2026 SummerReads ~ Grades 1/2 by PikeSchoolLibrary

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

American Indian Youth Literature Award: honoring work by and about American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Asian/Pacific American Literature Award: honoring work about Asian/Pacific American heritage.
Mildred L. Batchelder Award: outstanding book published internationally.
Pura Belpré Award: excellent portrayal of the Latinx experience.
Randolph Caldecott Award: distinguished illustration.
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award: distinguished book for beginning readers.
Coretta Scott King Book Award: appreciation of African American culture.
John Newbery Award: distinguished writing.
Odyssey Award: best audiobook production.
Michael L. Printz Award: literary excellence in young adult literature.
Schneider Family Award: artistic expression of the disability experience.
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal: distinguished informational book.
Stonewall Award: exceptional merit relating to the GLBT experience.
Sydney Taylor Book Award: authentic portrayal of the Jewish experience.

Can Macy and her friends rally together to save the library?

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

A new novel in verse from Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander about third grader Macy as she learns the power of finding her voice and what she can accomplish with the support of community.

A summer to remember...

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Eddie has a summer full of adventures with his grandparents on Rosebud Reservation in this illustrated chapter book.

For fans of Odder and Willodeen!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

The Watercress bunny family moves to a new home - the Broken Arms - where Cress finds new friends as well as danger. A wonderful animal fantasy that makes a great read-aloud from Concord author Gregory Maguire, who visited Pike in the 1990s.

"Is it possible to live on a speck of an island constructed entirely by tiny sea creatures?"

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

This profile of thirteen unusual places is illustrated by amazing detailed cut-paper artwork. Fourth grade students chose this title as their 2026 Mock Sibert winner. Giles Laroche, who lives on the North Shore, visited Pike in 2016.

Evangeline is a tiny girl (as small as a mouse!) who is ready for a big adventure.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

A shoemaker discovers a tiny girl in his shop, he takes her in, names her Evangeline, and raises her as his own. From award-winning author Kate DiCamillo and featuring illustrations by Sophie Blackall.

She serves lunch by day, and justice after she washes the dishes.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Hector, Terrence, and Dee help Lunch Lady and Betty solve crimes in this popular graphic novel series. Massachusetts author Jarrett Krosoczka has wowed the Pike community in multiple visits from 2007 to 2026.

"And may tomorrow bring you the second chance you deserve."

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Elizaveta and her daughter, Dasha, are refugees from war-torn Ukraine who operate a toy shop — the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured. Our narrator is a wily street cat, Zephyrina, the second-in-command of the toy “troops.” When she rescues a mysterious stuffed bear, everyone knows that he is something special. This is a lovely story about friendship and community that highlights the role of historic teddy bears.

"What does 'the beginning' look like?"

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Travel back in time thousands of years to humanity's original ancestors in Africa. A 2026 Sibert Informational Honor book.

"A big tale from a little cave!"

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Two rock formations build a friendship that spans millions of years! A 2026 Caldecott Honor book.

Jasper Rabbit is back with a new creepy tale!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Thadeus Badger and his best friend, Oliver Possum, love eating hamburgers, but in an attempt to be healthy, they make a deal to eat a whole salad, only to find themselves in a creepy showdown.

New adventures for Trusted Friends!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Part of a new authorized series, this title is inspired by A. A. Milne's classic poem "Us Two" from Now We Are Six and features illustrations in the style of the original drawings.

“Once upon a time, a very long time ago now, about last Friday, Winnie-the-Pooh lived in a forest...”

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Winnie-the-Pooh and the Pike School share a birthday! The heartwarming adventures of Christopher Robin and his trusted animal friends are timeless, and are enhanced by E.H. Shepard’s iconic illustrations.

The story of "Winnipeg," from a lonely train station and World War I training, to a London zoo, and finally, to the hearts and minds of children and adults everywhere.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:34:15 UTC

Did you know that A.A. Milne was inspired to write Winnie-the-Pooh after discovering a real bear at the London Zoo? Discover how veterinarian Harry Colebourn, Mattick’s great-grandfather, came to adopt a bear cub during World War I. Winner of the 2016 Caldecott Medal.

