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January - Winter Wonders

Theme: Resilience & Discovery

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Grades: K-2
- A Caldecott Medal winner following Peter’s adventures in fresh snow
- Why Read: Teaches observation skills through iconic collage art
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
- Grades: 5-8
- Survival story of a 13-year-old after plane crash in Canadian wilderness
- Why Read: Develops critical thinking and nature awareness
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
- Grades: 9-12
- Magical realism novel blending ancient stories with modern quest
- Why Read: Enhances literary analysis through layered narratives

Theme: Courage & Legacy

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
- Grades: K-3
- Colorism exploration through a Kenyan girl’s celestial journey
- Why Read: Promotes self-acceptance with radiant illustrations
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
- Grades: 4-7
- Memoir in verse about growing up African American in 1960s-70s
- Why Read: Introduces historical context through poetic form
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi
- Grades: 8-12
- Remix of National Book Award-winning history of racist ideas
- Why Read: Develops media literacy and historical perspective

Theme: Trailblazers & Innovators

Shark Lady by Jess Keating
- Grades: 1-3
- True story of ichthyologist Eugenie Clark
- Why Read: STEM inspiration with vibrant marine illustrations
Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Grades: 4-6
- NASA’s African-American female mathematicians
- Why Read: Math concepts through historical achievements
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Grades: 9-12
- Adapted TEDx talk on modern gender equality
- Why Read: Critical thinking about social structures

Theme: Ecology & Conservation

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
- Grades: K-2
- Classic environmental fable with rhythmic warnings
- Why Read: Introduces ecosystem interdependence
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
- Grades: 5-7
- Florida middle schoolers saving endangered owls
- Why Read: Combines mystery with civic responsibility
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Grades: 10-12
- Indigenous wisdom meets scientific knowledge
- Why Read: Cross-cultural environmental ethics

Theme: Future Frontiers

Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding by Linda Liukas
- Grades: 3-5
- Story-based introduction to computational thinking
- Why Read: Nurtures logical reasoning through storytelling
The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir
- Grades: 6-8
- Simplified STEM concepts with survival math problems
- Why Read: Practical application of science concepts
Quantum Physics for Babies by Chris Ferrie
- Grades: 9-12
- Visual guide to quantum entanglement theories
- Why Read: Prepares for advanced physics studies

Theme: Global Traditions

The Empty Pot by Demi
- Grades: K-2
- Chinese folktale about honesty and integrity
- Why Read: Cultural awareness with moral lessons
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
- Grades: 4-6
- Fantasy blending Chinese folklore with adventure
- Why Read: Cross-cultural literary analysis
The Art of War: Graphic Novel Edition
- Grades: 8-10
- Sun Tzu’s strategies visualized for modern readers
- Why Read: Critical thinking through historical wisdom

Theme: Adventure Quest

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
- Grades: 2-4
- Survival story of AI robot in wilderness
- Why Read: Ethics of technology in nature
National Geographic Kids Almanac 2025
- Grades: 5-7
- Updated scientific discoveries and world records
- Why Read: Develops research skills
2001: A Space Odyssey Illustrated Edition
- Grades: 9-12
- Clarke’s classic with NASA photography
- Why Read: Philosophy of space exploration

Theme: Civilizations & Connections

Horrible Histories: Awesome Egyptians
- Grades: 3-5
- Humorous take on ancient civilizations
- Why Read: Makes historical facts memorable
The Silk Roads: A New History (Young Readers)
- Grades: 6-8
- Adapted from Peter Frankopan’s bestseller
- Why Read: Understanding global trade roots
Sapiens: A Graphic History by Yuval Harari
- Grades: 9-12
- Visual adaptation of human civilization
- Why Read: Big-picture historical thinking

Theme: Self-Discovery

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
- Grades: K-2
- Embracing differences in new environments
- Why Read: Social-emotional learning
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Grades: 4-6
- Facial difference and school acceptance
- Why Read: Empathy development
Educated: A Memoir (Young Readers)
- Grades: 9-12
- Tara Westover’s education journey
- Why Read: Resilience and self-education

Theme: Responsibility & Community

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
- Grades: 1-3
- Indigenous environmental stewardship
- Why Read: Ecological responsibility
I Am Malala: Young Readers Edition
- Grades: 5-7
- Nobel laureate’s education advocacy
- Why Read: Civic engagement inspiration
Prisoners of Geography: Teen Edition
- Grades: 9-12
- How geography shapes global politics
- Why Read: Geopolitical awareness

Theme: Evidence & Logic

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
- Grades: K-2
- STEM picture book with experiments
- Why Read: Early scientific curiosity
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers)
- Grades: 5-7
- African innovation story
- Why Read: Engineering problem-solving
Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Hawking
- Grades: 9-12
- Simplified cosmology concepts
- Why Read: Critical examination of theories

Theme: Reflection & Vision

The Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition
- Grades: K-3
- Classic tale with augmented reality features
- Why Read: Tradition meets technology
Bill Nye’s Great Big World of Science
- Grades: 5-8
- Annual science breakthroughs digest
- Why Read: Keeping current with STEM
Man’s Search for Meaning: Young Adult Edition
- Grades: 9-12
- Frankl’s Holocaust memoir adaptation
- Why Read: Philosophical life perspectives