This House, Once by Deborah Freedman

Gentle illustrations depict a cozy home and explore where the materials to make the house formerly existed.
An interesting concept to highlight.
-Borrowed from the library.

Plants Can't Sit Still by Rebecca E. Hirsch illustrated by Mia Posada

Ms. Hirsch begins with the seed and points out all the ways plants move throughout their life time.
I like how some of the verbs were in bold, green font.
The illustrations were beautiful cut paper collage with watercolor.
In the back, each of the plants featured were discussed in greater detail.  Glossary is also included.
Mrs. Hirsch researched extensively to write this book.  She mentions a website that has a time-lapse video of plants.
A necessary addition to plant units.
-Borrowed from the library.

Before and After by Jean Jullian

Very simple illustrations (and even more simplistic text - "before, after, 1 during, 1 beginning and 1 end") will have the reader predicting what will be displayed on the next page for "after".
The chicken and the egg pair/question is included. 😉
-Borrowed from the library.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange by Adam Rex

As various fruits create rhymes about each other, orange laments the fact that "nothing rhymes with orange".  Apple perceives his despair and makes up a word so orange is included.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Revenge of Ishtar retold and illustrated by Ludmila Zeman*

Gilgamesh's story is continued as he and Enkidu battle against Humbaba and a bull sent by Ishtar.  The mighty Gilgamesh finds a foe he cannot defeat . . .death.
The ending is very sad.
I love the end pages which depict the Senet game board (a very old game which Gilgamesh and Enkidu are playing in the beginning of the story.
Strategy: character traits; character development; plot 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Unwanteds #4 The Island of Legends by Lisa McMann*

My ten year old is reading this series and highly recommends it.
Alex proves to be a trust worthy leader as he defends Artime and also tries to rescue a friend's mother on Pirate Island.  Meanwhile, his twin brother, Aaron, seeks power for the wrong reasons.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommended by my ten year old.

Aesop's Fables on Stage by Julie Meighan

This little paperback contains a surfeit of ideas for a fable unit.
From the history of fables and Aesop to Fable related games to Fable plays, this book is a great resource!
-Borrowed from the library.

Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong with Mark Tabb*

When Lopez was six years old, rebel soldiers kidnapped him and a bunch of other boys one Sunday morning where the families were worshiping.  He became one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan".  Miraculously, he survived the rebel boot camp from which three teenagers helped him escape.  For ten years he lived in a Kenyan refugee camp, running 18 miles around its border to dull the hunger and emotional pains.  Finally at sixteen years old, a couple from New York state adopted him and gave him the opportunity to live the American dream-an education and  . . . . hope.
In this book, Mr. Lomong describes the hardship Sudanese children experience, his adjustments to the U.S., the thrills of being an Olympic athlete and the challenges he faced while earning his degree.  Through it all, he sees God's provision and grace, and gives Him the glory.
He also shares his passion to help other children in Sudan through his nonprofit organization, 4 Sudan Vision (partnership with World Vision).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Gilgamesh the King retold and illustrated by Ludmila Zeman*

Ms. Zeman retells the ancient story of the god-king Gilgamesh.  Her version is closer to "G" rated than other ones I have read/seen.
Gilgamesh possesses power and wealth, but does not have one friend.
This beautiful story of transformation reveals the power of friendship.
Warning/point to discuss: One line may be offensive to some readers but it went over my seven year old's head.  The singer Shamhat is trying to woo the beast Enkidu so he will return with her to Uruk so Gilgamesh can defeat him.  Instead they fall in love with each other and "explore the ways of love together  . . ."    On that page is a picture of them kissing each other on the lips.

-We own this book.
*Highly recommend.

The Code of Hammurabi King of Babylon *

About 2250 B.C.
Translation by Robert Francis Harper
I was sooo excited to share this book with my boys.  It contains the original facsimiles of the original cuneiform tablets.  We read some of the original laws and also looked at the cuneiform.
Very fascinating!!
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

DK Eyewitness Books Mesopotamia

This book contains tons of information about Mesopotamia.
A large poster displays key concepts.
We did not look at the clip-art CD.
-Used during our study of Ancient Mesopotamia.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Ancient World-Ancient Mesopotamia by Allison Lassieur

We viewed the photographs and some of its text during our study of Ancient Mesopotamia.
-Borrowed from the library.

