Homeschooling Take a Deep Breath, You Can Do This! by Terrie Lynn Bittner*

Mrs. Bittner relays her experiences with homeschooling her three child to encourage the tentative parent.
Many topics are covered-from lack of self-confidence, convincing a spouse and other family members the benefit to homeschooling, organizing/record keeping, lesson plans/curriculum, to questions people may ask.
A great resource for the parent who is contemplating the home school path.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Martin Luther-A Man Who Changed the World by Paul L. Maier illustrated by Greg Copeland*

This beautifully illustrated picture book reveals the scope of Martin Luther's life and how he transformed the church and its understanding of the Bible and relationship with God.
My nine year old and I learned a lot from this book (we read a short biography about Martin Luther in the book Ten Boys Who Made a Difference by Irene Howat which piqued our interest about him.).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Adventures of Obadiah by Brinton Turkle*

Obadiah and his family are anticipating sheep-shearing day on Nantucket.  If, however, Obadiah continues telling falsehoods and stories, he will be forbidden to go.  Then as he wanders off by himself to look at the sheep, the biggest adventure unfolds.  But will his family believe him?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Strategies: predicting, inferring, expanding vocab., schema building

Thy Friend, Obadiah by Brinton Turkle*

**Caldecott Honor Book
Obadiah, a Quaker, is tired of a seagull following him everywhere he goes.  His brothers and sister tease him about "his friend".  Then one day, the seagull disappears.  When Obadiah sees the seagull in need of help, will he assist him or leave him to suffer?
I loved this sweet book that depicts the Quaker way of life on Nantucket.
Strategies: inferring about vocabulary (First Day, Meeting), building schema
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban illustrated by Lillian Hoban

My six year old read this book to himself and then we read it aloud together at a later date.
Frances' friend, Thelma, often takes advantage of her.  In this story she plays a very dirty trick but Gloria (Frances' sister) discovers it.  How will Frances handle her discovery?
I did not really appreciate how the girls treat each but their actions create an opportunity to discuss friendship and how to treat others (and mostly how not to!).
Guided Reading Level: K (second grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.6
Points to discuss: friendship; being mean/selfish; What is a good friend?
Prior to reading discuss the word "bargain".
-We own this book.

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer illustrated by Patricia Polacco

A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the year 1888
My oldest son and I read When Willard Met Babe Ruth recently and were curious about the poem/ballad Willard memorized in the story-Casey at the Bat so we checked this out of the library to read.
Ms. Polacco adds a background story to it which adds some humor and interest.
Basically Casey is the Mudville baseball team's best hitter.  He arrogantly marches up to the plate to save the game . . .but does not!
Strategies: vocab expansion, inferring
-Borrowed from the library.

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies*

My six year old really wanted me to read this aloud to him and his older brother (his older brother could have read it to himself no problem) so I did.
Evan Treski is mad.  His eight year old sister,  Jessie,  is so smart while he struggles in every area at school.  Now, with five days until school begins for the year, he discovers that his sister is skipping third grade, will be entering fourth grade and will be in HIS class!  His jealousy and insecurities mask themselves in anger and meanness.  He says some cruel words and begins The Lemonade War.  Whoever sells the most lemonade by Sunday, takes the loser's earnings.
The competition becomes really fierce and both Evan and Jessie have to live with the severe consequences to their actions.
The chapters alternate between the two sibling's point of view.
An economics/business word is each chapter's title.  The word is defined too.
Guided Reading Level: S (4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.1
Points to discuss/warnings: Evan and Jessie's dad left them and their mom a couple of years ago.  Both of them say really mean words to each other and are quite cruel to each other ("I hate you" and words like "stupid" "dumb" "jerk" are frequently used). Lying occurs and keeping things from their mother is frequent.
I was able to discuss the importance of not jumping to conclusions and the importance of communicating with my sons through this story.  I also pointed out how jealousy fosters anger and horrible acts.
My oldest son did not enjoy how meanly the siblings treated each other.
*Highly recommend but be prepared to discuss warnings above.
-We own this book.
*First book in a series. http://www.lemonadewar.com/

Messy Grace by Caleb Kaltenbach*

I heard Caleb speak on Focus on the Fall earlier this year and immediately purchased his book.
Caleb was raised by his lesbian mother and her partner, Vera.  He later discovered his father was gay too.
As a teenager Caleb became a Christian and learned how to love his parents but not compromise the truth about what God says about sexual intimacy.
Candidly, Caleb discusses how the LGBT community views Christians and vice/versa.  He advocates living in the tension of grace and truth and treating all people like Christ did-with love.
**Highly, highly recommend.
Very thought provoking.
-I own this book.

