Newton's Rainbow by Kathryn Lasky illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Ms. Lasky shares interesting information about Newton's childhood, his years of education and his ongoing love to learn, to ask questions, and to experiment.  By reading this book, I learned there was more to Newton than "discovering" gravity!
Ms. Lasky also inserts fact boxes about Galileo and Kepler, scientists whom Newton admired and studied.
-Borrowed from the library.
A must reader for lovers'  of science, philosophy and mathematics.

The Dragon King Saga by Stephen Lawhead*

This book includes three books:  In the Hall of the Dragon King, The Warlords of Nin, and The Sword and the Flame.
My fourth grader read these three books to himself over a five month period (in between school assigned books) and loved it.
The three books focus on Quentin, a young temple acolyte, who tries to overthrow evil in the kingdom.
This book is my husband's who recommended it to our son.  My husband enjoys books by Stephen Lawhead.
Guided Reading Level: V-X (5th grade and up)
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

American Adventures -Thomas by Bonnie Pryor illustrated by Bert Dodson*

Thomas' father leaves him, his mother, his sister and baby brother to help General Washington's army.  In frontier Pennsylvania, Thomas and his family live in fear of the Indians (who are helping the Tories) and Tories.  A group of Tories burn down their house and barn, slaughter their cow and steal their horse.  The family (minus the father) is forced to travel to Forty Fort for protection.  Thomas and his new friend, then uncover a scheme to eliminate those in the fort.  How will his family survive?
A very exciting narrative about history.
This book will appeal to reluctant readers as the plot moves along quickly.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
*More in series-Thomas in Danger; two books about Luke (Gold Rush); and Joseph (Civil War).
A must read series when studying American History!

The Infamous Ratos by

Award-winning book-2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
My first grader read this book to himself (My fourth grader also enjoyed this book!!).
"It was really fun because the Ratso brothers were trying to be tough but really ended up doing good deeds. And then they ended wanting to do good deeds the rest of the story."
Perfect for the transitional reader and reluctant readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Moment in Time by Jennifer Butenas illustrated by Charlotte Cheng

This picture book, through rhyming text and bold, colorful illustrations,  captures a family relaxing on a porch.
A necessary book during a time when family members rarely sit and "just be" with each other.
A sweet, surprise ending.
Mentor text: for a personal narrative
Strategy: word choice
-Borrowed from the library.

The Playbook by Kwame Alexander photographs by Thai Neave*

52 Rules to Aim, Shoot and Score in this Game Called Life
I loved Mr. Alexander's book The Crossover and liked his other book Booked so I was eager to read more works by him.
This book is organized by basketball quarters and each quarter has a different theme.  The theme is introduced as it would be seen in the dictionary and then Mr. Alexander shares an inspiring story about a sports hero (and examples from his own life) that epitomize the word.  After that are poems that further exemplify the word.  He labels the poems "rules".  Not only do these themes and poems apply to the sport field but also to life.  Quotes from famous sports stars and well known individuals are distributed throughout the book.
Inspiring!
I loved the design of the book too.  The end pages are bright orange and have raised dots to portray a basketball.  Awesome photographs by Thai Neave only enhance the book.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

The Plot to Kill Hitler by Patricia McCormick*

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero
Ms. McCormick's ability to write about an complex life such as Bonhoeffer astounded me!  Not only did she include information about Bonhoeffer's early life but she also delves into how a Pacifist reconciled it was okay to be part in a plot to kill Hitler. She lays out  the events in World War II in an interesting manner and shifts through the abundance of facts of that era to engage the reader from start to finish.  All along, of course, she is tracing Bonhoeffer's life events  and decisions during this specific time period.
It takes an excellent writer to create an accurate depiction of person's complicated life and an intricate time in history all the while making it interesting and understandable for kids!
She exemplifies this quote by Einstein, "The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple."
Photographs of Bonhoeffer and his family are scattered throughout the book.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

