This Week
@ the Library
Check the This Week @ the Library page every week for new stories, videos, and more!
Check out the 2021 Summer Reading Suggestions from the TSC Library for rising K–5 readers and for middle school readers!
Explore suggestions organized by grade and genre
Find books to read on Sora and with other sources
Discover resources to support conversations around social-justice and racism
Thank you to everyone who contributed and listened!
Celebrate National Poetry Month with the TSC Library!
Every school day this April we featured poems read by members of the TSC community. Students, faculty, and staff shared original and favorite poems. Scroll down to enjoy!
Want even more poetry in your life? Try exploring the Poems for Kids section of the Academy of American Poets site, where they have poems organized by topic, or check out the Poetry Foundation website, where you'll find a collection of classic and contemporary poems for young people, searchable by topic and time period.
Friday, April 30
Today is the grand finale of our National Poetry Month celebration and we're going out with a bang. Today we offer:
A moving favorite poem read by Head of School, Amani Reed.
A collaborative acrostic poem by the TSC 5th Grade Creative Writing club
Original and favorite poems read by TSC 2nd and 3rd graders, including music and dramatic performances.
A collection of poems by TSC 1st graders, from class 1A, celebrating their unique identities.
AReed Poetry Month.mp4"Dreams"
By Langston Hughes
Read by Mr. Reed, Head of School
tsc-creative-writing-club-poem.2021.mp4"Creative"
Written and read by the 5th grade creative writing club
Jesse O-The Athlete by Irene Latham Poem 2021.mp4"The Athlete"
By Irene Latham
Read by Jesse O., 3rd grader
Aysha S—Weird Monster Poem 2021.mp4"Weird Monster"
Written by Ayasha S., 3rd grader
Performed by Tundra, Sophie, and Butter
Prince B-Broadway Moon by Marilyn Singer Poem 2021.mp4"Broadway Moon"
By Marilyn Singer
Read by Prince B., 3rd grader
Autumn J-Springtime Poem2021.mov"Springtime"
Written and read by Autumn J., 2nd grader
Simon P- Bed in Summer by RL Stevenson Poem 2021.mp4"Bed in Summer"
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Read by Simon P., 2nd grader
Priyah I am poem.mp4"I am . . ."
Written and read by Priyah M., 1st grader
Joaquim A-Peloso I am poem.mp4"I am . . ."
Written and read by Joaquim P., 1st grader
Written and read by 1A 1st graders
Thursday, April 29th is Poem in Your Pocket Day!
To participate all you need is a poem in your pocket! It can be a poem you wrote or a poem you love. Share the poem with others throughout the day. Read more about Poem in Your Pocket Day and explore a curated collection of contemporary poems at the Academy of American Poets. To find more great poems for K-8 readers visit the Children's Poetry Archive or the poems for young people at The Poetry Foundation and the Academy of American Poets.
Thursday, April 29
To celebrate Poem in Your Pocket day, we present a collaborative poem by a 1st grade class about the joys of reading in the park, a reading of a classic American poem by a 3rd grader, and three original poems by TSC students. We hope you enjoy this beautifully diverse array of poems.
1B Reading in the Park"Reading in the Park"
Written and read by 1st grade class 1B
Jojo-The New Colossus By Emma Lazarus Poem 2021.mp4"The New Colossus"
By Emma Lazarus
Read by Jojo R., 3rd grader
Annike P-Bright Poem 2021.MOV"Bright"
Written and read by Annike P., 5th grader
Lauren E-You Poem 2021.mov"You"
Written and read by Lauren E., 6th grader
Logan J-Squishy Poem 2021.mp4"Squishy"
Written and read by Logan J., 1st grader
Wednesday, April 28
People, pancakes, family, flowers, planes, and more! Today we bring you original and favorite poems from TSC 2nd graders that cover a wonderful array of topics. Enjoy!