“Right when I gave up on talking, my grandfather surprised me by revealing a world beyond words. And in a FLASH--we see each other for the first time.”

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:36:08 UTC

A celebration of a young Thai boy’s creative spirit and the joy that he and his grandfather discover when they draw and paint together, each in their authentic style. In 2019, Pike 3rd grade students voted this title their winner as part of the library’s Mock Caldecott program.

Explore the many shades of Pike’s hallmark color!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:36:28 UTC

Turn the pages to discover how each image transforms into something new, using innovative die-cut illustrations. This concept book was the 2013 Mock Caldecott winner.

Explore underwater kingdoms through the lens of a camera.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:36:40 UTC

A curious boy discovers a very unusual camera at the beach. What mysteries will it reveal? A fantastical seaside adventure for all ages and a captivating story to enjoy again and again. this wordless book was the 2007 Mock Caldecott winner.

"Remembering the village ~ learning the town."

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-30 22:36:47 UTC

Shanti and her family say goodbye to their home in West Bengal and learn to navigate and embrace life in America. In all her writing for children and young adults, Perkins writes with authenticity and care about living between cultures. She was Pike’s visiting author in 2007 and 2013.

Daisy loves touring her California town every summer night.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-31 02:56:19 UTC

They wave at Abuelito and Abuelita’s yellow house with the lemon tree and nod to Mr. García, the librarian in the Dodgers cap. Filled with the sights and sounds of community, this vibrant story was the 2020 Mock Caldecott winner.

"Turn the page and come in."

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-31 03:05:54 UTC

Alice is invited into a spellbinding book and has many adventures in this modern classic. Massachusetts author Grace Lin visited Pike in 2016.

“Dear Duncan, Yellow crayon here. I need you to tell orange crayon that I am the color of the sun.”

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-31 03:42:13 UTC

Duncan arrives at school one day to find that the crayons in his crayon box have disappeared. In their place are a series of letters that outline their complaints - from overworked red to embarrassed beige. This hilarious tale was the 2014 Mock Caldecott winner, and is frequently performed by Pike's Speech Team competitors.

“He brought a world of white / suddenly alive with color.”

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-31 13:28:16 UTC

In 1963, when the Pike School began its move to Sunset Rock Road, The Snowy Day won the Caldecott Medal, becoming the first award-winning book to feature a non-white child. The Pinkney family brings generations of literary and artistic excellence to children’s literature, and are courageous advocates for inclusivity and belonging. Andrea Davis Pinkney visited Pike in 2017.

“Fry bread is time...Fry bread is art...Fry bread is history.”

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-05-31 19:18:21 UTC

An intergenerational group of Native American friends and family makes fry bread, a common Native food staple as varied as the people who make it. The authenticity and care of the community shines through, enhanced by 2025 visiting author Juana Martinez-Neal’s warm illustrations.

POP! POP! It's time for Fireworks!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:04:24 UTC

Share in the excitement as two siblings eagerly await a spectacular fireworks display. Winner of the 2026 Caldecott Medal.

Explore the wonders of the desert, where the sun touches everything.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:04:52 UTC

Two siblings embark on a desert adventure following the sun as it illuminates the natural world around them. A 2026 Caldecott Honor book.

Every other book was written in the past. But this book? This book was written in the future.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:05:35 UTC

A hilarious glimpse into the future with whacky words and hilarious social customs.

An epic museum cat and mouse chase through art and history!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:09:52 UTC

Follow along in the adventure as cat and mouse race through different art galleries in a museum.

A happy habitat for wild friends.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:11:51 UTC

Let's enter the weedy garden as we observe and explore all of the plants and natural wonders.

Follow along to learn the similarities and differences between Monarch and Mourning Cloak butterflies.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:44:50 UTC

A beautifully illustrated picture book poetry collection that captures the incredible lives of two butterfly species.

A crew of talking plants, a spider, and a grumpy goldfish use their magical abilities to defend their family from trouble.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:46:05 UTC

A charming and silly illustrated chapter book featuring whimsical characters, adventures, and friendship.

Jasper, Mo, and Ruby join their town's World Cup soccer tournament.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:46:44 UTC

An illustrated chapter book series featuring soccer and the world cup! Perfect for fans of the Ballpark Mysteries and MVP series.

