Elementary Summer Reading 2024: Non-Fiction, 3rd-4th Grade

Over 500 images of art movements such as the Renaissance, Neoclassicism, Impressionism, and Pop Art are explored and explained, accompanied by striking visual detail that truly brings the artwork to life. Further featuring biographies of the key figures behind some of the world’s best-known artworks, from Botticelli and Hiroshige to Goncharova and Morisot, SI Art Year By Year has something for everyone to admire.

Text and illustrations discuss key concepts in painting, sculpture, photography, music, and dance, and includes fact boxes, images and diagrams, and information about key artists and their work.

This tribute to one of the most diverse, fascinating, and beloved species on the planet (turtles) speaks to the diversity and wisdom of these long-lived reptiles.

Embark on an exciting journey through the most interesting and important festivals, celebrations, and holidays enjoyed by people around the world. Stunning original illustrations and fascinating facts will inspire and inform children about cultures and religions from the countries of the world.

A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky is the perfect introduction to the always fascinating world of astronomy. Children will find out what astronomers have learned (and are still discovering), what astronauts and scientists explore, and what they can find by gazing up into the sky at night.

From fried dumplings to fortune cookies, here are the tales behind your favorite foods. Do you know the stories behind delectable dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Or how dumplings cured a village’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells about the creation of the world? Separated into courses like a Chinese menu, these tales—based in real history and folklore—are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. This book will bring you to far-off times and marvelous places, all while making your mouth water. And, along the way, you might just discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food, and what makes it undeniably American.

Did you know that Cuba’s national sport is baseball, one of the most popular sports in the US? And that kids in both Japan and Chile have earthquake drills on their school schedule? Find out about anything from the spookily vibrant Day of the Dead parade in Mexico and the beautiful springtime cherry blossom displays of Japan, to blueberry-picking in Sweden and India’s space program. Discover the countries of the world – explore their geography, wildlife, traditions, and arts, in this picture-packed children’s book.

Everything you need to know about dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and mammals in this essential prehistoric encyclopedia for kids. With more than 1,000 images and fascinating facts, The Dinosaur Book brings young readers face-to-face with some of the most incredible creatures ever to exist. Using a range of full-color images, including spectacular fossilized bones and realistic digital reconstructions, all forms of prehistoric life are covered. Young readers can also find out about the latest scientific discoveries that have changed the way we see these prehistoric animals--from new feathered dinosaurs to how and where.

A true story of determination and groundbreaking achievement follows eighth grade African American spelling champion MacNolia Cox, who left Akron, Ohio, in 1936 to compete in the prestigious National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., only to be met with prejudice and discrimination.

From bees to beetles, walking sticks to inchworms, kids will learn how, where, and when to spot these animals all over the United States (and how to keep a safe distance when necessary.

Grow your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers! Become a gardener in any season with these fun and easy projects. You don't even need a garden space—many of these activities can be done by planting in containers to set on a porch or a patio or even in a window. Try your hand at growing potatoes and strawberries. Plant bright flowers that attract butterflies, birds, and bees. Learn how to get daffodils to bloom in the winter! You can even make your own compost. Colorful photographs and simple step-by-step drawings make each project easy to follow for gardening success. Ready to get your hands dirty and your garden growing?

Kids can learn the art of paper folding with Origami Zoo Animals. They will start by practicing basic origami folds. Then they can make a striped tiger, a silly seal, and more. The crafts in this book are easy and super fun! Each project includes colorful photos and step-by-step instructions.

Recounts the history of the Barbie fashion doll, from her creation by Ruth Handler to her rise in popularity and how her influence has changed the world.

A richly illustrated book, We Are Artists celebrates the life and work of fifteen female artists from around the globe and the distinctive mark they made on art. Presented as a collection of exciting biographical stories, each section reveals how the artist’s unique approach and perspective provided art and society with a new way of seeing things.

Incredible maps show where history was made. Much more than an atlas or a history book, When on Earth? charts global historical events through stunning world maps. A truly visual guide to discovering when, where, and why things happened, When on Earth? presents history as a series of stunning, specially commissioned historical maps of the world. Each of these maps charts a key global event, such as the migration of the earliest humans, the spread of the Black Death, or the European, African, and Pacific theaters of World War II.

Move over Project Runway. Get ready to chuckle your way through centuries of fashion dos and don'ts! In this humorous and approachable narrative, kids will learn about outrageous, politically-perilous, funky, disgusting, regrettable, and life-threatening creations people have worn throughout the course of human history, all the way up to the present day. From spats and togas to hoop skirts and hair shirts, why people wore what they did is an illuminating way to look at the social, economic, political, and moral climates throughout history.