Maya R-People People People Poem 2021.mp4"People, People, People"
Written and read by Maya R., 2nd grader
QueenNa'eemah J-Mommy Poem 2021.mp4"Mommy"
Written and read by Queen'Naeemah J., 2nd grader
David K-Vacation Poem 2021.mp4"Vacation"
Written and read by David K., 2nd grader
Lily A-Pancake by Shel Silverstein Poem 2021.mp4"Pancake"
By Shel Silverstein
Read by Lily A., 2nd grader
Kai H-Sick by Shel Silverstein Poem 2021.mp4"Sick"
By Shel Silverstein
Read by Kai H., 2nd grader
Lucas B-Plane Poem 2021.mp4"Plane"
Written and read by Lucas B., 2nd grader
Kelsey R-3 poems Poem 2021.mp4Three Short Poems
Written and read by Kelsey R., 2nd grader
Choyce D-Spring Poem 2021.mp4"Spring"
Written and read by Choyce D., 2nd grader
Analia F-Flowers Poem 2021.mp4"Flowers"
Written and read by Analia F., 2nd grader
Nola M-Flowers Poem 2021.mp4"Flowers"
Written and read by Nola M., 2nd grader
Tuesday, April 27
Today 4th grade teacher, Mr. Barnhart, shares a funny about a pet snow ball, and six TSC 4th graders share original and favorite poems on topics as varied as the challenges of life during a pandemic and the secret life of skunks.
Augustus T-Bruised World Poem 2021.mp4"This Bruised World"
Written and read by Augustus T., 4th grader
Shakti P-This the Covid Life Poem 2021.mp4"This is the Covid Life"
Written and read by Shakti P., 4th grader
Amber and Kai-Night Class by David Harrison Poem 2021.mp4"Night Class"
By David Harrison
Read by Kai T. and Amber A., 4th graders
Nora K-Writers Block Poem 2021.mov"Writer's Block"
Written and read by Nora K., 4th grader
Riya J-Life Poem 2021.mp4"Life"
Written and read by Riya J., 4th grader
Barnhart-Snowball by Shel Silverstein Poem 2021.mp4"Snowball"
By Shel Silverstein
Read by Mr. Barnhart, 4th grade teacher
Monday, April 26
Happy Monday, TSC! Today we bring you original and favorite poems read by TSC 3rd graders. Listen to poems ranging from laugh-our-loud funny to quietly beautiful. Enjoy!
Salome–Just a book 2021.mp4"Just a Book"
By Joshua Seigal
Read by Salome O. , 3rd grader
Charles B-Spring Poem 2021.mp4"Spring"
Written and read by Charlie B., 3rd grader
Hiyab Christmas Poem 2021.mp4"Christmas"
Written and read by Hiyab G., 3rd grader
Ayan M- The Climbers by Shel Silverstien Poem 2021.mp4"The Climbers"
By Shel Silverstein
Read by Aayan M., 3rd grader
Malia J-Light Poem 2021.mp4"Light"
Written and read by Malia J., 3rd grader
Takeo W-Out on the farm on a saturday night By C Harris Poem 2021.mp4"Out on the Farm on a Saturday Night"
Written by Chris Harris
Read by Takeo W., 3rd grader
Sophie Y-Rain by Shel Silverstein Poem 2021.mp4"Rain"
By Shel Silverstein
Read by Sophie., 3rd grader
Ava-School Poem 2021.mp4"School"
Written and read by Ava W., 3rd grader
Friday, April 23
Bring some joy to your Friday: Listen to these original poems by TSC Kindergarteners and 1st graders. You'll hear poems about flowers, clouds, books, balloons, holidays, and more.
Jordan J-Red Balloon Poem 2021.mp4"Red Balloon"
Written and read by Jordan J., 1st grader
Ruby P-In Summer Poem 2021.mp4"In Summer"
Written and read by Ruby P., Kindergartner
Kash-Spring Poem 2021.mp4"Spring"
Written and read by Kash C., 1st grader
Clara P-Under the Sun Poem 2021.mp4"Under the Sun"
Written and read by Clara P., 1st grader
Osaretin A-Christmas Poem 2021.mp4"Christmas"
Written and read by Osaretin A., Kindergartner
Naomi-Fiction POem 2021.mp4"Fiction"
Written and read by Naomi R., 1st grader
Grace D- A Cloud Poem By Meish Goldish 2021.mp4"Clouds"
Written and read by Grace D., 1st grader
Adeline W-Bud Poem 2021.mp4"Bud"
Written and read by Adeline W., 1st grader
Thursday, April 22
In tribute to our favorite furry, scaled, and feathered friends, today we bring you poems read by TSC students all about animals.
