Boy of the Pyramids by Ruth Fosdick Jones illustrated by Dorothy Bayley Morse*

A Mystery of Ancient Egypt
I read this book aloud to my boys as part of our homeschool history curriculum (Biblioplan).  The characters and plot captivated us from beginning to end.  The reader also learns a lot about ancient Egypt.
Kaffe, a ten year old Egyptian boy, son of a nobleman, has 14 copper rings to spend in the city of Memphis.  Instead of purchasing what he was imagining, he finds himself buying a slave girl so she can remain with her parents.  Sari, the slave girl, becomes Kaffe's best friend.  The two of them narrowly escape a charging bull, drowning in the flood waters from the Nile and being clobbered by a grave robber.  Each chapter offers rich Egyptian context plus lots of adventure.
*Highly recommend.
-This book was an inter-library loan.  Unfortunately the copy is difficult to find (and used ones are over $22).
Simply Charlotte Mason sells it for a reasonable price:
https://simplycharlottemason.com/store/boy-of-the-pyramids/

Say Zoop! by Herve Tullet

The latest interactive book by Herve Tullet.
Perfect for wiggling toddler story time!
My seven year old read this book to himself and said he liked the previous ones better.  I agree with him, but it still promotes fun interaction.
-Borrowed from the library.

The True Story of Noah's Ark by Tom Dooley illustrated by Bill Looney*

A beautifully illustrated picture book that accurately depicts the ark (which is not a boat but translated from Hebrew it means box!).
My seven year old and I took turns reading aloud this book together for our history curriculum.  Although this book is a picture book with lavish illustrations, the vocabulary and sentence structure is sophisticated.
I liked how a chart adds up the days Noah and his family were inside the ark.  Also, a fold out panorama that expands to over three feet offer an breathtaking view of the inside of the ark.
A CD is included (but we have not listen to it yet).
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book (bought it at the Ark Encounter in KY).

The Land of Stories The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer illustrated by Brandon Dorman*

Twins, Alex and Conner, are dealing with their beloved father's death.  When their grandmother gives them a treasured story book for their birthday, they discover it is a portal into another world-the fairy tale stories world!  As the children explore the fairy tale land, they discover that the stories' endings are a bit different!  Adventures and captivity abound.  Their senses of humor (especially Conner's) and quick thinking keep them alive.
Surprises wait the twins and the reader.
We listened to this story on CD.  We all thoroughly enjoyed it.  The plot is superb and very creative.
*Highly recommend.
*In writing we are currently learning how it is necessary to replace the word "said" with more descriptive verbs.  Well, this book is overflowing with the word "said".  It became quite irritating to hear it repeated so many times!!
I also thought Mr. Colfer was a bland narrator and his cadence was flat.  Although, certain characters he brought to life with interesting voices.
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: "son of a witch"; Red Riding Hood is attracted to Jack and is quite descriptive in her love for him.

How to Teach Art to Children by Joy Evans and Tanya Skelton*

This book introduces the seven elements of art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form and space) with very easy projects.  Part II of the book utilizes the elements in the different styles of artists and cultures.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Sringstubb illustrated by Eliza Wheeler*

This book is whimsical yet realistic . . . perfect for older girl readers who need to develop stamina and/or who are reluctant readers.
Cody loves summer.  But this summer might prove to be challenging. . .her quiet brother is in love with Payton Underwood,  her brother's career goal is to be surgeon but he faints when dissecting a worm at "doctor camp", her mother is trying out for a promotion, and a neighbor's cat keeps escaping.  . .  .can Cody's optimism and effort redeem the challenging obstacles?
I liked this sentence from the book (describing Spencer's grandmother): "If she were a building, she'd be a cottage."
I also liked the book featured characters of different ethnicity, but race/ethnicity was not the main focus.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Part of a series (this is book #1.  Books #1-3 are currently published.).

The Eye of Midnight by Andrew Brumbach*

Cousins, William and Maxine, meet the first time at their grandfather's house (whom they do not remember).  Battersea Manor is especially formidable since their grandfather is not there to greet them.  Together they explore the mansion, discovering some unusual and creepy artifacts.
Once their grandfather appears, they are whisked away to New York City where evil men lurk, awaiting the chance to terminate their grandfather's life.  The cousins must band together with a new friend, Nura from Turkey, to thwart assassins from infiltrating the city.
Very exciting.  The characters are quite admirable and likable (especially William!).
Based on a real group of assassins-the Hashashin who placed terror in the hearts of the Middle Easterns thousands of years ago.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend for junior high and older (see the warning).
Warning: Quite violent at times.

