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District List: DCPS - Third Grade Unit Text List
Description: District of Columbia Public Schools Unit Text List for students in 3rd Grade. #dcps
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Our Democracy
by Ariella TievskyMillions of people in our country vote on election day. That's how we choose leaders in a democracy. Learn how our democracy works and who makes our laws. Meet some important people who have worked to make our democracy better. Find out where the idea of democracy came from in the first place. Some day you may take part in our democracy by voting yourself!
Madam President
by Douglas B. Jones and Catherine ThimmeshCatherine Thimmesh's inspiring look at the role of women in American politics-past, present, and future-is now available with updated sections on Hillary Rodham Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Nancy Pelosi. From the time our government was being formed, women have fought their way from behind the scenes to the center of power and decision making. So, why not a woman in the White House? Two thousand eight may be the year!
Grace for President
by Leuyen Pham and Kelly Dipucchio"Where are the girls?" When Grace's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her political career as a candidate the school's mock election!
Author Kelly DiPucchio not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought--and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer and Elizabeth ZunonWhen fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone's crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library...
and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind. Lyrically told and gloriously illustrated, this story will inspire many as it shows how - even in the worst of times - a great idea and a lot of hard work can still rock the world.
If I Ran for President
by Catherine Stier and Lynne AvrilImagine starring in commercials and traveling in your own campaign bus! Or seeing your face on bumper stickers and T-shirts!
If you ran for president, you would get to do these and other fun things, but you would also have to do a lot of hard work. You would study the nation's problems, tell the American people about your platform, select a running mate, and debate your opponents on live television.
Finally, in November, Election Day would arrive. You would keep your fingers crossed and wait for the results--will you be the next president of the United States?
A multicultural cast of children imagines what it would be like to run for president. The entertaining yet informative text is a good conversation starter for discussions on the election process. A note about this process accompanies the story.
The author, Catherine Stier, is no stranger to politics--her previous book, If I Were President, looked at the various responsibilities of the president. Lynne Avril's cheerful illustrations perfectly complement the lively text.
My Man Blue
by Nikki Grimes and Jerome LagarrigueBlue lost one boy to the streets and is determined that this time will be different. And Damon knows that even though he's the "man of the house," there's room for a friend like Blue in his life. At the end of the day, Damon has someone standing steadfast in his corner. Someone true . . . like Blue. Nikki Grimes's moving poems and Jerome Lagarrigue's bold paintings create an emotional and realistic bond of friendship between a man and a boy in a rough world.
The Great Kapok Tree
by Lynne CherryExhausted from his labors, a man chopping down a great kapok tree in the Brazilian rain forest puts down his ax, and, as he sleeps, the animals who live in the tree plead with him not to destroy their world. "This modern fable with its urgent message contains an abundance of information. "--The Horn Book
Goin' Someplace Special
by Patricia C. Mckissack and Jerry PinkneyConfronted with the indignities and humiliations of segregated Nashville in the 1950s, young 'Tricia Ann holds her head high and remembers that she is "somebody, a human being--no better, no worse than anybody else in this world."
For the first time, 'Tricia Ann has been allowed to venture outside her community all by herself. Her grandmother has prepared her well, fortifying her "with enough love, respect, and pride to overcome any situation."
'Tricia Ann, though frustrated by the Jim Crow laws that forbid her, as an African American, to enter certain restaurants and hotels, or even to sit on park benches marked "For Whites Only," rises above her pain and makes her way to one of the only places in the city that welcomes her with open arms: the public library.
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Medal
Roberto Clemente
by Jonah WinterOn an island called Puerto Rico, there lived a little boy who wanted only to play baseball. Although he had no money, Roberto Clemente practiced and practiced until--eventually--he made it to the Major Leagues. America! As a right-fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he fought tough opponents--and even tougher racism--but with his unreal catches and swift feet, he earned his nickname, "The Great One." He led the Pirates to two World Series, hit 3,000 hits, and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But it wasn't just baseball that made Clemente legendary--he was was also a humanitarian dedicated to improving the lives of others.
The Mangrove Tree
by Susan L. Roth and Cindy TrumboreFor a long time, the people of Hargigo, a village in the tiny African country of Eritrea, were living without enough food for themselves and their animals. Then along came a scientist, Dr. Gordon Sato, who helped to change their lives for the better. And it all started by planting some special mangrove trees. This fascinating story of environmental innovation is a celebration of creativity, hard work and the ability of one man to make a positive difference in the lives of many.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
by Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater and Robert LawsonMr. Popper has penguins in his fridge, an ice rink in the basement, and a family for whom life will never be the same How many penguins in the house is too many?
Mr. Popper is a humble house painter living in Stillwater who dreams of faraway places like the South Pole. When an explorer responds to his letter by sending him a penguin named Captain Cook, Mr. Popper and his family's lives change forever. Soon one penguin becomes twelve, and the Poppers must set out on their own adventure to preserve their home.
