LibGuides: BS Primary Summer Reading '24: Summer 2024

Why summer reading?

Summer is an excellent time to READ. Not for a class, not for an assignment, but just read to enjoy it!

Studies show that reading over summer vacation keeps kids' brains active and reduces setbacks in reading levels, known as the "Summer Slide". Source

Have a look at the following suggestions here in the Libguide. None of this is required reading, just suggestions for something great to read during the summer. Enjoy! Mrs. Seewald.

How to use SORA

Sora has an excellent selection of online E-books and audiobooks. Visit the site or download the app to access the collection.

SORA by Overdrive: E-books & Audiobooks This link opens in a new window
E-book and audiobook library with over 1,500 titles. Borrow and read on your own devices

Survey: What will you read?

What will you read this summer?

Fiction for fun: 21 votes (95.45%)

Non-Fiction for fun: 1 votes (4.55%)

Fiction for school: 0 votes (0%)

Non-Fiction for school: 0 votes (0%)

Total Votes: 22

Audiobooks on SORA

These books are available in AUDIOBOOK format from SORA (and there's so many more!)

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
ISBN: 9781432891459
Publication Date: 2021-11-03
When a mysterious child appears at the monastery of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing, Brother Edik nurses her back to health, but when he uncovers her dangerous secret, she is sent away into the world with a goat and a boy.
Aaron Slater and the Sneaky Snake by Andrea Beaty; David Roberts (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781419753985
Publication Date: 2023-05-02
When Zookeeper Fred's green snake Vern gets loose in the zoo, the Questioneers need all their talents to help find him, but in the end, it is Aaron's art that leads the way. Includes facts about snakes.
The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate
ISBN: 9780063080089
Publication Date: 2023-05-02
Ruby's story picks up a few months after the events of 'The One and Only Bob.' Now living in a wildlife sanctuary, Ruby's caretaker from the elephant orphanage in Africa where she grew up is visiting. Seeing him again brings back a flood of memories both happy and sad of her life before the circus, and she recounts the time she spent in the African savannah to Ivan and Bob.
Singing with Elephants by Margarita Engle
ISBN: 9780593206690
Publication Date: 2022-05-31
Lonely Cuban-born eleven-year-old Oriol lives in Santa Barbara, California, where she enjoys caring for injured animals, but her budding friendship with Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature, emboldens Oriol, an aspiring writer, to open up and create a world of words for herself.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho; Dung Ho (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780062915627
Publication Date: 2021-01-05
"This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” —Kirkus

Favourite Picture Books from this school year

The World's Best Class Plant by Audrey Vernick; Liz Garton Scanlon; Lynnor Bontigao (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780525516354
Publication Date: 2023-05-30
A class that is terribly disappointed in their lack of a class pet discovers that having a class plant is the best thing ever.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett; Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
ISBN: 0061953385
Publication Date: 2012-01-17
With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in town until an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself.
Don't Worry, Wuddles by Lita Judge (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781665916769
Publication Date: 2023-09-26
In this snowy day picture book, a kindhearted but overeager duckling tries to be helpful by sharing Wuddles the sheep's wool to make sure all their animal friends stay warm--but will there be enough for Wuddles?
This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781627790710
Publication Date: 2014-09-30
When her dog disappears into the gutter of the book, Bella calls for help. But when the helpers disappear too, Bella realizes it will take more than a tug on the leash to put things right.
Jigsaw by Bob Graham (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781536224993
Publication Date: 2022-07-12
Serendipity and positive thinking come into play as a family searches for a missing puzzle piece in Bob Graham’s enchanting story with a sweet surprise ending.
Don't Hug Doug by Carrie Finison; Daniel Wiseman (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781984813022
Publication Date: 2021-01-26
Doug prefers not to be hugged, but there are a variety of other ways his loved ones can show him affection.