Ancient Mesopotamia by Virginia Schomp

People of the Ancient World-The Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians
We utilized this book during our study of ancient Mesopotamia.  The photographs were especially enlightening.
-Borrowed from the library.

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.

You Wouldn't Want to be a Sumerian Slave by Jaqueline Morley illustrated by David Antram*

A Life of Hard Labor You'd Rather Avoid
I read parts of this book aloud each day to my boys as we studied Sumer.  This book has lots of humor coupled with reality.  My boys looked forward to listening to it each day.
*Highly recommend (lots more in the series).
-We own this book.

Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes by Margie Palatini illustrated by Barry Moser*

We loved this humorous version of Aesop's Fox and the Grapes.
Ms. Palatini expands this short fable with lots of humor and character development.
I would use this book as a mentor text in how one can take a fable and elaborate the plot and characters.
This book would be perfect to rewrite as a Reader's Theater.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Unwanteds: The Island of Silence #2 by Lisa McMann*

My ten year old read this book to himself.
He loves this series.
The two groups, those in Artime and those in Quill, are now mingling between the two worlds.  Forgiveness is required by both sides if peace is to be prevalent.  Alex and his twin Aaron as individuals must resolve and come to grips with not desirable outcomes.
My son said it ended with a "cliff hanger".
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from library.

Egyptian Art in the Age of the Pyramids The Metropolitan Museum of Art*

This massive book displays the incredible Egyptian art artifacts discovered.  Thorough explanation for each piece is provided.
I shared this with my boys when I introduced hieroglyphics.  Almost any study focus one may be doing is included in this book.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Taking Flight by Michaela DePrince with Elaine DePrince*

Michaela shares her life journey from being an orphan Sierra Leone to a American ballerina.  The story is captivating and inspiring.
Some of the events in her earlier years are quite harsh and repulsive so this book is not for elementary or even junior high readers.
Warnings: abuse, a brutal murder told in detail, evil "debils"
                   Michaela also briefly shares trying dieting techniques, alcohol and cigarettes.

Lugalbanda by Kathy Henderson illustrated by Jane Ray*

The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War
An Epic Tale from Ancient Iraq
I stumbled upon this tale when searching for ideas online to make ancient history more appealing to my two boys.  My seven year old and I took turns reading this fabulous story aloud to each other and enjoyed each second of it!
Lugalbanda is the weak,  youngest son of king Enmerkar who rules the city of Uruk.  When his brothers, father and the army go off to war against Aratta, Lugalbanda joins them but soon falls ill.  His brothers leave him in a cave with plenty of provisions but fear he will die.  The gods help Lugalbanda survive and he toils in the wilderness, searching for his brothers, father and army.  Soon he encounters the Anzu bird and cleverly solicits its help.
Can a small boy help win a war?
A very exciting story filled with many similes.
One of the oldest stories in the world . . translated from Sumerians' clay tablets (which were recorded in cuneiform!)!
Supposedly Lugalband is Gilgamesh's father.
Fascinating facts about Sumer and ancient Mesopotamia are included before and after the story.
*A must read when learning about Mesopotamia and ancient history.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann*

My ten year old read this book to himself and absolutely loved it!  He would keep me updated on the characters, share his thoughts about characters/events throughout his days reading it.
In the city of Quill, the thirteen year old children are sorted into different categories (strong, intelligent "wanteds" are sent to the university while the artistic, creative individuals have a death sentence.)  Alex and his twin Aaron are separated that fateful day.  Alex is an "unwanted", but discovers hope through a magician named Mr. Today.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot by Margot Theis Raven illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen*

A True Story of the Berlin Airlift and the Candy that Dropped from the Sky
Mercedes and her mother read about the pilot Lt. Gail Halvorsen who was dropping handkerchief parachutes with candy and gum to children at the Tempelhof Air Field.  She writes him a letter requesting that he drops it off right in her garden with the chickens.  Will a busy Lt. have time a small girl in West Berlin?
The Epilogue is sweet!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Illustrations reveal a bit of the devastation after World War II.

