Great Read: “Islandborn” By Junot Diaz

cover of xchildren's book Islandborn by Junot Diaz

Beloved author (not to mention Pulitzer Prize winner and MacArthur fellow) Junot Díaz has entered the children’s lit arena this month with a delightful new book called Islandborn (with illustrations by Leo Espinoza), which explores diversity and imagination through the eyes of a girl named Lola living in Washington Heights.

After her teacher asks students to draw a picture of the places where their families immigrated from, Lola struggles to remember The Island she left as a baby. With help from loved ones and her imagination, Lola journeys back to The Island. “On the face Islandborn tells of a girl’s journey of discovery,” Díaz says. “But it’s also a celebration of the kind of imaginaries that we immigrants have often needed to make homes for ourselves where previously there were none.”

To learn more, visit penguin.com!

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Trail Blazers

<p><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; background-color: #ffffff;">Since 1887, Trail Blazers’ programs have been where campers connect to nature, make new friends, and create life-long memories. From Grades PreK-10, there is a day or overnight adventure for your camper. Registration is currently open for farmstead, rock climbing, canoeing, biking, and backpacking adventures. We’ll leave the screens at home for a summer full of learning about our environment and building skills, guided by staff from all over the world! Of course, there will be songs and s’mores! Come outside and play, adventure awaits! Visit our website to learn more and secure your camper’s spot. Trail Blazers is accredited by the American Camp Association.</span></p>

Launch Math+Science Camp

<h1>Launch Math + Science Centers</h1> <p>For more than 15 years, Launch Math + Science Centers have provided toddlers to tweens with inspiring math instruction and STEM-based camps and classes. Launch offers a true educational experience for students with small group sizes and big opportunities for learning. For Summer 2024, Launch Math + Science Centers offers exciting and educational one-week STEM summer camps for kids from kindergarten to 7th grade (5-12 years old). With a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, children at Launch’s exciting specialty summer programs explore the adventures of archaeology, discover the details of robotics, reveal the wonders of chemical reactions – and that’s just the beginning. Each week is jam-packed with hands-on STEM projects and fun camp activities.</p> <h2>The Camp Day</h2> <p>Each camp day kicks-off at 9:00 am and consists of designated educational segments that are designed to inspire.</p> <p>-STEM Projects (core lessons and builds tied to the theme of the week)</p> <p>-STEM Discoveries (challenge-based learning through problem-solving activities)</p> <p>-Active Adventures (a blend of tech and camp games in Central Park)</p> <p>-Math Mania! (engaging mathematics-based projects and activities)</p> <p>Standard dismissal is at 3:30 pm, with the option to extend to 5:00 pm.</p> <h2>Weekly Camp Themes</h2> <p><strong>Juniors (K+1st Grade)</strong></p> <p>I Wanna Be… A Marine Biologist!</p> <p>I Wanna Be… An Archaeologist!</p> <p>I Wanna Be… A Sports Doctor!</p> <p>I Wanna Be… A Techie!</p> <p><strong>Kids (2nd-4th Grade)</strong></p> <p>Coding + Animation</p> <p>Remarkable Robots + Marvelous Machines</p> <p>Potent Potions + Fizzing Formulas</p> <p>Rocket Science: Destination Mars</p> <p><strong>Tweens (5th-7th Grade)</strong></p> <p>Coding + Game Development</p> <p>Rockin' + Robotics</p> <p>Chaotic Chemical Reactions</p> <p>Architecture + Engineering</p> <h2>Register Early, Save Big!</h2> <p>Huge discounts for Early Bird enrollments. Register by March 31st and receive $200 off EVERY camp after the first.</p> <p>For well over a decade, Launch has delivered engaging STEM programs for children throughout New York City. Real-life rocket scientist, Scott Heifetz, founded Launch with one mission in mind: Inspire children to love and learn math and science!</p>

Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camp

<p><span style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; background-color: #ffffff;">Chelsea Piers Summer Camp in Chelsea and NOW Brooklyn, offers both Preschool and Full-Day camps where children can learn, play and have fun. With flexible weekly enrollment, your child can join us for a week or all 11 weeks. Camp runs from June 19 to September 1. In Brooklyn, campers receive three swim periods per week with the option to add a 30-minute swim lesson to their camp day at an additional charge. </span></p> <p><span style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; background-color: #ffffff;">Save 15% when you enroll by 2/28!</span></p> <p><span style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; background-color: #ffffff;">NY: camps@chelseapiers.com <br />BK: info-bk@chelseapiers.com</span></p>