Sunshine State Young Readers Awards K-2
The SSYRA Jr. program is a statewide reading program for kindergarten through second grade students. The mission of the SSYRA Jr. program is to develop students’ interest in reading for pleasure by exposing them to a wide range of appropriate literature. Sunshine State Jr. books are selected for their wide appeal, literary value, varied genres, curriculum connections, and/or multicultural representation.
Coming Soon: Follow along as I show you how to align each title with the Florida B.E.S.T. ELA Standards!
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The Three Billy Goats Gruff By: Mac Barnett
Once there was a bridge and a terrible and VERY hungry troll lived underneath it. When the three Billy Goats Gruff decide to clip-clop across the bridge to get to the grassy ridge, the troll is already imagining all the way to prepare a delicious goat dinner. But the troll underestimates those seemingly sweet but oh-so-savvy goats!
Knight Owl By: Christopher Denise
Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.
A Mouthful of Minnows By: John Hare
At the bottom of the pond, Alphonso the snapping turtle opens his mouth wide, wiggles his worm-like tongue, and waits patiently for breakfast. He barely notices a measly minnow, but he’s thrilled when the entire school shows up. Alphonso’s perseverance has paid off! But when a whole family of minnows arrives to celebrate together, Alphonso’s true character emerges, and he has second thoughts about the breakfast he’s been waiting for.
Bug on the Rug By: Sophia Gholz
Pug is snug on his rug. But what happens when along comes BUG?! With a claim to the rug?! The two engage in a hysterical, rhyming battle of wits and strength until Slug asks the necessary questions and helps them find common ground.
Maybe By: Chris Haughton
The monkeys know what their parent said: no matter what, they must not visit the mango tree, because there might be tigers down there. But maybe they could just go look at the tree. And maybe they could just get one tiny mango. And maybe they could just go back for a few more and–AHH! Tigers!
Tomatoes in My Lunchbox By: Costantia Manoli
A child, newly arrived in another country, feels displaced, lonely, and a little scared on her first day of school. Her name doesn’t sound the way she’s used to hearing it. She knows she doesn’t fit in. And when she eats her whole tomato for lunch, she can feel her classmates observing her—and not quite understanding her. But sometimes all it takes is one friend, one connection, to bring two worlds together, and gradually the girl, her tomato, and her full name, start to feel at home with her new
Not That Pet! By: Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Can Mabel find the perfect pet for her family? Not noisy or scary or covered in spikes. She’d choose something friendly that EVERYONE likes. Mabel’s family is letting her pick what kind of pet to get, and she is determined to find the very BEST one.
When Glitter Met Glue By: Karen Kilpatrick
Glue loves making art with her friends—especially pasting on googly eyes!—but sometimes she feels invisible. Instead of always being stuck in the background, Glue wants to be noticed like Pencil and colorful like the Markers! How can she find a way to stand out? When a new friend named Glitter arrives in a swirl of sparkles, Glue and Glitter team up to make something completely original and help Glue shine like the star she truly is.
Big Truck, Little Island By: Chris Van Dusen
How is the story of Thanksgiving different when told from a Native perspective? Four hundred years ago, Weeachumun (the wise corn) and her sisters, Beans and Squash persuaded the First Peoples to help the Pilgrims harvest their crops, thus making their survival possible. An important book that honors the history and tradition surrounding the story of the first Thanksgiving.
*Tip: Study the Important Words to Know
Chickadee Criminal Mastermind By: Monica Silvie
Meet Chickadee. Criminal. Rapscallion. All-around bad seed. Sure, he started out obeying the rules, following his parents’ advice about finding things to eat and staying away from houses. But then . . . winter arrives. And it’s so much harder to find food in winter! So when Chickadee spies a “vault” full of “gold” near a house by the park (Wait, wasn’t there something to remember about houses?), he cleverly devises a plan to snatch the “vault full of treasure” without getting caught! He is the King of Thieves! Only, hmm, the humans near the vault seem to want him to visit. Maybe Chickadee’s not a criminal after all?
Doggo and Pupper By: Katherine Applegate
Doggo is used to things being a certain way in his family. He likes routine. Cat says he’s become boring. That is, until Pupper shows up! Pupper is playful and messy, and turns the house upside down. Soon, the humans realize that Pupper needs some training, and off he goes to puppy school. When Pupper comes back, he’s well-behaved. He’s not playful. He’s not messy. But Doggo soon realizes that Pupper also isn’t happy. So Doggo steps in to help, and rediscovers what it means to have fun. *This is also the first book in a series, so if your students love it there are two others for them to check out!
Cornbread and Poppy By: Matthew Cordell
Doggo is used to things being a certain way in his family. He likes routine. Cat says he’s become boring. That is, until Pupper shows up! Pupper is playful and messy, and turns the house upside down. Soon, the humans realize that Pupper needs some training, and off he goes to puppy school. When Pupper comes back, he’s well-behaved. He’s not playful. He’s not messy. But Doggo soon realizes that Pupper also isn’t happy. So Doggo steps in to help, and rediscovers what it means to have fun. *This is also the first book in a series, so if your students love it there are two others for them to check out!
Beak and Ally Unlikely Friends By: Norman Feuti
An early reader graphic novel that will make young readers giggle! Ally the alligator is perfectly happy being alone . . . until one day a noisy bird named Beak lands on her snout. Beak thinks Ally is lonely and needs a friend. He has all sorts of friendship goals in mind, like riding bikes together, going to the movies together, and even solving mysteries together! But when a Long-Billed Party Pooper crashes Beak’s nest-warming party, Ally decides to show Beak something important to her: sticking up for what’s right. *This is also the first book in a series.
Sir Ladybug By: Corey R. Tabor
Another terrific early graphic novel! Sir Ladybug and his pals Pell and Sterling are called to a quest to save a caterpillar from being eaten by a black-capped chickadee. Unfortunately, the chickadee is hungry and wants to eat someone, so it’s up to Sir Ladybug to use his baking skills to whip up a life-changing lemon cake and save the bug buddies from becoming lunch.
Note: Also get your hands on a copy of Corey R. Tabor’s Mel Fell—it’s adorable and funny and has a great message!
Rory and the Magical Mix-ups By: Kallie George
Rory Spellington is fluttering with excitement as she begins her first year at the prestigious Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy! But fairy godmothering might not be as easy as she thought, especially because Rory has always struggled with spelling–magic spelling that is. During her first week at the academy, Rory discovers there is more to being a good fairy godmother than magic, and she will learn she has her own set of talents that set her apart. *The first book in a series and also a terrific precursor to the Upside Down Magic series!
yours in reading,
rawley
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