Jack must watch his younger sister, Maddy, for the summer.  Maddy is autistic and does not talk.  So when she tells Jack to buy a case of odd looking seeds, Jack listens to her because she actually talked.  Together they maintain the garden but evil lurks and threatens the wonderful summer.
Mr. Hatke has taken the original Jack and the Beanstalk and transformed it into a modern story.
The book ends on a cliff hanger but the sequel will not be published until September 5, 2017.
My fourth grader read this book three times, straight through, in three days!  It is very exciting and full of adventure.
Warning: Jack has a bit of an attitude at times but really has a good heart.  The mom says the word "crap".

We're All Wonders by R. J. Palacio

Ms. Palacio places her character, Auggie, in a picture book so younger readers/listeners can ponder how to be kind to all people.
Auggie has a facial deformity and shares his struggles about being "different".
-Borrowed from the library.
A movie based on her chapter book called Wonder will  be showing in theaters in November 2017.

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian illustrated by Tim Bowers

For two weeks a goldfish narrates his eventful life in his bowl.  Gradually the bowl becomes fuller with creatures and more entertaining.  Who knew life in a bowl could be so exciting?!
Strategies: inferring; predicting
-Borrowed from the library.
**More memoirs by this author and illustrator ("Hamster", "Parrot", "Elf")

Silly Tilly's Valentines by Lillian Hoban*

My first grader read this book to himself.  He loved it.  He highly recommends it.  This is his review:
"Silly Tilly is so silly because she forgets stuff so easily.  She also is silly because she goes to one thing and then to another (she doesn't finish tasks). "
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st grade/beginning of 2nd)
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Arthur's Camp-Out by Lillian Hoban

My first grader read this book to himself.
Arthur and Violet's parents are away on vacation.  Arthur proclaims that he is bored so the babysitter suggests he helps clean up the yard.  He decides then to take a field trip to collect specimen.  His sister's friends come along and take Violet on a camp out.  Arthur tries his own camp out and ends up joining his sister and friends.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st /2nd grade)
-Borrowed from the library.

Fox Outfoxed by James Marshall

My first grader read this book to himself.
Three humorous stories with Fox displaying his crazy, crafty antics.
The first story has Fox racing Carmen in his car with no engine or pedals.  He has a secret weapon for winning!
The second story, Comic Fox, Fox is outfoxed by his new pretty neighbor as she manages to take his 10 favorite comics.
And in the third story, Fox is horrified he must take along his sister Louise trick or treating.  He comes up with a scheme to free up his evening from his responsibility of watching her . . .then regrets it when he thinks she has turned into a pumpkin and he by accident smashes it (her).
Guided Reading Level: J (2nd grade)
Warning: Fox is mean to his sister Louise and calls her Halloween costume "dumb".  The mom's reply? "You're so mean."    Fox lies when he says he wasn't fooled-"I was just playing along.".  His mom doesn't call him on it, just says, "You're so smart.".  A character says "oh my gosh".

The Big Honey Hunt by Stanley and Janice Berenstain

My first grader read this book to himself.
Mama asks (commands!) Papa Bear to fetch some honey from the store.  Papa decides to take Brother Bear on an adventure, gathering honey from the bees.
Humorous!
I do not like how this series portrays Papa Bear as dumb and irresponsible.
Guided Reading Level: I (1st grade)
-Borrowed from the library.

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt illustrated by Adam Rex

Did you ever wonder how the game "rock, paper scissors" came to be?  This book offers an explanation of its origins.
Each of the main characters are weary of dominating their "land" and winning all of the battles.  So each one leaves their home territory in search for worthy opponent.  When the three encounter one another, they are delighted and participate in a thrilling, challenging battle!
Boy appeal because of the battles and the desire to be challenged.
My boys and I enjoyed this book's humor and creativity.
Mentor text: vivid words; writing a story that explains how a tradition or a culture practice came to be
Warning: Rock says apricot looks like "a fuzzy little butt".