Kenji G-Robin Poem 2021.mp4"Robin"
Written and read by Kenji G., 2nd grader
Elise L-Parakeets Poem 2021.mp4"The Parakeets"
By Alberto Blanco
Read by Elise L., 3rd grader
Emily C-Little Frog Poem 2021.mp4"I Have a Little Frog"
By Anonymous
Read by Emily C., 2nd grader
Elinor D-Bear One Poem by J. Patrick Lewis 2021.mp4"Bear One, Bear Two"
By J. Patrick Lewis
Read by Elinor D., 3rd grader
Zinnia C-The Crocodile by Lewis Carroll Poem 2021.mp4"The Crocodile"
By Lewis Carroll
Read by Zinnia D., 4th grader
Wednesday, April 21
From starry nights to Halloween to the mysterious voice that calls to you while you try to sleep, today five TSC students share original poems about night time and all things spooky.
Nylah L-Night Poem 2021.mp4"Night"
Written and read by Nylah L., 2nd grader
Leah M-Starry Night Poem 2021.mp4"Starry Night"
Written and read by Leah M., 4th grader
Claire Y-Ghosts Poem 2021.mp4"Ghosts"
Written and read by Claire Y., 1st grader
Jenise P-Halloween Poem 2021.mp4"Halloween"
Written and read by Jenise P., 2nd grader
Megan N- I Hear a Voice Poem 2021.mp4"A Voice"
Written and read by Megan N., 2nd grader
Tuesday, April 20
We continue our theme of nature poems this week with five glorious poems celebrating rainbows and blue skies, all by TSC students. Don't forget to look up today!
Nyale D-Blue Sky Poem 2021.mp4"Blue Sky
Written and read by Nyale D., 2nd grader
Maya H-Rainbows Poem 2021.mp4"Rainbows"
Written and read by Maya H., 4th grader
Tia T-Rainbow poem 2021.mp4"Rainbow"
Written and read by Tia T., 1st grader
Eli Beautiful Sky Poem 2021.mp4"The Beautiful Sky"
Written and read by Eli B., 2nd grader
Meret P-Rainbow Poem 2021.mp4"Rainbow"
Written and read by Meret, Kindergartner
Monday, April 19
Celebrate spring today by listening to two classic poems about the natural world read by 6th grade Science Teacher, Mr. Raikes, and 2nd grader, Juelz N. Then enjoy these three lovely original poems by 2nd graders celebrating the wonders of nature.
The Windhover by Gerald Manley Hopkins (Ben R).mov"The Windhover"
By Gerard Manley Hopkins
Read by Mr. Raikes, 6th Grade Science Teacher
Julez N-Fog By C Sanburg Poem 2021.mp4"Fog"
By Carl Sandburg
Read by Julez N., 2nd grader
Gabriel L-Earth Air Water Poem 2021.mp4"Earth, Air, Water, Fire"
Written and read by Gabriel L., 2nd grader
Pamela MV-Shooting Star Poem 2021.mp4"Shooting Star"
Written and read by Pamela M., 2nd grader
Morgan-Spring Poem 2021.mp4"Spring"
Written and read by Morgan D., 2nd grader
Friday, April 16
Need a good laugh? Listen to these five original and favorite funny poems shared by TSC 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. Guaranteed to start your weekend with a smile on your face.
Hanna_MrYoung and MrGeezer Poem 2021.mp4"Mr. Young and Mr. Geezer"
Written and read by Hanna B., 3rd grader
Rekha S—Big Sister by MH Poem 2021.mp4"Big Sister"
By Mary Ann Hoberman
Read by Rekha S., 3rd grader
Kristal W-Hot Dog poem 2021.mp4"Hot Dog"
Written and read by Kristal W., 3rd grader
Matthias S-Sometimes Poems by JViorst Poem 2021.mp4"Sometimes Poems"
By Judith Viorst
Read by Matthias S., 2nd grader
Darien N-Its Raining Pigs and Noodles By Jack Prelutsky Poem 2021.mp4"It's Raining Pigs and Noodles"
By Jack Prelutsky
Read by Darien A., 1st grader
Thursday, April 15
Today we get the privilege of getting to know some amazing TSC students a little better through their beautiful autobiographical poems. Enjoy!
