We Were There, Too! by Phillip Hoose

Young People in U.S. History
I just scanned this book so I would have this resource in the back of my mind for the future.
Mr. Hoose carefully researched U.S. History for young people who made a difference.  Often the adults are featured in history because they are the ones who wrote in journals/diaries.
Mr. Hoose discovered many young people who impacted history; who were there, right along side of the adults.
He begins with Diego Bermudez a twelve year old who sailed with Columbus.  Mr. Hoose divides up the book according to a historical time line (discovery, British Colonies, American Revolution through the 1990s).
The book is over-sized and would serve well as a "coffee table" book.  I think, however, any history teacher who teaches U.S. History would find that this book would add relevance and interest to lessons.
-Borrowed from the library.

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan*

Rachel Sheridan loves Africa and living there with her father who is a doctor missionary and her mother who is a teacher missionary.  But when they both die of the influenza, Rachel becomes a victim of an evil scheme.  She is whisked away from East Africa to England where is forced to pose as someone she is not.
Can she expose the evil scheme and return to Africa?
Very well written.  Ms. Whelan keeps the plot moving yet somehow weaves in the beauty of God's creation in both Africa and in the English countryside.  She also covers many years of Rachel's life in succinct yet interesting manner.
The library has this book categorized as "young adult".
Guided Reading Level: X (Grade 6)
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Art for Kids-Drawing by Kathryn Temple

Written in a child-friendly format, Ms. Temple shares tips and step by step instructions for basic drawing.
-Borrowed from the library.

Drawing in Color by Kathryn Temple

Art for Kids
In a child-friendly manner, the author begins with the basics and offers step by step instructions how to draw and add color.
-Borrowed from the library.

Discovering Great Artists by Maryann F. Kohl and Kim Solga illustrated by Rebecca Van Slyke

Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters
Beginning with the Renaissance period, artist and their techniques are featured.
Very well organized and informative.
-Borrowed from the library.

Survivor Diaries Overboard! by Terry Lynn Johnson*

I am always looking for series which will appeal to older students(especially boys) who are struggling readers, who do not like to read and who need to develop stamina.  This series meets these requirements.  It is exciting and features features eleven years old trying to survive a natural disaster.

The author has lived in northern Ontario for over forty years and has had careers in survival and in the wilderness.  She has a long list of certifications!

Travis is on a whale watching boat in the Strait of Juan de Fuca when a rogue wave hits the boat and sends everyone overboard.  Unfortunately, Travis and Marina (the captain's daughter) are thrown farther out, away from the life boat.  Despite Marina's broken wrist, the two manage to reach shore and must employ their knowledge of survival until they are rescued.

**If the class is independently reading Hatchet or My Side of the Mountain and some students are not able to read it,  I highly recommend having them read this series instead.
Also, this series is perfect for younger students who are reading above their grade level.  The content is appropriate.
-If the reader likes the I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis, they will love this series.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Mandy by Julie Edwards

(*The author, Julie Edwards, is the actress Julie Andrews who starred in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music!)
All of her life Mandy has lived in the orphanage under the care of Matron Bridie who is very kind to her and all of the children.  One day Mandy decides to climb over the stone wall on the back side of the orphanage and makes a wonderful discovery-an abandoned cottage! Over the next few months Mandy returns to the cottage to clean it and restore its surrounding garden.  Mandy, however, wants to keep her discovery a secret and resorts to lying and stealing.  Just how far will she go to preserve her secret?
The story ends happily but I did not care for Mandy's choices and attitude in the middle of the book.  Ms. Edwards certainly reveals the burden lies can place on an individual and how one lie leads to an even bigger lie and mess.
Strategy: asking questions
Points to discuss: lying, stealing
-Borrowed from the library.

Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton illustrated by Benjamin Schipper

Henry hides his art on his chalk board bedroom door and in his notebook.  He does not want anyone to laugh at him.  Then when he tries to erase his dragon, it escapes off his door, taking with it Henry's art notebook.  Now Henry's imagination and art are loose in the school, causing havoc!  Can Henry practice his chivalry rules and save Squashbuckle Elementary School?
A book that celebrates imagination and the power and beauty of art.
Excellent word choice.
The book probably won't appeal to older elementary students.
I liked Ms. Trafton's book, The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic better.
-Borrowed from the library.

Kingdom's Dawn The Kingdom Series #1 by Chuck Black

I requested this book for my ten year old son and he finished it within a day.
Sixteen year old Leinad, a common farmer's son, soon finds himself in a position to protect the king and his kingdom from the Dark Knight and the Shadow Warriors.
My son picked up on how Mr. Black integrates Biblical truths and Bible characters throughout the book.
-Borrowed from the library.
*The library has this book categorized as "young adult".

Round by Joyce Sidman illustrated by Taeeun Yoo**

Out of the stack of picture books my son and I read together yesterday, this book was my favorite.  The text is simple (deceptively) that it will appeal to preschoolers (or astute toddlers), but it also can be used with older students as Ms. Sidman discusses the reasons why so many things in creation are round.  Someone who is mathematically and scientifically inclined could build on her points.  I like how she takes aspects so seemingly simple and reveals the complexity of them (concepts I take for granted each day!)
 Her discussions all point to a Creator.
After reading it, this book begs for the adult reader to take his/her child out on a nature walk to look for round things in nature.
Point to discuss: One page features the stars and says that they have formed slowly over time and have been there for billions of years.
I own several of Ms. Sidman's books.  They are all well written and thoroughly researched.
**Highly, highly recommend.

Tree by Britta Teckentrup*

A Peek Through Picture Book
I liked Bee so much by Ms.Teckentrup that I wanted to read this one by her too.
The story begins with a tree in winter with an owl nestled inside it.  Gradually, the season changes and more creatures appear through the cut-aways.  The book ends with winter again.
The rhyming text will appeal to the younger crowd and beginning readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Lonely Giant by Sophie Ambrose

A giant loves to smash and bash his surroundings.  He, however, has smashed so many trees that the wildlife flees.  As a result, he is lonely.  A yellow bird flits by one day and brings cheer to him so he places it in a cage.    The bird becomes sad in the cage so the giant releases the bird.    The giant then sets out to remedy his errors and to bring back creatures.
I liked the illustrations in this book.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Little Apple Seed by Debbie Henne illustrated by John Torre

Ms. Henne is a local author who wrote this story for her children and then read it at her home school co-op.  The co-op students responded so positively to it that she published the story.
A little apple seed desires to share something special with those around him.  He, however, becomes frustrated with all the changes happening to him that do not seem to be helping him do/be something special.  Imagine his surprise when after six  years some unusual changes begin to occur . . .is this the start of his "something special"?
My seven year old liked this book.
A good book to utilize when talking to your child about his/her own uniqueness, God's special purpose for his/her life and the importance of being patient as God develops him/her into the person He wants him/her to be.
-Borrowed from the library.

Near One Cattail : Turtles, Logs, and Leaping Frogs by Anthony D. Fredericks illustrated by Jennifer DiRubbio

In rhyming text, this book focuses on life at a pond surrounded by cattails.
Food chains can be easily found.
The illustrations are beautiful.
Additional facts about each creatures are in the back.  The author holds to evolution and old earth theory.
-Borrowed from the library.

Triangle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Triangle goes to visit square because he wants to play a trick on him.  His trick is successful but can he tolerate a joke played on him?
Not a favorite.
-Borrowed from the library.

Wings of Fire-Moon Rising #6 by Tui T. Sutherland

My ten year old son read this book in a day!
Moonwatcher and the other dragonets of prophecy are relieved that the war is finished and are settling down in Jade Mountain Academy where they are teachers.  Moonwatcher, however, can read minds and seethe future.  She is troubled by what she sees.
Guided Reading Level: X (6th grade)
-Borrowed from the library.

Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright*

John Newbery Award Winner

Garnet Linden's family's farm is suffering during a drought.  When she and her brother are playing in a dry creek bed, she discovers a pure silver thimble.  After she has it in her possession, life becomes better (it rains that night and ends the drought) for her and her family.  She declares the thimble "magical".
The summer is full of adventure (an orphan boy comes to live with the family, she and her best friend Citronella are locked in the public library, she hitchhikes into the city without her family realizing it, and enjoys the county fair and its excitement).
Readers nowadays will be amazed at the freedom children had long ago!!   Parents are definitely more protective in this less trusting world.
I loved reading about the carefree summer days and remembering how much I enjoyed the summer in the country as a child.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: hitchhiking! (going into a car with strangers)
-Borrowed from the library.

Wings of Fire -The Brightest Night #5 by Tui T. Sutherland

My ten year old continues to read and enjoy this series.
This is his summary:
Sunny is the main character in this book.  The Dragonets stop the war.  Sunny discovers who her parents are and something else about her heritage.
Guided Reading Level: X (6th grade)
-Borrowed from the library.

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart illustrated by Diana Sudyka*

We listened to this book on CD as we traveled this summer.

Reuben lives with his mother in poor section of a city that is ruled by The Smoke.  The Directions, four men, keep tabs on the city and its inhabitants.  As Reuben's mom works two jobs to afford the rent and food, Reuben explores the streets.  On one of these summer excursions he finds a pocket watch.  To his amazement, the watch makes him invisible.  Apparently he is not the only one who knows about the watch and its power.  Soon he finds himself in a race against an obsessed individual who has spent his entire life searching for the watch.

We loved this 512 page book!  The characters are well developed and have depth.  I liked each one for specific reasons.
In the beginning the book may seem a bit slow as the reader is just with Reuben and his thoughts.  As more characters are introduced, the plot becomes more intriguing.
*Highly recommend.
Warning: Reuben lies throughout the book to protect his mom and other individuals.  The reader sees the burden the lies produce on Reuben.  A good opportunity to discuss the consequences and burden of lies.

The Goblin's Puzzle by Andrew S. Chilton*

The boy has no name.  All of his life he has been a slave.  As he journeys with one of his master's sons, he soon finds himself the opportunity to escape.  As he runs in fear, he encounters a goblin, two girls named Alice who both need rescuing and a nefarious Duke.
Readers who enjoy puzzles and logic will find this book delightful.
The author introduces logic terms after the story in a note to the readers.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warnings/points to discuss: In the beginning, the master's son is murdered.   A man named Nikola brags about his romantic misadventures with married women (no details are given and limited to one page); The Boy points out that his parents knew each other very well if he was born.

Blaze and the Indian Cave by C. W. Anderson*

Billy sleeps over night in an old Indian cave while Blaze, his faithful horse, spends the night tethered to a tree.  When Billy awakes, Blaze is gone!  Can Billy find Blaze?
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for transitional readers who want to read adventure! Great series for preschoolers who are ready to hear longer books.
-Borrowed from inter library loan.

North or Be Eaten! #2 Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson*

Janner, Tink, Leeli Igiby recently discovered that they are heirs to a kingdom across the sea.  The Fangs that rule the land know that the Igiby children must be terminated if they want to continue their reign.  Where can the children, their mother Nia and their grandfather Podo flee to  be safe?  In the Ice Prairies, the Fangs (reptile in nature) would not be able to survive so the group retreats north.  Along the way they encounter monsters in Glipwood Forest, dishonest Stranders, the torturous Fork Factory, and Grey Fangs (wolf-like Fangs).  Whom can they trust?  Does their own Podo have secrets that may jeopardize the group?
Very exciting and full of adventure!
*Highly recommend.
-We own the book (we own the entire series-4 books).