It's time for the first pair of big kid shoes! The only problem? Keeping the laces tied!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 12:47:16 UTC

It can be hard to learn something new. Follow along as we help the character find his new big kid shoes that just seem to keep falling off!

Let's draw our neighborhoods!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 13:09:35 UTC

Before moving away, a child draws a guide to their house, school, and neighborhood.

"Walk into this library, and what will you see? A whole lot of people who just love to read!"

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 13:20:39 UTC

There is something for everyone at your library!

Four friends with very different powers must stop the evil Dr. Slimepeople from turning the city's lake into goo!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 13:32:45 UTC

A hilarious illustrated chapter book that is perfect for fans of Lunch Lady and Press Start!

A real-life game of hide and seek - for endangered plants.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 14:00:34 UTC

Alberto Salas hunts varieties of potatoes in the Andes so scientists can study these resilient plants. Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, Pike's 2024-25 visiting author. Winner of the 2026 Sibert Informational Book Medal.

Bat, Rat, and Cat are having trouble deciding on the perfect vacation spot. Will they be able to come up with a solution that makes everyone happy?

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 14:14:49 UTC

A playful early reader that is centered around friendship. Winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award.

Jun has just moved to the United States, but finds comfort in her lunch and connects with new friends over a shared love of food.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-01 14:15:15 UTC

Inspired by author Cherry Mo's experience moving from Hong Kong to United States at age 10. A 2025 Caldecott Honor book.

Whooooo are you looking at?

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-03 01:11:53 UTC

This comprehensive guide to North American owls also features tips for spotting owls and how to create an owl-friendly environment in your back yard. Mark Wilson and his wife Marcia have been presenting their “Eyes on Owls” program to eager 1st grade scientists for many years as a key component of the grade’s hallmark owl study.

Learn all about magnificent mushrooms!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-03 01:13:16 UTC

Vibrant illustrations and playful text with lots of sound effects show how vital mushrooms and other fungi are to biodiversity. Curious 4th grade learners were fascinated by this informational text, and voted it their Mock Sibert winner in 2024.

Cecilia has two jobs. One as a kid who loves to play soccer, and another as an interpreter for her parents.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-03 17:38:39 UTC

Cecilia helps to translate from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. It's an important job, and it can even be fun, but sometimes it feels like a big responsibility.

A young girl explores her family's history and embraces her multifaceted identity.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-03 18:08:17 UTC

A picture book about family and belonging, the child of a Jewish mother and a South Asian father hears stories about her family history. A 2026 Asian/Pacific American Literature Honor book.

A boy discovers the mysterious, miniature world beyond his bedroom walls.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-03 18:22:26 UTC

A cozy, magical nighttime adventure From Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell.

Be inspired to grow your own sunflower garden!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-03 19:18:49 UTC

Bright illustrations and easy-to-read text follow the life cycle of a sunflower. A 2023 Sibert Informational Book honor and Theodor Seuss Geisel honor book.

How would you describe a bird's nest?

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-04 15:09:02 UTC

How about "arched avenue?" This beautifully illustrated poetry collection of animal homes will inspire you to take a nature walk and write your own! A 2025 Batchelder Honor book.

"Does it taste like a story? That's when you know it is ripe"

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-04 15:17:31 UTC

Follow along on a journey of family stories as Midori asks her jichan if the peaches are ripe yet and he responds that it should taste like a story. A 2026 Asian/Pacific American Literature Honor book.

There's a runaway mop!

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-04 15:20:20 UTC

A mop is tired of cleaning and decides to run away! Can anyone stop the mop? Winner of the 2026 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award.

A father and daughter share an early morning horseback ride around their city.

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-04 19:58:46 UTC

A dad shares stories with his daughter as they ride around town and she realizes that she is also a cowboy! A 2025 Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor book.

"Where I live, seasons change. I know because my fingers and toes, my ears, my mouth and nose, all tell me so."

PikeSchoolLibrary — 2026-06-04 21:05:01 UTC

Follow along as we share in a blind child’s joyful experience of the changing seasons. A 2026 Schneider Family Honor book.