Joy S-Time Poem 2021.mp4"Time"
Written and read by Joy S., 2nd grader
Logan N-All About Me Poem 2021.mp4"All About Me"
Written and read by Logan N., 3rd grader
Carli-AutoBio poems 2021.mp4Three Autobiographical poems
Written and read by Carli E., 4th grader
Wednesday, April 14
What are a few of your favorite things? Today enjoy these three poems from TSC Students celebrating some of their favorite things and reminding us to savor some of the small but important joys of life: a sport you love, your favorite color, or a special after-school snack.
Uyiosa A-Starbucks Poem 2021.mp4"Starbucks"
Written and read by Uyiosa A., 3rd grader
Lukas H -Basketball Poem 2021.mp4"Basketball"
Written and read by Lukas H., 3rd grader
Amanda H-Pink Poem 2021.mp4"Pink"
Written and read by Amanda H., 2nd grader
Tuesday, April 13
Need a lift? Listen to these three uplifting poems. 4th grader Mia Y. and 2nd grader Randi M. give beautiful readings of poems by authors celebrating their strength and personal history, and 4th grader Lucas K. shares a powerful orginal poem encouraging us to celebrate our diverse interest and talents.
Mia-Feb 12 1963 Poem 2021.mov"Febuary 12, 1963"
By Jaqueline Woodson
Read by Mia Y., 4th grader
Randi M-Still Ill Rise Poem 2021.mp4excerpt from "Still I Rise"
By Maya Angelou
Read by Randi M., 2nd grader
Lucas K-Anybody Poem 2021.mp4"Anybody"
Written and read by Lucas K, 4th grader
Monday, April 12
Make sure that your week is out of this world—start your Monday by listening to two space-themed poems from 1st grader, Ava Z. and Kindergartner Daniel C. Then enjoy a reading of beautiful Walt Whitman poem by Intermediate Divison Technologist, Mr. Harp.
Ava Z-The Moon Poem 2021.mp4"The Moon"
Written and read by Ava Z., 1st grader
Daniel C-Comets Stars The Moon and Mars by D Florian Poem 2021.mp4"Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars"
By Douglas Florian
Read by Daniel C, Kindergartner
We Two How Long We Were Fool'd.mov"We Two How Long We Were Fool'd"
By Walt Whitman
Read by Mr.Harp, Intermediate Divison Technologist
Friday, April 9
To help make sure you all have a restful weekend, this Friday we are featuring three beautiful, original poems by TSC students about night and dreams, and about that special feeling that many of us have on Sunday night. Sweet Dreams everyone!
Nico B-Sunda Night Poem 2021.mp4"Sunday Night"
Written and read by Nico B., 3rd grader
Penelope B-Nighttime Poem 2021.mp4"Nighttime"
Written and read by Penelope B., 4th grader
Lily M- Dreams Poem 2021.mp4"Dreams"
Written and read by Lily M., 2nd grader
Thursday, April 8
Fans of felines, today is for you! Listen to a classic poem about a big cat, read by 4th graders Teddy and Nora, and by 3rd grade, Mira, and another favorite cat poem read by 5th grader, Sasa.
Teddy and Nora - Tyger Blake Poem 2021.mp4"The Tyger"
By William Blake
Read by 4th graders, Teddy G. and Nora K.
Mira 1-Tyger by Blake Poem 2021.mp4"The Tyger"
By William Blake
Read by Mira I., 3rd grader
The Song of the Jellicles .mp4"The Song of the Jellicles"
By T.S. Elliot
Read by Sasa G., 5th grader
Wednesday, April 7
Today, as spring blossoms, we bring you a trio of TSC readers sharing nature poems. 4th grader, Amelia A. and Ms. Klem, Intermediate Division Head, each give their unique readings of a poem about appreciating trees and 3rd grader Joaquim R. shares an original poem about spring.
Ms. Klem Whenever_You_See_A_Tree.mp4"Whenever You See A Tree"
By Padma Venkatraman
Read by Ms. Klem, Intermediate Div. Head
Amelia–Whenever You See a Tree 2021.mp4"Whenever You See A Tree"
By Padma Venkatraman
Read by Amelia A., 4th grader
Joaquim R-Spring Poem 2021.mp4"Spring"
Written and read by Joaquim R., 3rd grader
Tuesday, April 6
Listen to Ms. Morris, TSC Literacy Liaison, read a poem about finding strength and comfort in the natural world, and 1st grader, Willa D. share an uplifting orginal poem.