Literature Pockets Aesop's Fables by Jo Ellen Moore and Jill Norris*

For Grades 2-3
Fables and extension activities included.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Fables included: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Lion and the Mouse, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Miller, His Son and Their Donkey, The Milkmaid and her Pail, The Fox and the Goat, The Fox and the Stork, The Cat, the Rooster and the Mouse.

Literature Pockets Greeks and Romans Myths by Jill Norris

Fun activities to expand learning about the myths.
Myths featured: Phaeton and the Sun Chariot, Pandora's Jar, Perseus and the Gorgons, Arachne and the Weaving Contest, The Race for Atalanta, Persephone and the Seasons, Bellerophon and Pegasus, Echo and Narcissus
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

History Pockets-Ancient Egypt

Tons of activities about Ancient Egypt to bring history to life.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Ancient History Readers' Theater by Robert W. Smith*

Grades 5-8th
Bringing the past to life!
These twelve Readers' Theaters really bring the "past to life".  Each one has a brief historical overview before it and also offers extensions.
Which people/events are featured: Hammurabi, Hatsheput, Queen Esther, Socrates, Alexander the Great, Archimedes, Eratosthenes, Qin Shi Huangdi, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, Pompeii, and Hypatia
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.
Warning: The scripts do not shy away from the reality of the times.  In Hammurabi's Readers' Theater, women/men chasing/adultery, drinking and gambling are mentioned.

The Annotated Mona Lisa by Carol Strickland, PH.D.

A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post-Modern
Each time period features a brief historical overview plus what the art was like.  Art samples from each time period are featured.
Very comprehensive.
I did not read it thoroughly but wanted to record it so I can check it out again if needed.
-Borrowed from the library.

Let's Read and Find Out Stage 2 Archaeologists Dig for Clues by Kate Duke*

A group of children spend a day with Sophie, an archaeologist, digging up area in a corn field where Archaic people once lived.
A wonderfully detailed book about how an archaeologist spends a day, not only at the dig site, but also in the laboratory categorizing finds.
Humor is woven into the characters', dog's and cat's speech bubbles.
*Highly recommend.
Tons of vocabulary and information!
My seven year old and I took turns reading aloud this book together for school.
Teaching strategy: nonfiction text features; scan and plan (how to plan and read nonfiction)

Extreme Animals Fantastic Fish by Isabel Thomas*

My ten year old read this book to himself.  As he was reading, he was sharing astounding facts.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Nature's Monsters Weird and Wonderful Fish by Gerrie McCall*

A wonderful nonfiction book that will fascinate children who love odd, scary creatures.
My ten year old read this book to himself.
A perfect book for modeling how to read nonfiction and utilize text features (tons of text features).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Return to Gone-Away by Elizabeth Enright illustrated by Beth and Joe Krush*

I enjoyed the beauty of Gone-Away Lake and its quirky characters so much earlier this summer that I too needed to return!
Portia's parents purchase Villa Caprice, a grand house that has been abandoned near Gone Away Lake, and spend the summer attempting to coax it back to beauty.  The children fill the summer exploring with their cousin and new friends, and also unearthing treasures in the cluttered house.  Julian, Portia's cousin, is determined to find the house's safe.
I love the word choice and the apt description of God's creation-people and nature. This is a book in which I enjoy the writing as much as the story line.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.
Guided Reading Level: V (5th grade)
Point to discuss: The girls consult a book which contains advice based on the Zodiac signs.  The author causes the reader to realize it is faulty when a big event proves the prediction/warning incorrect.  The characters say "heck" sometimes and other slangs.

Wandmaker's Apprentice by Ed Masessa*

My ten year old had been waiting for this sequel to be published many months now and eagerly read it in a couple of days.
Henry and his sister Brianna convince the wandmaker, Master Coralis to accept them as apprentices.  As Henry and his sister learn the secrets, they and the other apprentices realize that that evil is lurking and it may be someone who is trusted.
My son said this book was exciting and almost too scary to read right before falling asleep!!
Guided reading level: W (6th grade)
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Ten Boys Who Used Their Talents by Irene Howat*

Short biographies about Paul Brand, Ghillean Prance, C. S. Lewis, C. T. Studd, Wilfred Grenfell, J.S. Bach, James Clerk Maxwell, Samuel Morse, George Washington Carver and John Bunyan.
-We own this book.
*Highly recommend.