Manjiro by Emily Arnold McCully*

The Boy Who Risked His Life for Two Countries
My ten year old read a chapter book biography about Manjiro this past year so it was interesting for him to compare this picture book to what he knew and had read.
Manjiro and fellow fishermen are stranded on an island after a terrible storm off of Japan.  An American whaler ship rescues them.  The Captain Whitfield sort of adopts Manjiro, teaches him English, how to read and provides a home and schooling for him in America.  Eventually Manjiro saves enough money to return to his mother and Japan.  But will Japan execute him?  Since the 1600's the law stated anyone who left the country and who returned would be put to death.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall*

My boys and I listened to this third Penderwick novel on Audio CD.
Once again we laughed and also wondered/"worried" about the characters' predicaments.
The summer holds surprises and change for Penderwick sisters and their beloved friend Jeffery.  Mr. Penderwick, his new wife, and her son Ben are off to England for a honeymoon; Rosalind will spend two weeks at the New Jersey shore with her friend so that leaves Skye as the OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick).  This responsibility causes Skye to worry about and doubt her ability as OAP.  How can Skye keep Batty safe and Jane from falling in love with an empty headed boy named Dominic?
A major change awaits Jeffery which turns his world upside down.
This family shows it is possible to face challenges and be victorious.. .as long as the family members have each other.
*Highly, highly recommend.
- I own the actual book but we borrowed the audio CD from the library.
Points to discuss: This book has more "love" related issues,  divorce (several of the grown ups in the book are divorced), Dominic kisses Jane as a dare from his older brothers, Jeffrey's situation may be difficult for the more sensitive child (spoiler alert: His mother does not tell his father she is pregnant and withholds that information from the father until this book.)

A Wells and Wong Mystery #1 Murder Is Bad Manners by Robin Stevens

Hazel Wong, from Hong Kong, is struggling to fit in at the English boarding school.  But when popular Daisy Wells decides to befriend her, life becomes easier.  Then Hazel discovers her teacher lying on the gym floor . .  .dead.  When she brings Daisy back to the gym, the body is gone.  The administration, however, is claiming Miss Bell resigned.  Hazel and Daisy know they need to solve the murder before the killer strikes again.  With clever schemes, the two girls uncover more secrets than they intended.

Warning: A sentence mentions two girls canoodling in the closet. The reader may infer that Miss Parker may have been in love with Miss Bell.  It wasn't really explicit but one could come to that conclusion . Hazel's father has concubine because her mother could not produce a son. A good looking male teacher pairs up with Miss Bell but then moves onto another woman.  Daisy and Hazel put on facades so they are well liked.
One teacher seems to be an alcoholic.  She comes to class often drunk.

Mrs. Marlowe's Mice by Frank Asch and Devin Asch*

Widow Mrs. Marlowe is an elegant cat who comes home from working at the library to an immaculate house.  Mice live with her and take care of her housework.  Mrs. Marlowe lives each day at risk of being discovered by the Catland Security Police.  Will she be able to outwit the Police when they come pounding on her door?
A very engaging story that is well written.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Secret Cave Discovering Lascaux by Emily Arnold McCully*

In an engaging voice, Ms. McCully explains how the cave paintings were discovered in Montignac, France.
My boys liked that young boys were the ones to discover the cave!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Wingfeather Saga-The Warden and the Wolf King #4 by Andrew Peterson*

My ten year old read this book to himself.  My boys have loved this series.
This 519 page book contains adventure and the deep development of the characters.  Although the ending is a bit sad, the reader closes the book with the hope and satisfaction.
My son said, "This book was exciting and  a little harsh."
*Highly recommend.
We own this book (we own the entire series).