Thoughtful Nonfiction Picture Books

Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius by Lynne Cox; Richard Jones (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780593425695
Publication Date: 2023-01-10
In this picture book that is both heartwarming and exciting, join Yoshi, a sea turtle, on her remarkable journey as she swims farther than any animal in recorded history--23,000 miles!--to return to the beach where she first hatched, to lay her own eggs.
Search for a Giant Squid by Amy Seto Forrester; Andy Chou Musser (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781797213934
Publication Date: 2023-04-25
A choose your own path style story that guides the reader through the very real job of being a teuthologist.
Jack Horner, Dinosaur Hunter! by Sophia Gholz; Dave Shephard (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781534111196
Publication Date: 2021-08-15
When Jack Horner was a child, he was fascinated by dinosaur fossils. He hunted for them and dreamed of being a great paleontologist. But Jack struggled with school and reading. Jack found his own way to success and became one of the world's most famous paleontologist.
The Queen of Chess by Laurie Wallmark; Stevie Lewis (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781499813067
Publication Date: 2023-07-25
Judit Polgar, dazzled the world as a prodigy, winning tournaments, gold medals, and defeating eleven world champions, including Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen. At her peak, Judit was rated the eighth best chess player in the world.
Stranded! by Ævar Þór Benediktsson; Anne Wilson (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781646869916
Publication Date: 2023-08-08
Based on a true story, the author humorously recounts the time his grandfather got stranded with a friend on Surtsey, a brand new volcanic island in Iceland. The adventurers face epic challenges like molten lava, melted eyeglasses and scant supplies before finally getting rescued.
Jumper by Jessica Lanan (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781250810366
Publication Date: 2023-04-11
A nonfiction picture book that follows a day in the life of a backyard jumping spider.

What's your favourite place to read?

Where is your favourite place to read?

Beach chair: 1 votes (2.13%)

Comfy couch: 3 votes (6.38%)

In bed: 40 votes (85.11%)

Quiet cafe: 2 votes (4.26%)

Under a tree: 0 votes (0%)

Car/subway/bus: 1 votes (2.13%)

Total Votes: 47

Sora now has a Magazine Collection!

Now available on SORA: magazines for kids covering a wide range of subjects!

Easy chapter books for younger primary readers

The Ember Stone: a Branches Book (the Last Firehawk #1) (Library Edition) by Katrina Charman; Jeremy Norton (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781338122305
Publication Date: 2017-09-26
Perodia is threatened by Thorn, a powerful vulture, who is using magic to spread a terrible darkness--but when a young owl named Tag, and his best friend, the squirrel Skyla, rescue a golden egg from Thorn's Tiger bats they may have found the key to Perodia's salvation: the last firehawk, guardian of the ember stone.
We have the first 12 books in the series.
Game over, Super Rabbit Boy!: a Branches Book (Press Start! #1) by Thomas Flintham (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781338034714
Publication Date: 2016-12-27
When King Viking and his evil robot army attack Animal Town, and kidnap Singing Dog, it is up to Super Rabbit Boy, with some help from Sunny and his video game console, to save the day.
We have the first 10 books in the series.
Rise of the Earth Dragon: a Branches Book (Dragon Masters #1) (Library Edition) by Tracey West; Graham Howells (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780545646246
Publication Date: 2014-08-26
Eight-year-old Drake is snatched up by the King's soldiers and taken to the castle where he is told by the wizard Griffith that he has been chosen to be a Dragon Master like Ana, Rori, and Bo--and his first task will be to discover whether his dragon, Worm, has any special powers.
we have the first 5 books in the series.
Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel (Illustrator)
ISBN: 1596433418
Publication Date: 2008-08-19
Takes a humorous look at the normal way cats bathe, why it is inappropriate for humans to bathe that way, and the challenges of trying to give a cat a real bath with soap and water. Includes fun facts, glossary, and other information.