The Cat of Bubastes by G. A. Henty*

Amuba, a Rebu, is captured by Egyptians and lives in Egypt with Ameres, a high priest.  Ameres' son, Chebron, soon becomes close friends with Amuba.  One day Chebron accidentally kills his sister's cat that is sacred to the Egyptians.  The boys hide the evidence but confess to Ameres.  Unfortunately, Ameres is killed by a jealous priest and the children find themselves fleeing for their lives.
Very exciting yet the reader learns a lot about Ancient Egypt while enjoying the story.
I especially appreciated how he integrated Christianity and Biblical history but it was so smoothly incorporated that it was not preachy or in your face.
We listened to this book on CD.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Sea of Dreams by Dennis Nolan*

A wordless picture book
A girl builds a sand castle, and when she leaves the beach for the night, a light blinks on in the top window.  Who is in there?  What will the individuals do when high tide arrives?
Beautiful illustrations! I loved the sea foam especially.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Strategies:  inferring; cause/effect
Pair with Flotsam.

Radio Rescue by Lynne Barasch

We had just read a short biography about Samuel Morse so it was great to read a book about a boy utilized his invention.
In the 1920's a young boy longs to be a ham radio operator, but first he must learn Morse code.  His efforts pay off when he earns his license and helps rescue a family in Florida.
Based on true story (the boy is the author's father).
I especially liked how the front and end had statues of scientists whose discoveries and theories led to the invention of the radio.
-Borrowed from the library.

It Couldn't Just Happen by Lawrence O. Richards*

Knowing the Truth About God's Awesome Creation
This book is packed full of scientific proof as God as the Creator.
My ten year old is reading sections of it to himself as part of our homeschool curriculum.
Very comprehensive.
Perfect for late elementary through high school.
*Highly, highly recommend.
-We own this book.😊

Song of Creation by Paul Goble*

What a beautiful celebration of God's Creation!
Different size font text lend it self for shared reading.  I read this aloud with my seven year old.  He read the larger font while I read the small font.
Mr. Goble adapted this book from The Book of Common Prayer.
Part of our homeschool curriculum (BiblioPlan).
Vocabulary word: magnify
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Detective's Assistant by Kate Hannigan*

Ms. Hannigan carefully researched the life of detective Kate Warne who was the first female detective (working for Pinkerton's Detective Agency) and shares the cases through the eyes of a fictitious niece, Nell.
Kate Warne is the only living relative Nell has after her brothers die.  A pastor finds her aunt in Chicago living in a boardinghouse.  Nell soon discovers that her aunt Kate is not a typical woman of the times.  As time progresses, Nell proves her worth in solving case along side her aunt.
She also has a mystery to solve about her father's death and her aunt's hatred towards him.
The cases are fascinating and based on Kate Warne's actual cases.
Nell is admirable, spunky character.
Very well written, well researched and delightful character development.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Pair with the book Lincoln's Spymaster by Samantha Seiple.

Wings of Fire #8 Escaping Peril by Tui T. Sutherland

My ten year old is reading this series to himself.
When Peril's former queen threatens Jade Mountain Academy, she bravely confronts Queen Scarlet.  Turtle, a Seawing, insists on accompanying her, but he is more annoying than helpful.  Peril must decide to whom she is loyal.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: X (6th grade)

Wings of Fire -Winter Turning by Tui T. Sutherland

My ten year old is enjoying reading this series.  He read this book to himself.
Winter, an Icewing, must pursue his sister before she commits more dangerous crimes.  Clawmates come with him,  and he appreciates their help.  He, however, must face his family which terrifies him even more.
Guided Reading Level: X (6th grade)
-Borrowed from the library.

The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla illustrated by Julie McLaughlin*

I love birds so this book was a delight for me!
Charlie who is obsessive-compulsive and on the autism spectrum travels cross country with his boy crazy sister and two younger twin brothers and a woman he and his siblings barely know to be with their dad in Virginia.  Their father was hit by an IED and is suffering from a brain injury.  The hospital and the doctors there are suppose to be the best.
To console himself, Charlie searches for birds in particular states which on his and his father's "someday list".
What I like the most about this book is the author is not preachy about Charlie's differences nor does she have an agenda . . .she develops him and the other characters intentionally yet subtly that the reader feels like he/she is right there with them, watching them be transformed by experiences.