The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer*

The Prince Warriors return to Ahoratos and receive new instructions.  Because of a choice by one of them, the Ents are now invading Earth.  As the Prince Warriors battle the "unseen invasion", they  must also conquer invasions within their own hearts.
For some reason I enjoyed this second book better than the first (which is usually not the case for me!).  Ms. Shirer has created a series with  likable, believable characters, exciting plot lines, and thought provoking scenarios about the spiritual battle we are in each day.
My boys love this series.  I think I will be purchasing book #3 for them!
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

The Golden Bull by Marjorie Cowley*

A Mesopotamian Adventure
I read this enthralling tale in just two days.
Jomar's parents send him and his sister Zefa to the city of Ur to live since the drought has robbed their family of food and resources.  Jomar is to be an apprentice at a goldsmith, but Zefa has no job or home awaiting her.
As they travel to Ur, they encounter an evil man from the temple who enslaves them.  Narrowly escaping, the siblings reach the goldsmith's home.  New problems await them at the goldsmith's residence, and Jomar finds himself in several challenging situations.
Each chapter is relatively short with exciting developments which propel the reader to continue reading.
I especially enjoyed witnessing the characters develop as individuals and their relationships transform as they understand themselves and each other better.
My ten year old will be reading this book as part of our history/literature curriculum.
*Highly, highly recommend it.
-We own this book.

Ancient Civilizations for Children- Ancient Egypt DVD

A twenty three minute DVD about ancient Egypt with kid-friendly presentations.
We learned a lot from this brief video.  A great addition to Egypt unit.
-Borrowed from the library.

Life in the Great Ice Age by Michael and Beverly Oard illustrated by Earl and Bonita Snellenberger*

Through a story about a imagined family living during the Ice Age, readers learn how individuals during this time survived the harsh world.
Readers will realize how many misconceived ideas they may have about this time period as they read this story.
Part II contains scientific information about the Ice Age.
This book is from a Christian perspective.
Although this book contains illustrations and is a rather short story, the sentence structure and format is more accessible for older elementary/junior high.  There are also many words on the page and the set up and print size make it appear like a text book.
My ten year old read this book to himself as part of his homeschool history curriculum.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Poison Is Not Polite A Wells and Wong Mystery #2 by Robin Stevens

Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are excited to spend spring break at Daisy's English mansion in 1935.  Then the rains come and a murder occurs.  Mr. Curtis, one of Mrs. Wells' "friends", is poisoned and the murderer is one of the guests and residents.  Daisy and Hazel, along with their friends Kitty and Beanie, try to discover clues and evidence to clear Mr. Wells' name.
I enjoyed reading this book set in a cozy, English countryside with interesting characters and a surprise ending.  The only reason I am not "highly recommending" it is because . . .
Warning: Mrs. Wells, Daisy's mom, seems to be having an affair with Mr. Curtis and the girls see the two exchange a passionate kiss.  It is also revealed later in the book that Mrs. Wells' continually has new boyfriends and Mr. Wells conveniently ignores this problem in their marriage.

There are a few more in the series and I will probably read and review them as I enjoy English mysteries.

Milton Hershey by Jane Sutcliffe*

History Maker-Bio
This short five chapter biography reveals how Milton was raised, how he struggled to become successful and how he handled success.  A wonderful overview of his life which reveals many of his admirable character traits.
I read this aloud to my boys on the way to Hershey Park. We enjoyed discussing facts about his life and his characters traits of perseverance, determination and generosity.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Pair with Chocolate A Sweet History by Sandra Markle

The Flood of Noah by Bodie Hodge and Laura Welch illustrated by Bill Looney*

An interactive book (lift the flap, spinning wheels, pulling tabs, mini books etc.) reveal that many nations have flood legends on every continent except Antarctica.
Teaching idea: We read this as part of our homeschool curriculum.  Each day the boys picked a legend which I read.  Then they checked off the elements the legend shares with the Genesis flood on a chart I had created.  The completed chart reinforces how the whole world flood legend is part of many cultures.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book (bought it at the Creation museum).