Days of the Knights Tales from the Time Dragon by Robert Neubecker

My first grader read this book to himself.
Red the Time Dragon transports Joe and Lilly back to medieval 1200.  Lots of adventure and learning occur!
The back pages include specific facts about the Middle Ages and a glossary helps expand vocabulary.
Text features: bold, colored font; time line; glossary; map
For transitional readers.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: M (third grade)

Scruffy by Peggy Parish illustrated by Kelly Oechsli

An I Can Read Book
My first grader read this book to himself and really enjoyed it.
For his birthday Todd is allowed to pick out a kitten at the shelter.  Which one should he choose?!?
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (2nd grade)

Yours Truly A Pumpkin Falls Mystery by Heather Vogel Frederick*

Sequel to Absolutely Truly.
During spring break, Truly and her family join in the New Hampshire's Pumpkin Falls "Maple Madness".  Someone, however, is breaking the sap lines from the trees.  Soon a feud breaks out in town and Truly's family finds themselves in the middle of it.  Then Truly and her cousin  Mackenzie discover a diary from an ancestor and uncover some exciting family history.
Mysteries abound in the sleepy town of Pumpkin Falls.
Points to discuss: Scooter, a boy Truly only likes as a friend, gives her a kiss.  She struggles with jealousy as her friends that are boys fawn over her cousin Mackenzie.  She also likes Calhoun but thinks he likes Mackenzie.  So, some girl drama and young teen awkward romance is exemplified.
*Highly recommend  for 5th grade and up.(I love the small town of Pumpkin Falls and Truly's big, boisterous family. The history woven into the main story is also fascinating.  The family bookstore, of course, makes me love this "series" all the more!!)
Book recommendations and Aunt True's Bookshop Blondies recipe are included in the back.
-Borrowed from the library.

Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie*

I follow Mrs. Mackenzie's blog, Read Aloud Revival, and look forward to her bimonthly podcasts celebrating books, reading aloud and authors.  Her warm and vivacious personality exudes on the podcasts and it also radiates in this book as she discusses how to teach and homeschool with peace despite  numerous ages, demands and needs.
The main point I am mulling over in my mind after reading this book is my boys are NOT projects to be managed but souls to be cultivated.  With my Type A personality my natural tendency is to make lists and not deviate from the plan.  I also multitask and as a result, I am not present, attending to the soul in front of me.  Mrs. Mackenzie addresses all of these inclinations plus many more.
She points out that God needs to be the source of strength.  pg. 80 she reminds the reader that, "God doesn't need you.  But He wants to work through you."
One idea I want to implement right away is keeping a commonplace book where I jot down any quotes or beautiful language I read that I want to remember.  As I teen I did this and it helped me tremendously to be more contemplative and celebratory of God's beautiful creation and His ways.
**Highly, highly recommend for moms who homeschools or teaches.
-Borrowed from the interloan library system.
Link to Mrs. Mackenzie's blog: https://amongstlovelythings.com/

Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont

My first grader read this book to himself.
On Halloween night Little Hex (Rosamond's cat) has disappeared.  Rosamond won't eat her candy because she is so upset.  So Nate and Sludge set out on this night full of mysterious people searching for Little Hex.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st grade-2nd grade)

Nate the Great and the Musical Note by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Craig Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont

My first grader read this book to himself.
Nate tries to figure out what a mysterious note means before the four o'clock hour.
Perfect for transitional readers.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st-2nd grade)

101 Words and How They Began by Arthur Steckler illustrated by James Flora

What a fun little book!
The author explains the origins of various words.  Did you know that word "kangaroo" actually means "I don't know" in Aborigine?  A visitor asked the native the name of the animal and that was his reply.  Non-native people later discovered what "kangaroo" meant in the native language.
Many fun stories will delight word lovers!
-Borrowed from the library.