Mrs. Pla, however, did have an error in her research.  In PA the group stops in Amish country.  She says an Amish barn had hex signs on it but Amish and Mennonites consider them "pagan" (unless the Amish girl, Anna, was acting a part in the restaurant wasn't really Amish).  Anna, the "Amish girl" says "gosh" which would not be permitted.
Warning: a few swear words (not throughout)
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Story Starters by Karen Andreola

Mrs. Andreola is a proponent of the Charlotte Mason method of teaching.
In this book she has created beginnings of stories and then allows the writer to finish them.  One section of the book contains Victorian illustrations which are intriguing and stimulate creativity and a story.
-Borrowed from the library.
A great book to utilize for creative writing.

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

An artists reveals how her mistakes can be made into great ideas.
-Borrowed from the library.

Story Path by Kate Baker illustrated by Madalena Matoso*

The reader may choose different paths to determine the direction of the story.  A snail asks questions along the way to help the reader add more details.

Great to use in the classroom when discussing the components of a good story or to help stimulate a child's creativity.

Warning: One page has a family which comprises of a woman who is headless, a vampire and zombie.  

*Highly recommend for creative writing/story telling.

-Borrowed from the library.

Homer Price by Robert McCloskey*

As a child I loved reading this humorous book (especially the doughnut chapter!) so I wanted to share it with my boys.
Homer is a boy living in Centerburg in the 1930's/1940's who happens upon humorous adventures.  He thwarts thieves with the help of his pet skunk, reaffirms that a super hero isn't really that great (he helps the super hero out of  a ditch!), makes an enormous batch of doughnuts which takes his Uncle Ulysses' business in a new direction to mention a few.
When I taught economics to my elementary students, I read aloud the doughnut story to them.  In the last story "unions" are the focus so it would be a good one to read when studying the history of unions and their impact.
My least favorite is the last one.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: Q (4th grade)
Warning: In the last story it mentions how the Native Americans become addicted to the town's founding father's cough syrup and elixir.  Dulcey Dooner finds an old bottle of it, drinks it and becomes drunk (he basically is found fast asleep and cannot be waken.).

Silver Boxes by Florence Littauer

A few months ago I heard Mrs.  Littauer speak on Focus on the Family and wanted to learn more about her message on "silver boxes".
Mrs. Littauer shares stories throughout the book how words either encouraged individuals or destroyed their ambitions.  She encourages the reader to see their words as "silver boxes"--a present to others.  She also discusses how some people have difficulty accepting encouraging words and why and how to handle it.  Another passion of hers is helping people understanding the different personalities so she includes a quick personality quiz at the end of the book.
This book will make an impact on what the reader says/does not say.
-Borrowed from the inter-library loan (not available in my county but available in the state).

The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel illustrated by Jim Tierney

We listened to this book on Audio CD read by Nick Podehl.
This book is a gripping adventure story which takes place on the 900- car train The Boundless which is traversing the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
Riding first class, Will is enjoying all the benefits of the wealthy on The Boundless.  At a stop, he, however, witnesses a murder and he recognizes the killer.  For the rest of the voyage Will is trying to escape the murder and warn his father about the danger.   Will reunites with Maren, a tightrope walker and Mr. Dorian, a circus ringmaster both whom he had met three years earlier.  With their help Will is hoping to reach his father and warn him before it is too late.
As the story unfolds, the reader will learn that all the characters are not who they seem to be.
A mixture of historical fiction, fantasy and adventure.
I wished I had been reading this aloud instead of listening.  I would have skipped parts (seeing warning below).  When I did not like something, I fast forwarded so I don't know if some events were expounded upon.
Good opportunity to discuss greed and its affects and Will's decision about what he will do in the coming years.
Warning/points to discuss: swearing (a**, dn, 'ell), violence (murder, Sasquatch kills someone, fighting), sensuality (Will likes Marian and enjoys physical contact they have-nothing inappropriate occurs-he just thinks about how he enjoys when her hand is on his back/in his hand etc; When Marian wears her circus outfits men check her out; mentions men going into bedrooms with women dancers), drinking/smoking (Will does drink a couple of times), stealing