Crossing the Waters by Leslie Leyland Fields*

Recently I listened to Focus on the Family's podcast featuring Mrs. Fields and read an article by her in Focus' magazine.  Intrigued by her life living as a fisherwoman with her husband and six children, I searched for this book to read.
Mrs. Fields beautifully weaves together stories from her life, her trip to Israel and selections about the disciples and Jesus.  Her thought-provoking questions in the study guide will allow one to develop a deeper faith.
Some points I want to remember:
1. Do I have ears to hear His truth?  Is my heart full of good soil?
2. If everything is striped away in my life, is Jesus enough?  Miracles alone do not produce faith and a relationship with Christ.
3. Jesus may not chase away the storms in my life, but he is in the boat with me.
4. Do I create Jesus in my own image and limit Him?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via inter-library loan.

Technology of the Ancients-The Mesopotamians by Wil Mara

This book contains how the Mesopotamians contributed to our current technology and ways of living.
Great photographs!
We utilized this book for visuals during our Mesopotamian unit.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Unwanteds #3 Island of Fire by Lisa McMann*

My ten year old loves, loves this series.  He is reading the series to himself.
Alex continues to have to problem solve to restore Artime and his friends.  His twin brother, Aaron, resides on Quill and rises to power.
A very exciting story!
Warning/point to discuss: Alex has a girlfriend and they kiss.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Gilgamesh the Hero by Geraldine McCaughrean illustrated by David Parkins

Next week we will be reading the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest stories in the world.  I was going to have my ten year old son read this specific book independently but after reading the first part, I am not going to share it with him.
To lure Enkidu, a beast, Gilgamesh advises a hunter to bring a naked, beautiful woman to the woods where Enkidu lives.   He brings Hatti, a harlot (although in this story she calls herself a "dancing girl") and when Enkidu sees and smells her, he is aroused (the author calls it "craving").  Hatti does tame him with her words and kisses.  An illustration depicting a naked Hatti is included (the reader sees her bare back and her butt cheeks).  Because of these inclusions, I do not feel comfortable having my fifth grader read this book.
Instead he will be reading three picture books about Gilgamesh, each one depicting a different tablet/part of the epic poem.
-Borrowed from the library.

Pyramids 50 Hands-On Activities to Experience Ancient Egypt by Avery Hart and Paul Mantell*

Tons of fun activities and interesting facts/tidbits about Ancient Egypt!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Mystery of King Karfu by Doug Cushman*

from the Casebook of Seymour Sleuth
Someone has stolen Professor Slagbottom's newest find in Egypt-a stone chicken.  On the stone chicken is a secret code which reveals where King Karfu's Lost Treasure is hidden.  Seymour Sleuth carefully examines the clues and interviews the suspects.  The reader is privy to his casebook and are able to solve the case right along with him.
My son and I had fun reading this book together and deciphering the code.
A perfect book to read when learning about hieroglyphics.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Mermaid by Jan Brett

Ms. Brett retells the traditional Goldilocks story with a Japanese spin.
Kiniro, a mermaid, and her puffer fish friend, Puffy, visit an octopus family home while they leave for pre-breakfast swim.
I found the story line a bit stilted.  The illustrations are beautiful.
Strategies: compare/contrast; text to text connections
-Borrowed from the library.