At times I was quite sad about the evil characters in the book and the darkness/evil felt so heavy.  So Mr. Peterson was quite effective in creating that dark ambiance to display the depth of the evil in the characters.  As a reader I have come quite attached to the Igiby/Wingfeather children.

There are less footnotes in this book which was a relief!

Bee by Patricia Hegarty illustrated by Britta Teckentrup*

A Peek Through Picture Book
Through a hexagon cut out, readers can see the bee on each page as the scenes change.
This rhyming book utilizes great word choice which will help expand toddler and preschooler vocabulary and also reveals facts about busy bees.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Perfect for toddler and preschooler story time or preschool bee unit.

Wings of Fire-The Dark Secret #4 by Tui T. Sutherland

Every spare moment my ten year old steals away to read this series. He announced that "Tui T. Sutherland" is his new favorite author! He read it to himself.
Starflight, a Nightwing,  is the main character in this book.  He finally meets his tribe and finds himself in situations where he is the fighting to save himself but knows his friends, the Rainwings, need his help.
Warnings/consideration: violence with dragon fights/war
Guided Reading Level: W (5th-6th)
-Borrowed from the library.

Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman with help from John Niekrasz*

The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World
Ms. Rothman explores  different categories of nature, from the ground (land forms) to the skies and everything in between.
This book is loaded with information coupled with beautiful illustrations.
A beautiful book.  Everyone who comes to my house lately has received a free book talk about it! 😄

When God Doesn't Fix It by Laura Story with Jennifer Shuchmann*

Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can't Live Without
Newly weds Laura and Martin had dreams . . . ideal jobs, a specific place to live and eventually children.  Then Martin begins to fall asleep and have no energy.  The diagnosis?  A brain tumor.  The surgery brings complications which result in a short term memory loss and poor eyesight.  They pray that God would heal Martin but He does not.  Laura shares their journey as they continue to seek God and try to understand what He is doing in their lives.
A genuine story that causes one to delve into one's beliefs and theology.
Each chapter focuses on a myth and by the end of it, the truth is realized and paramount.
At the end of the book is a chart which contains all the myths and the truths.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

You Choose-Hades and the Underworld An Interactive Mythological Adventure by Blake Hoena illustrated by Nadine Takvorian

My ten year old son read this book to himself.  He enjoyed it so much that he read it in less than 24 hours!
A lot of Greek history was incorporated into this adventure story which takes place in the underworld, Hades.
There are seven other Greek Myth titles in this You Choose series.  Perfect for an Ancient Greek unit study.
-Borrowed from the library.

Ten Boys Who Made a Difference by Irene Howat*

We read a short biography from this book each morning.
Each  narrative includes stories from the boy's life and then shares how this specific boy made a difference as an adult/man.
It was amazing how many of these men went into the ministry without knowing Christ as their Savior.  In their search for the truth, God always revealed His salvation to them!
Men featured in this book are: Augustine, John Knox, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jan Hus, Hugh Latimer, Ulrich Zwingli, William Tyndale, Thomas Chalmers, Lord Shaftesbury
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

The Egyptian News-The Greatest Newspaper in Civilization by Scott Steedman Consultant- James Putnam*

Readers learn about the Egyptian time period via the format of the newspaper.
Packed full of information and facts presented in an engaging manner!
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.
Am considering using it for homeschooling as we study the ancients.
Teaching idea: Have students create own newspaper based on what they have learned.


Other titles I  may use: Greek News by Anton Powell and Philip Steele
                                     Roman News by Andrew Langley and Philip De Souza

Draw and Write Through History by Carylee Gressman illustrated by Peggy Dick

*Creation Through Jonah
*Greece and Rome: c. 600 B.C. to A.D. 395

I am trying to find some ways to incorporate art into homeschooling this coming year.  This series I am considering.  Integrating history, this author shares facts about the time period (chronologically) and then shares step by step how to draw important objects from that time period (creation-plants and tree; man and woman; ark etc).
My seven year old tried it but became frustrated and said it was too difficult.