Great Books for Older Primary Students

The Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner
ISBN: 9781250827692
Publication Date: 2023-04-04
The first in a three part series. An unlikely group of dinosaur misfits discover a deadly secret and must band together to save their herbivore kingdoms from doom at the hands of ruthless carnivores.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson; Joe Sutphin (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780525653561
Publication Date: 2020-03-10
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice.
We have all four books in the series!
Keeper of the Lost Cities the Graphic Novel Part 1 by Shannon Messenger; Celina Frenn (Adapted by); Gabriella Chianello (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781534463370
Publication Date: 2023-11-07
A graphic novel adaptation of the book, in which twelve-year-old Sophie discovers the abilities that have always caused her to stand out are because she is actually an elf and, after she is brought to Eternalia where she can hone her skills, Sophie learns she harbors certain secrets that others would kill to learn.
The Tapper Twins Go to War (with Each Other) by Geoff Rodkey
ISBN: 9780316297790
Publication Date: 2015-04-07
An oral history that reports, through transcribed recordings, text messages, photographs, illustrations, screenshots, and more, an epic prank war between twelve-year-old twins Reese and Claudia Tapper of New York City.
Recommended by our visiting author, Jessica Kim!
A Spoonful of Time by Flora Ahn
ISBN: 9781683693185
Publication Date: 2023-04-11
Maya discovers stories and secrets from her family's past in Korea as her grandmother teaches her to cook and about their family's ability to time travel into memories via food.
Invisible: a Graphic Novel by Christina Diaz Gonzalez; Gabriela Epstein (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781338194548
Publication Date: 2022-08-02
Can five overlooked kids make one big difference? There's George: the brain, Sara: the loner, Dayara: the tough kid, Nico: the rich kid, and Miguel: the athlete. And they're stuck together when they're forced to complete their school's community service hours.
Little Monarchs: A Graphic Novel by Jonathan Case
ISBN: 9780823442607
Publication Date: 2022-04-05
In the twenty-second century, a sun shift has made it impossible for mammals to survive in the daylight, and ten-year-old Elvie and her caretaker, Flora, are studying the migration route of monarch butterflies along what used to be the western coast of the United States, hoping that something in the butterflies wing scales can be used to protect people from the sun and save humanity from extinction.
The Last Bear by Hannah Gold
ISBN: 9780063041004
Publication Date: 2022-03-15
There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that's what April's father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost for six months. But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn't be there--who is hungry, lonely, and a long way from home.

Author Graci Kim

Graci Kim presented to us in Rob Hall in March'24. We have SO ENJOYED her books this year - fantasy based on Korean mythology.

Rick Riordan Presents the Last Fallen Star (a Gifted Clans Novel) by Graci Kim
ISBN: 9781368059633
Publication Date: 2021-05-04
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Graci Kim's thrilling debut about an adopted Korean-American girl who discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch clan family.
Rick Riordan Presents the Last Fallen Moon (a Gifted Clans Novel) by Graci Kim
ISBN: 9781368073141
Publication Date: 2022-06-14
For Riley Oh, life as the Godrealm's last fallen star is not all it's cracked up to be. Her new divine heritage doesn't even come with cool magical powers; half of her friends and family (including her parents) can't remember her; and to top it all off, the entire Gom clan is mad at her for killing the Cave Bear Goddess and stripping away their healing abilities.
The Last Fallen Realm by Graci Kim
ISBN: 9781368073165
Publication Date: 2023-06-06
Riley Oh also wasn't born to be a witch. Like, at all-even her status as a divine celestial being comes with zilch in the magical powers department. And Riley Oh definitely wasn't born to be a leader. But now the entire magical community thinks she and her soul-twin, Dahl, are meant to lead the world into the Age of the Final Eclipse (or whatever it is that the Haetae keeps saying they're "destined" to do). Greeeat.

Morning Calm 2024-2025

The Morning Calm Medal is an annual award given to deserving authors from around the world. International Librarians from across Korea nominate a range of books for the medal. Students read the books and then vote for their favourite! Student votes are counted in each division: Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle and High School.