TSC 1st graders are writing lots of poetry, so check back soon for more 1st grade poems!
My Rock By Pat Mora Read By Ms. Morris.mp4"My Rock" By Pat Mora
Read by Ms. Morris, Literacy Liaison
Willa-The Wind Blows Poem 3-30-21.mp4"The Wind Blows"
Written and read by Willa D., 1st grader
Monday, April 5
Happy Monday, TSC! Today we're featuring readings by two 3rd graders. A original poem about something many of us can relate to by Katelynn J. and a rousing reading of a favorite funny poem from Miles D.
Katelynn TV poem 2021.mp4"TV"
Written and read by Katelynn J., 3rd grader
Miles PB Sandwich 2021.mp4"Peanut Butter Sandwich" By Shel Silverstein
Read by Miles D., 3rd grader
Thursday, April 1
We kick off poetry month today with a welcome from Ms. Neffson, K-4 Librarian, who also reads a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks, and with a beautiful, thought-provoking poem by 4th grader Esther L.
Can't wait until Monday to hear more poems?! You can listen to the poems from TSC's 2020 Poetry Month celebration. Enjoy!
MsNeffson Welcome and Andre 2021.mp4"Andre" Written by Gwendolyn Broooks
Read by Ms. Neffson, K-4 Librarian
Esther L-The Anonymous Poem 2021.mp4"The Anonymous Poem "
Written and read by Esther L., 4th grader
The 2021 Leo's Choice Award Winner is....
Congratulations to all who participated!
2nd Place
3rd Place—Tied!
3rd Place—Tied!
From January through March, TSC Kindergarten–4th grade students read, study, and discussed these five outstanding new picture books. Finally, after careful consideration, students voted for a winner!
From January through March, TSC Kindergarten–4th grade students read, study, and discussed these five outstanding new picture books. Finally, after careful consideration, students voted for a winner!
Explore articles and photo essays on TSC-related things as well as current events and NYC-related stories, all created and edited by TSC Middle School students. Thank you to the New Roar Times team for working so hard to keep our community informed and inspired!
Picture Books and Begining-to-Read Books
Chapter Books and Graphic Novels
Non-fiction Books
Six Word Memoirs
by TSC 8th Graders
To celebrate the beginning of the 2020–21 school year we invited members of the TSC community to tell us about one of the best books they read this summer. Scroll down to read some favorite summer reads from TSC students, faculty, & staff!
Favorite Summer Reads from Primary Division Students
It's about families, love, and bravery.
Fox is my favorite character. He's sometimes silly.
It was funny.
There's magical creatures, but their dad can't see the magical creatures!
Favorite Summer Reads from Intermediate Division Students
It is funny and it teaches you to try your best.
It has action and it's funny!
It talks about something most people don't know about.
It’s very mysterious and weird.
You had to predict a lot.
The story is very interesting and the character Fudge is really funny.
I liked about this book that the Sisters were fighting and they finally got along.
I liked how the mouse outsmarted the weasel so that the mouse could save himself.
I liked that it was almost never slow and that there were cool powers and magic.
I like the book because it is about solving mysteries, finding fossils and friendship.
It's a book about a boy that was treated poorly and met creatures in a peach.
It is about two twins, a boy and a girl, finding out about another dimension.
I like it a because it has mystery about animals and how they feel and Mrs. Frisby has a son that is sick so she goes to the rats but the rats have a secret...
I liked that it was funny and it involved a group of 3rd graders on a field trip. It also taught interesting facts about science, history and museums.
TSC Faculty & Staff Favorite Summer Reads: Books for K– 8 Readers
Mr. Harp, Intermediate Division EdTech
This children's picture book shares the story of Mae Jemison as a child in elementary school searching to find her voice and purpose. She is a girl of color who became the first African American female astronaut and first African American woman in space. She, and her parents, demonstrate the virtues we hope to inspire and instill with all our young readers.
