kindergarten through eighth grade from Northern Pinellas County, Southern Pasco County, Trinity, Westchase and surrounding communities. Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 100 boarding, up to 120 total Class-Size: 6-10 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: 7-day $49,000; 5-day $43,000; Day $25,500

Enrollment: 411 Class-Size: grades K-3: 18, grades 4-8: 22, grades 9-12: 25 Grades: K-9, K-12 by 2025 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 150 Class-Size: 15 Grades: Parent + Child through Grade 8 Tuition: $10,000-$15,000

Enrollment: 1,094 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 150 Class-Size: 10-19 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $8,800 - $10,500

Enrollment: 475 Class-Size: 1:18 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $8,950-$9,275

WILLIAMS MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)

5020 N. 47th St., Tampa 33610 813-744-8600; hillsboroughschools.org/williams

We are a top-ranked IB World School, earning an A-grade for nearly 20 years! We create global learners focused on intercultural awareness and communication. Scholar Quest high school credit offerings challenge students in French, algebra and emerging technology in business. Connect through clubs including LEGO Robotics, Model UN, Future Business Leaders of America and our award-winning Chess Club. Enrollment: 847 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

YOUNG MIDDLE MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)

1807 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Tampa 33610 813-276-5739; hillsboroughschools.org/young

We empower creative learners with our Project Lead the Way STEM curriculum. We focus on engineering, sustainability and "Global Planting"— engaging students in hands-on learning with an on-campus hydroponic farm and greenhouse, along with student-constructed rain gardens. Students learn using state-of-the-art technology, including touch-enabled whiteboards and 3-D printers. Enrollment: 446 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

VIEW OUR FULL EDUCATION DIRECTORY ONLINE AT TAMPABAYPARENTING.COM

At Cambridge Christian School, we equip our students to excel in college and life through our commitment to excellence in:

n College Preparatory Curriculum n Biblical Worldview Instruction n Leadership and Service Experience

View our Virtual Open House or Take a Priority Tour Today!

(813) 872-6744 x228

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• LiFT Academy (K-12) • LiFT University Transition Program (Ages 18-22) • LiFT Adult Training Program (Ages 23+) *State Scholarships Accepted!

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