First published in 1938, Mr. Popper's Penguins is a classic tale that has enchanted young readers for generations.
Newbery Medal Honors book
Winner of Pacific Northwest Library Association’s Young Reader’s Choice Award
A Kid's Guide to Washington, D.C.
by Richard Brown and Miriam Chernick and Diane C. ClarkFor children on school trips or traveling with their families, here is kid-friendly information about popular monuments, museums, exhibits, shopping, sporting events--and even day trips outside the immediate metropolitan area. Originally published in 1989, this handy guide now features completely updated text and photographs, along with the puzzles, games, and wonderful tidbits of trivia that have made it one of the most useful D.C. guidebooks for children. A Kid's Guide to Washington, D.C. is the perfect traveling companion for any youngster who wants to play an active role in planning a family vacation. Includes: Puzzles, Games, Trivia, and More!
Penguin Chick
by Helen K. Davie and Betty TathamAn emperor penguin lays an egg on the Antarctic ice. In the bitter cold, miles away from the only source of food, how can the chick survive?
Capital Mysteries #5
by Ron Roy and Timothy BushIt's party time in Washington, D.C.! The president is planning a celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in honor of the man who sculpted the famous statue of Lincoln. But KC and Marshall notice one small problem--the left thumb has broken off the statue! Has someone stolen Lincoln's thumb? Can KC and Marshall find it before the celebration begins?From the Trade Paperback edition.
Loser
by Jerry SpinelliJust like other kids, Zinkoff rides his bike, hopes for snow days, and wants to be like his dad when he grows up. But Zinkoff also raises his hand with all the wrong answers, trips over his own feet, and falls down with laughter over a word like "Jabip." Other kids have their own word to describe him, but Zinkoff is too busy to hear it. He doesn't know he's not like everyone else. And one winter night, Zinkoff's differences show that any name can someday become "hero."
James and the Giant Peach
by Roald Dahl and Quentin BlakeA little magic can take you a long way.
After James Henry Trotter's parents are tragically eaten by a rhinoceros, he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun, until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree and strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it's as big as a house. Inside, James meets a bunch of oversized friends -- Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybug, and more. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the great adventure begins!
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer and Anna HymasNIMAC-sourced textbook
The Ballad of Mulan
by Song ZhangAccording to legend, there was a young woman named Mulan whose aged and frail father was conscripted. Mulan, unwilling to see her father fighting in a war, disguises herself as a man and joins the army in his place. For the next ten years she shows remarkable skill as a warrior and becomes a famous general. Her true identity remains hidden from her comrades until the very end. Now, over fifteen centuries later, Mulan continues to be an inspiration to Chinese girls and women. She embodies the belief that woman—if given the opportunity—are capable of accomplishing the same feats as men. Includes English text only.
A To Z
by Reach Tutors StaffWashington DC teens take the reader on an exciting alphabet tour of their city using both photographs and words. It's DC like you've never seen it before. D is for Duke Ellington, G is for Go-Go, P is for the Potomac River, and Q is for Quadrants. The reader will learn the alphabet while learning about the city through the eyes of kids just like them! Made in collaboration with Shootback, an organization that empowers young people to tell their own stories through photography and writing.
Bill Pickett
by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian PinkneyThe true sweat-and-dirt tale of the feisty cowboy-child who became the most famous black rodeo performer who ever lived. Includes a note about the history of the black West and a bibliography.
A Symphony Of Whales
by Steve Schuch and Peter SylvadaGlashka can understand whale song--but with that mysterious power comes great responsibility. When she discovers thousands of whales trapped in a rapidly freezing inlet, she knows it is up to her to gather the people of her town to help them. Based on an actual event, this inspiring story follows Glashka and her people as they come to understand the importance of all life. Full-color illustrations.
Two Days in May
by Harriet TaylorBased on a real-life incident that occurred several years ago in Chicago, Taylor tells the story of a city girl who discovers five deer grazing in the small garden behind her apartment building, and how the deer are brought back to safety in the wild.
Nights Of The Pufflings
by Bruce McMillanOn a tiny island off the coast of Iceland, Halla and her friends wait with anticipation. Every spring, millions of puffins, the clowns of the sea, return to nest, lay eggs, and raise their chicks to pufflings. That means Halla and her friends will be busy in August when the pufflings venture out at night to take their first flight. Then, all of the children stay out all night, too. During the nights of the pufflings they rescue thousands of stranded young birds, and in the daytime set them safely free at the beach. In Nights of the Pufflings, Bruce McMillan captures the unique and endearing story of an island tradition.
Charged Up
by Jacqui BaileyDescribes how electrical energy is generated in power stations and how it travels through pylons, power cables, and wires into people's homes.