Ms. Morris, Literacy Liaison
My son and I read this book together this summer, and we could not put it down! It is one family's story of their experience in a Kenyan refugee camp, in a graphic novel format. We felt so many emotions while reading it: joy, sadness, fear, and hope. Read it and let me know what you think!
Best for grades 4 & up
Mr. Barnhart, 4th Grade Homeroom Teacher
A sequel to the ever popular The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate does an amazing job at capturing the personality of Ivan's sidekick, Bob, in such a clever way. From the first page, Bob's scrappy, rough, but charming character keeps you laughing throughout the entire novel. The book easily captures the reader's attention and holds it through a story with many twists and turns. New characters are introduced, too, to all of the old favorites from The One and Only Ivan. If you're an animal fan and are looking for a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud book to read, this is definitely one for you! (Reading The One and Only Ivan first would be helpful, but not completely necessary to enjoy this book!)
Ms. Chung, Math Support K–3
Upon his completion of this book, my 11-year-old child placed it in my hands and demanded I also read it as soon as possible, and I am grateful he did! It is a heart-wrenching story narrated by a grandmother to her grandson about a young Jewish girl who was hidden by a family in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II. The story bridges to current times with its themes of human kindness and resistance to oppressive government policies, and the graphic novel format makes it accessible for middle grade students. Start reading when you have at least an hour as you wont be able to put it down!
Best for grades 4 & up
Ms. Viera , Student Affairs Coordinator
How one's visit/vacation to the beach allows for one to reflect on life using simple shells (Gifts from the Sea) as comparison to all the stages and emotions of life experiences
Best for grades 6 & up
Ms. Renazile, Librarian Grades 5–8
I read lots of books this summer, but here's one I think the TSC community would love to read: The Working Mind and Drawing Hand by Oliver Jeffers.
This book is an entry point into how Oliver Jeffers's mind works. It is a visual biography as well as an account of his art-making process. If you love his picture books and his art, you will want to have this book around. An inspirational and beautiful book!
Best for grades 5 & up
Dr. Kaiser, Primary Division Director
Hysterical. Especially the ponies on the backpacks. They ARE delicious!
TSC Faculty & Staff Favorite Summer Reads: Books for Adult Readers
Ms. Young, 8th Grade Math Teacher
This book tells about twin sisters' experience with colorism and the different lives that they lead because of it. Though the book is fiction, the reader comes to see some of the realities of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s in this country. Also, Bennett brings depth to each character; the reader comes to know their duality -- both their innermost drive and conflict.
Mr. Alvarez, 6th Grade Science Teacher
I enjoyed learning about how established techniques of traditional forensic science and some newly developed techniques, are being integrated and applied to the investigation of crimes against wildlife.
Ms. Maruiwa, Art Teacher
The author described the complex feelings of how it is like to be an Asian American in the U.S. of my time very well.
Ms. Foster-Bey, 3rd Grade Associate Teacher
This novel is filled with numerous twists and turns I highly doubt readers will solve the crime before reaching the end. Though I do wish them the best of luck. Also, the series (three books) is being made to a TV show on Peacock.
Dr. Scherer, Middle Division SEL Liaison
The writing is beautiful, incisive and gripping -- Maya Angelou's words crept under my skin in the best way possible. It was tremendously powerful to read the story of a young Black girl navigating the traumas of African-American life in the South, and inspiring to hear how her relationships, wit, humor and love of literature helped support and guide her journey into adulthood.
Dr. Marek, Intermediate Division SEL Liason
It offers an interesting perspective on a complicated relationship between a young Black babysitter and a wanna-be "woke" white mother. The characters are complex and the book avoids easy answers. Well-written and a great read.
Ms. Beyer, Director of Communications
I finished “The Overstory” this summer, and I have not been able to look at a tree the same way since. It reads like a growing vine, twisting into and out of spaces, and the interconnectedness of the characters pushes you to consider the interconnectedness of all living things—and how responsible we are, as humans, for the environment. And each other.
Ms. Neffson, K–4 Librarian
Written in exile in 1933, this disturbing and important novel traces the rise of fascism in Germany in the early 1930s. Told through the experiences of one assimilated German-Jewish family, it is a quietly evocative, accesible, and deeply moving call for empathy and action in the face of prejudice, ignorance, and violence.