-Borrowed from the library.

Place Value by David A. Adler

Mr. Adler explains the importance of place value and also shares the history of our number system.
-Borrowed from the library.

Following Grandfather by Rosemary Wells illustrated by Christopher Denise

My seven year old son read this book to himself.  This is his review:
"Jenny, a little mouse, loves her grandfather.  She spends a lot of time with him.  Then he dies.   One day, after his death,  she goes to a restaurant and thinks she sees grandfather so she follows him and keeps thinking she sees him.  I liked this book because it is exciting because she keeps thinking she sees grandfather."
I think the ending confused my son.  Grandfather's spirit rescued Jenny from the ocean after he had died.  My son did not really understand that part as he said the story ended suddenly.
Points to discuss: death; Can a spirit really come back and help a person who is a live?
-Borrowed from the library.

The Invisible Dog by Dick King-Smith

My seven year old read this book to himself.
Janie wants a dog, a Great Dane to be specific.  One day she finds the collar of her family's deceased Great Dane and pretends to walk a dog.  Her parents go along with her imaginative play.  Just maybe they will allow her to have a real dog?
-Borrowed from the library.
Perfect book for animal lovers, transitional readers and readers who are working on stamina.

Robins! How They Grow Up by Eileen Christelow*

This over-sized picture book shares a lot of facts about a common bird.  I learned a few new facts too!
Many illustrations on each depict the facts well.  Throughout the book , on the bottom of the page, two juvenile robins make comments about the facts.  Their comments, at times, end some humor.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Caution: Ms. Christelow does not shy away from the harsh facts of robins being eaten (a crow eats one of the eggs before it hatches; a hawk snatches the two juvenile's brother!).
Text features: glossary, additional fact page, sources

Angus and the Cat by Marjorie Flack*

Although this book was first published in 1931, my seven year old son enjoyed reading  it to himself.  We own two out of the three Angus books.
Angus, a curious dog, has figured out many things in his short life but cats are beyond his comprehension!  Then one day a cat appears inside his house and is there to stay.  As Angus tries to befriend the cat, the cat responses in a negative manner.
Readers will enjoy the development of the cat and dog friendship.
*Highly recommend (entire series).
-Borrowed from the library.

Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolon

Award winner- Newbery Honor Book

Jake Semple has been kicked out of so many schools, including one that he may have set on fire, that no school will accept him.  He finds himself in North Carolina at Wit's End farm where an extended family pursues artistic activities and homeschools.  He is not thrilled.  Juvenile Detention is starting to be more appealing!
E. D. (Edith) does not fit in with her artistic family.  She is organized, practical and likes order.  She creates her own curriculum and goals and takes pride in her thick homeschool binder.  When she finds out that Jake will be in her "class", she declares that her school year is ruined.

This book is full of eccentric, quirky characters who will make the reader chuckle.  Definite changes occur in Jake and by the end of the book, it is not just his hair that has transformed!

Guided Reading Level: U (5th-6th grade)

Warnings/cautions/point to discuss: The parrot swears and Jake likes to swear (specific words are not written-just inferred).  Destiny, the four year old, tries his hand at swearing.   Jake also smokes and tries to steal away to smoke.  Jake is attracted to the one sister, Cordelia, and checks her out thoroughly a couple of times.  The one aunt is into the New Age way of life/religion/meditating.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Wings of Fire #3 The Hidden Kingdom by Tui T. Sutherland

My ten year old is devouring this series.  He really likes it!
In book 3 the five dragonets venture into the RainWing Kingdom, hoping to find reprieve since the RainWings aren't fighting in the battle.  Their respite, however, is cut short when they realize Rainwings are mysteriously disappearing and the queen is not trying to resolve the issue.  Soon they investigate and find themselves in danger once again.
Guided Reading Level: W (5th-6th)
-Borrowed from the library.