Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1545867
Getaways at a Discount Whether it's a staycation, long weekend or full-blown getaway, CTA Access to Savings has you covered — even in the waning days of summer. Find special deals and discounts on everything from theme parks to hotels and rental cars to movie tickets and restaurants. And take advantage of the offerings to plan your fall and winter vacations too! ctamemberbenefits.org/access Daniel Roe/Unsplash S U M M E R R E A D I N G — especially about the world and histories around us — is a perfect way to get students primed for the upcoming school year. Here are a few teacher-vetted books from CTA's 2026 California Reads — for the full list and past selections, visit cta.org/careads. Lubna and Pebble (by Wendy Meddour, author, and Daniel Egneus, illustrator ; pre-K–3) tells the stor y of Lubna, a young girl in a refugee camp who finds solace and companionship in a pebble. Pebble is always there to listen to her hopes and fears. When a lonely boy arrives to the World of Tents, Lubna must decide if friendship means giving up something precious to comfor t someone who needs it even more. The picture book explores empathy, resilience and human connection during times of great uncer tainty. Why is there an island in Japan completely overrun by rabbits? This is just one of many questions answered in Captivating Stories for Curious Kids (by Chris Munoz; 7+ years). Perfect for children who love to ask "why," each chapter presents a real-world mystery that encourages deep thinking and a love for learning. From moving desert stones in Death Valley to an immortal jellyfish, this book transforms complex ideas into accessible entertainment. The Length of a String (by Elissa Brent Weissman; grades 5+) tells of Imani, an adopted Black girl who loves her family and Jewish community but longs to learn more about her birth parents. When Imani's great-grandma Anna passes away, she discovers Anna's old diary from when she was 12 and sent alone by her parents from Nazi-occupied Luxembourg to seek refuge in Brooklyn. Anna adapts to her own adoptive family as she details her new life in America. This shared family history allows Imani to see her family — and her role in it — in a new light. Wonder Worlds of Compiled by Amy Peruzzaro 36 cta.org In the Know N E W S & N O T E S