At SIA, our goal is to help children take meaningful actions through their inquiries. These actions don’t need to be monumental but should be connected to their learning experiences, giving them a sense of purpose and allowing their voices to shine. This sense of empowerment can impact not just themselves but also their community and even globally.

To impart this to children, our IB elementary school introduces them to the six transdisciplinary themes of the International Baccalaureate® (IB®) Primary Years Programme (PYP) (ages 3 to 12). These themes are:

• Who We Are
• Where We Are In Place and Time
• How We Express Ourselves
• Sharing the Planet
• How We Organize Ourselves
• How the World Works

These themes are selected for their relevance to the real world and are described as transdisciplinary because they focus on issues across multiple subject areas. Introducing these concepts through stories helps children see these themes in practice. The following book list brings these ideas to life and can be easily integrated into various themes and our Learner Profile attributes. Click on the titles to link directly to Amazon, and check this blog post for more inspiration on student-led action and summer reading ideas.

Who We Are

Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt

“Fish in a Tree” is an empowering story about a young girl named Ally who struggles with dyslexia. Despite her challenges, she is bright and capable, often trying to hide her struggles by distracting her teachers and classmates. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of personal growth and discovering one’s true potential, tying in with the “Who We Are” theme of the PYP curriculum. Through Ally’s journey, students learn the importance of embracing their unique abilities and seeking help, forming a sense of self-awareness and resilience.

Where We Are in Place and Tim

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo takes readers on an adventure through the eyes of a porcelain rabbit. Once cherished by a little girl named Abilene, Edward finds himself lost and passed from person to person. Throughout his journey, Edward learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and self-discovery. This beautifully written tale offers deep insights into the human experience for all ages.

How We Express Ourselves

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

“Awkward” by Svetlana Chmakova is a heartfelt and humorous graphic novel that dives into the ups and downs of middle school life through the perspective of Peppi Torres. Starting at a new school, Peppi finds herself in a cringeworthy situation when a kind boy helps her gather her dropped belongings, only for her friends to start teasing her. In a moment of embarrassment, she reacts impulsively and regrets it immediately, facing the tough task of making things right. 

As she joins the art club and gets involved with the school newspaper, Peppi navigates the tricky social dynamics, rivalry, and personal growth. The story explores themes of self-confidence, open-mindedness, and the value of diverse skills. The charming illustrations and relatable scenarios make “Awkward” a fantastic addition to any conversation about self-expression and social interactions during summer reading activities for elementary students.

Sharing the Planet

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

“The One and Only Ivan” is a touching tale told from the perspective of Ivan, a gorilla who has spent years as an attraction in a run-down circus-themed mall. Ivan enjoys creating art and finds solace in his friendships with Bob, a stray dog, and Stella, an elderly elephant. However, the arrival of Ruby, a young elephant, inspires Ivan to question their confined existence and envision a better life for them all. 

The story unfolds through beautifully crafted prose poems that make it a captivating read. With themes of friendship, resilience, and the ethics of animal captivity, this Newbery Medal-winning book invites readers to engage in meaningful discussions about compassion and the importance of fighting for what is right.

How We Organize Ourselves

No Talking by Andrew Clements

“No Talking” is another one of our engaging summer activity books that begins with a boy named Dave, who becomes fascinated by the idea of silent protests. Inspired by the phrase, “You have the right to remain silent,” he embarks on an experiment to spend an entire day without talking. This leads to a spontaneous competition between the boys and girls at his school to see who can talk the least. 

The challenge brings unexpected reactions from their teachers and families, sparking a school-wide social experiment. Through this humorous and insightful tale, students explore themes of communication, cooperation, and the ethics of competition. “No Talking” encourages readers to reflect on everyday habits and the power of silence.

How the World Works

Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro

In “Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows,” Zoey discovers that her mother can see and heal magical animals. When her mom leaves for a business trip, Zoey and her cat Sassafras must help a baby dragon survive. This book blends science concepts like safety, data recording, and experimenting with a single variable into a fantastical story that captures young readers’ imaginations. 

The narrative is simple and accompanied by illustrations, making it accessible and engaging. Zoey’s persistence and problem-solving make her an excellent role model for IB® children, showing them the value of trying different ideas to find solutions. This book, ideal for read-aloud sessions or independent reading, sets the stage for designing experiments and exploring scientific methods in a fun and relatable way.

Want more summer reading ideas? Contact Strelitz International Academy or schedule a visit for more PYP-perfect suggestions!