Ten Boys Who Didn't Give In by Irene Howat*

My boys looked forward to these stories in the mornings.
The stories feature the lives of martyrs as young boys and then as adults when they give their lives for Christ  (Polycarp, Alban, Sir John Oldcastle, Thomas Cranmer, George Wishart, James Chalmers, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Nate Saint, Ivan Moiseyev and Graham Staines).
Wonderful history is contained in these stories along with inspiration to live for one's faith, no matter the cost.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Arthur Howard*

Mr. Putter, an elderly gentleman, is lonely.  He longs to have someone with whom he can share his English muffins, tea and stories.  After much deliberation, he decides to buy a cat (not a kitten, mind you!!  A kitten is  cute and peppy.  "Mr. Putter has not been cute and peppy for a long time" as Ms. Rylant so succinctly shares!!).
Tabby, a cat from the shelter, is a perfect match for him.  This first book in the series relates how this sweet companionship begins.
Ms. Rylant is one of the most talented authors and my favorite for beginning readers.
My six year old and I took turns reading aloud pages to each other with this book.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: J (end of 1st grade/beginning of second)
Grade Level Equivalent: 1.9

Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Sucie Stevenson*

Celebrate the joys of winter with Henry and Mudge in this sweet book-playing in the snow, baking a million cookies,  Christmas Eve dinner, and winter nighttime walks.
My six year old read this to himself.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: J (end of 1st/beginning of 2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.7

Henry and Mudge and the Tumbling Trip by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Carolyn Bracken*

Henry and his parents and Mudge, of course, go on vacation to "the west".  One of the highlights of the trip for Mudge was the tumbleweed!
Another delightful read!
My six year old read this book to himself.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: J (end of 1st/beginning of 2nd)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.1

Step into Reading-Arthur's Back to School Surprise by Marc Brown

Arthur and D.W. are school shopping with their mother.  To Arthur's horror, D.W. selects the same Bionic Bunny backpack.  His horror increases on the first day of school when he realizes he has taken D.W.'s backpack WITH her Mary Moo-Cow!  How embarrassing!
My six year old read this book to himself.
Points to discuss: I do not care for how Arthur and D.W. treat each other at times.  His classmates tease him about Mary Moo-Cow.
Guided Reading Level: K (second grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.5

One Big Family by Marc Harshman illustrated by Sara Palacios*

At the end of summer, a family gathers at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  Together they enjoy time together-eating, exploring, fishing and camping.  A final photo commemorates the weekend together.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Grandad's Island by Benji Davies

Syd loves running through the gate in the wall to visit Grandad.  One day Grandad takes him to a fabulous island.  Grandad, however, stays on the island and Syd must travel back alone.
A roundabout way to discuss death . . .but I do not agree with the author's viewpoint.
-Borrowed from the library.
Strategies: asking questions, inferring

Over the Ocean by Taro Gomi

A young girl stands on a beach and wonders what lies over the ocean.
Strategies: visualizing, asking questions

-Borrowed from the library.

Keeping Your Kids on God's Side by Natasha Crain*

40 Conversations to Help Them Build a Lasting Faith
Wow!  Mrs. Crain has thoroughly researched apologetics.  In this book she explains many theories and theologies thoroughly but in a manner a person who has limited knowledge in this area can understand.  I will be utilizing this book as a reference as topics come up with my sons.
She divides the questions into five topics: 1.Conversations about God  2. Conversations about Truth and Worldviews  3. Conversations about Jesus  4. Conversations about the Bible  5. Conversations about Science
She ends the book with a ten tips on how to begin this journey/adventure with your children.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.
I also follow her blog-http://christianmomthoughts.com/christian-parenting-blog/  which I highly recommend.