Morning Calm Competition

Picture Book Titles

(available in the library from August)

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb; Erin Kraan (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780593564530
Publication Date: 2024-01-02
Introducing a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. This laugh-out-loud story by an Emmy-nominated comedy writer shows it's okay to be yourself.
I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo
I heave and I huffalo
Leave me alone because
I've had enuffalo.
A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken by Hannah Holt; Korwin Briggs (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781250766496
Publication Date: 2022-02-15
Modeled by chickens, the history of underwear is traced from the very first discovery–a paleolithic nomad whose body was found completely preserved in ice. From there, we look across time and culture in this completely accessible, new take on boring old nonfiction picture books.
Viking Strong by Doug Cenko (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780593202326
Publication Date: 2023-07-25
Ingrid has everything a Viking could want-a cozy home, a best friend, and very cute kittens. But she's always wanted one more thing, to win the Strongest Viking Contest. Her only problem? She doesn't know how to swim!
Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani; Samira Iravani; Maya Fidawi (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780593110614
Publication Date: 2023-02-28
It's market day for Samira and her grandma! The bazaar is crowded, but this sweet pair knows how to stick together in this funny picture book set in Iran.
I Am the Subway by Kim Hyo-eun; Deborah Smith (Translator)
ISBN: 9781950354658
Publication Date: 2021-08-03
A cinematic journey through the Seoul subway that masterfully portrays the many unique lives we travel alongside whenever we take the train. A poetic translation of the bestselling Korean picture book.

Morning Calm Competition

Chapter Book Titles

(available in the library from August)

In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo
ISBN: 9780063118997
Publication Date: 2023-06-06
For fans of Jasmine Warga and Thanhhà Lại, this is a stunning novel in verse about a young Taiwanese immigrant to America who is confronted by the stark difference between dreams and reality.
Home Away from Home by Cynthia Lord
ISBN: 9781338726114
Publication Date: 2023-04-18
From Newbery Honor Winner Cynthia Lord, a brilliant story about how to find home when everything around us is changing.
Big Tree by Brian Selznick (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781338180633
Publication Date: 2023-04-04
Big Tree is a trailblazing adventure, illustrated with nearly 300-pages of breathtaking pictures. It is Selznick's most imaginative and far-reaching work to date and a singular reading experience for the whole family!
Minerva Keen’s Detective Club by James Patterson
ISBN: 9781529120448
Publication Date: 2023
Living in the luxurious Arcanum building - with its interior balconies perfect for playing tag, an elevator like an iron birdcage, and quirky neighbours behind every apartment door - has always been fun and games for twelve-year-old Minerva Keen . . . until her neighbours start getting poisoned. Anyone could be next, and everyone is a suspect, including Minerva herself
The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhart
ISBN: 9781250196729
Publication Date: 2022-08-30
In the dead of night, a truck arrives in Slaughterville, a town named after its windowless slaughterhouse. Seven mysterious kids with suitcases stealthily step out of the vehicle and into an abandoned home on a dead-end street. But lonely Ravani Foster witnesses their arrival and is eager to learn everything he can about his new neighbors: What are they hiding? And where are the adults?

What is your favourite way to read?

Books in print: 8 votes (72.73%)

E-books: 0 votes (0%)

Audiobooks: 3 votes (27.27%)

Online news, blogs, websites: 0 votes (0%)

Total Votes: 11

Author Jessica Kim

Author Jessica Kim presented to us in the EJMoon Theatre in April. Her books are well read in the BS primary library and she developed a great connection with the students during her presentation.

Stand up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
ISBN: 9780525554998
Publication Date: 2021-03-16
When eleven-year-old Yumi Chung stumbles into a kids' comedy camp she is mistaken for another student, so she decides to play the part.
Make a Move, Sunny Park! by Jessica Kim
ISBN: 9780525555001
Publication Date: 2023-08-15
From the author of 'Stand Up, Yumi Chung!' comes a . . . novel about friends--how to make them, how to let go of them, and how to be your own BFF.

WINNERS of the Morning Calm Competition '23-'24

As voted by the students of international schools in Korea:

Winner of the Picture book title:

Winner of the Chapter book title:

BS Primary Summer Reading '24: Summer 2024