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews illustrated by Philip Hurst*

This book demonstrates how each person's life does influence other lives-either good or bad.  Beginning with Norman Borlaug, the author applauds his accomplishments and how he changed the world but wait . . .maybe it was Henry Wallace's influence in Norman's life that really changed the world.  Then the reader discovers who was influential in Henry Wallace's life and so on . . .
Mr. Andrews also explains the butterfly effect in the book.
Inspiring!
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

The King Without a Shadow by R. C. Sproul illustrated by Liz Bonham

A young boy asks to see the king because he has a question about shadows.  The king reluctantly permits the boy to come into his presence and listen to his question.  The boy's questions (yes, he had more than one question!) require the assistance from the king's wise men.  Their answers propel the king to venture on a quest to learn about the only king who has no shadow.
Strategies: inferring, author's message/main idea
-We own this book.

By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman*

What a fun read!
This title was highly recommended on a blog I read and on Amazon it had great reviews.
If you have boys (and girls) who like adventure, this book will satisfy.
Jack and his sisters live with his Aunt Arabella and the butler, Praiseworthy,  in Boston.   Arabella falls on hard times and her inheritance is almost depleted. The family home may have to be sold.  Jack has heard about men striking it rich in California so he runs away, hoping to save the family home.  He, however, does not travel the tumultuous seas alone . . .faithful Praiseworthy joins the adventure.
Each chapter is full of excitement and predicaments.  I loved anticipating how Praiseworthy would rescue them from impending disaster.
*We absolutely loved this book and highly, highly recommend it!
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: V (5th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 6.2
Strategies: inferring, predicting, asking questions, character traits, vocab. expansion (Gold Rush and ship terminology), schema building
Warning/point to discuss: tobacco use-especially cigars and chewing tobacco.

When Willard Met Babe Ruth by Donald Hall illustrated by Barry Moser

When my nine year old was sick recently, I read this short chapter book aloud to him.
Willard's father loves baseball and so does Willard.  One of their favorite players is Babe Ruth.  As they were driving their flock of sheep home, a roadster slides into the ditch.  The driver?  The Babe!  Willard's father pulls him out of the ditch.  Before he leaves, the Babe gives Willard a glove!  This encounter begins a lifelong relationship with the Babe.
The author moves time along quickly so the reader experiences Willard's life from the time he is twelve until he is a married man with a daughter.  I really liked how historical aspects are carefully included so the reader can see how lifestyles and the United States change over time.
I did not, however, agree with the main character's (and the author's)  politics!
A great combination book-historical fiction and biography.
Warning: At least three times the Babe says the "d" word.
-We own this book (the woman who hired me for my first teaching job gave it to me when she retired).
Guided Reading Level: R (4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.5

The Chronicles of Narnia #4 The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis*

My nine year old is reading this series to himself this summer.
He said he liked this book the best so far because Shasta discovers his true identity and true father.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: T (end of 4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.8

Return by Aaron Becker*

My sons and I have been anticipating this last book in Mr. Becker's wordless trilogy.
We were not disappointed!
The girl, the main character from the previous two books, asks her father to spend time with her but he is too busy working.  She escapes into her imaginary world and finds something awful occurring.  Meanwhile her father feels guilty about chasing her away and follows her into the world.  Together they problem solve and destroy the evil in the kingdom.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library (but I would like to purchase it to complete our trilogy.).
Strategies: inferring, sequencing

Wolf Camp by Andrea Zuill

Homer, the dog, longs to attend wolf camp and "get in touch" with his ancestry.  His owners finally consent, and he has a week that he will never forget!

"Stand Back, Said the Elephant, "I'm Going to Sneeze!" by Patricia Thomas illustrated by Wallace Tripp*

When the elephant announces he is going to sneeze, the animals that inhabit the area recall the horrible things that happened to them the last time he sneezed.  Then a teeny mouse comes up with an idea to prevent the sneeze but will it really avert the sneeze?
Funny!
I love all the rhyming words within the sentences (perfect for reviewing word families and for advancing beginning readers).
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel

My aunt sent this book to my six year old recently.  He read this book to himself and loved it!
He said he liked it because owl is silly.
Five little chapters about owl.
-We own this book.
*Highly recommend
Guided Reading Level: J (end of 1st grade/beginning of 2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.5

Silly Tilly's Thanksgiving by Lillian Hoban*

My aunt sent my six year a package of books from her old classroom.
He and I took turns reading the pages aloud to each other and laughed along at silly Tilly's antics.
Tilly is forgetful.  She forgets that winter is approaching and ultimately that it is Thanksgiving!  She remembers she has invitations to invite her friends to the Thanksgiving meal but instead has Mr. Bunny hand recipe cards.
Somehow the dinner comes together!
Strategy: predicting
-We own this book.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st/beginning of 2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.2