Ridiculous Riddles by Cyl Lee*

My eight year old enjoyed trying to figure out these riddles.
Lots of fun!
A perfect book for a reluctant reader.

Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race by Chris Grabenstein**

Audio-CD book
read by Jesse Bernstein
We thoroughly enjoyed this third "Lemoncello" book.
Kyle and his fellow trustees are placed in pairs to find specific facts about various historical figures.  As they race across the United States, they discover some disturbing information about Mr. Lemoncello.  Is he truly the honorable man he portrays? 
Kyle and his friends utilize the fact finding skills they have learned to uncover the truth about Mr. Lemoncello.
I really like how this book points out the importance of finding reliable sources and to double check facts with other sources (It also points out very clearly that just because one reads it on the internet does not mean it is true!).
**Highly, highly recommend.  We liked this book a lot better than the second book.
-Borrowed from the library.

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

With his distinct art, Mr. Wildsmith recounts the Exodus story, beginning with the Hebrews as slaves in Egypt and continuing until the Israelites reach Canaan. 
My eight year old read this during reading to support our study of Moses this week.
I like how the end pages display the 10 Commandments.
-Borrowed from the library.

Give Your Child the World by Jamie C. Martin*

Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time
Mrs. Martin offers tips on how families can expand their children's thinking beyond their town and  to contemplate globally. 
Then, by region, she lists books that will transport you and your family to that country.  Within each category she divides the books into age groups.
One of the features of the book I appreciate the most is the index!  It is one of the best indexes I have seen in a reference book.  The indexes she includes are: 1. author   2. country/region   3.  historical
4. title
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Although, Jamie is a Christian and a homeschooling mom, she does not focus on those attributes about herself and remains focused on the intention of the book.

Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote The Cat in the Hat by Judy Sierra illustrated by Kevin Hawkes*

I absolutely loved this book!  Ms. Sierra reveals Dr. Seuss' writing process in The Cat in the Hat in a fun manner which will appeal to his young fans. 
The illustrations portray Dr. Seuss' illustrating style and add whimsy and delight to this biography.
A must -have in an elementary classroom library!
After reading this book I had a whole new appreciate for Dr. Seuss and his diligence in writing books for beginning readers.
Mentor text for: editing, writing process

Remembering Vera by Patricia Polacco

Ms. Polacco shares the story of Vera, a coast guard dog with whom she interacted two times in her life.  From the time she was a puppy and full of energy to the time she was weak and near death, the Coast Guard gentlemen adored her. 
Ms. Polacco writes about two rescues Vera performs which will win the readers' hearts.
-Borrowed from the library.

Birches by Robert Frost illustrated by Ed Young*

Mr. Young breaks up Mr. Frost's poem into small chunks for illustration purposes.
The muted hues reflect the mood birches offer.
This poem celebrates the beauty and flexibility of birches and correlates their characteristics to how we are to live life.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

You Wouldn't Want to be Tutankhamen! by David Stewart illustrated by David Antram*

A Mummy Who Really Got Meddled With
I read aloud a few pages each day this week to this boys as part of study of Ancient Egypt.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Tut's Mummy Lost . . . and Found by Judy Donnelly illustrated by James Watling with photographs

Step into Reading A Step 4 Book Grades 2-3
My eight year old and I read this aloud together during reading to support our study on Ancient Egypt.
Although the text is easy enough for younger readers to read and comprehend, it includes all necessary and interesting facts about King Tut's discovery.  Viewing photographs of King Tut's actual throne and possessions was really incredible!
 Even though this book's reading level was on the easy side for my son, it was perfect one to focus on practicing figuring out main idea/details for each chapter.
Strategy: main idea/details
-Borrowed from the library.

Martin Luther by Eric Metaxas*

Sadly, this 446 page book is due and I cannot renew it before I finish reading it (am on pg. 173).  Fortunately, I bought this book via Focus on the Family and will continue reading it once it arrives.
Mr. Metaxas once again has written a thoroughly researched biography accurately depicting an individual whose life has impacted mankind and Christianity. 
Even though I am less than halfway into reading it, I am already learning how my thinking about Luther and reformation is erroneous. 
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Cat Mummies by Kelly Trumble illustrated by Laszlo Kubinyi

A fascinating read about the city of Bubastis and Egypt's worship of cats.
Lovely illustrations too.
My ten year old selected this book to read to himself during reading in conjunction with our study of Ancient Egypt.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

National Geographic Kids Everything Ancient Egypt by Crispin Boyer with Egyptologist James P. Allen*

A detailed book about various Egyptian rulers and culture of Egyptian.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Hatshepsut: His Majesty, Herself by Catherine M. Andronik illustrated by Joseph Daniel Fiedler

A biography about a successful WOMAN pharaoh.
Some scholars believe she was the princess who raised Moses.
-Borrowed from the library.

Nefertiti The Mystery Queen by Burnham Holmes

Told from her point of view, Queen Nefertiti shares facts about her mysterious life.
The tone and format of this book make history very accessible to elementary and junior high students.
-Borrowed from the library.

Balderdash! by Michelle Markel illustrated by Nancy Carpenter*

John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books
This book explains how John Newbery perceived the need for books that would appeal to children and how he pursued publishing books and magazines just for them.
Very interesting! I liked being able to share with my boys the man behind the prestigious book award!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Different by Sally Clarkson and Nathan Clarkson*

The Story of an Outside-the Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him
A mother and son share how each one has dealt with the son's OCD, ODD and ADHD throughout his childhood and into his adulthood.  The chapters focus on a single event with the perspective of Nathan and then Sally revealed about that event.
Both Sally and Nathan are genuine about their struggles and offer hope and encouragement to any child and parent who is struggling with mental disorders.
I so admire Sally's tenacity and love for her son even when he pushed her beyond exhaustion.  Her faith in and dependence on God are exhibited in her reactions and how she handled each situation.
Nathan's love for God and willingness to be vulnerable is inspiring.
An incredible story!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning: One section discusses a struggle with pornography.

Here is a link to a video which features Sally and Nathan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE5AtROoKAE



Here is a link

The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell

My mother in law's sister was cleaning out her grown children's books and gave this series to my ten year old.  He is really enjoying the series and is currently reading book #4.  He, however, cannot read them at night since they are a bit scary (to him).
The stories take place on floating rock which is anchored to land with a massive chain.  Twig, the main character, is a sky pilot and encounters danger and adventure in each book.
-My ten year old owns the entire series (#1-6).

The Story of the World Activity Book One: Ancient Times by Susan Wise Bauer

Tons of ideas and activities.
If I see this for sale somewhere, I will purchase it as a supplement for our current history curriculum.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Mystery of History by Linda Lacour Hobar

My boys and I are currently using Biblioplan for our History and Reading curriculum.  If I see The Mystery of History for sale somewhere I will buy it as a supplement.  I like how Mrs. Hobar includes all activities/reviews/test questions in one volume.  She also writes in a fun, engaging manner.  Not many pictures or photographs are included (compare to Biblioplan).  The literature selections/suggestions are sparse compared to Biblioplan.
-Borrowed from the library.

Latin Dr. Seuss *

I was able to borrow two Dr. Seuss books written in Latin from state's library system.  When my boys have studied another year of Latin, I may check them out again.
-Borrowed via interlibrary loan.
*Highly recommend.
The Cat in the Hat in Latin (Cattus Petasatus) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Latin-(Quomodo Invidiosulus Nomine Grinchus Christi Natalem Abrogaverit)

Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary*

My eight year old is loving these stories about Henry and Ribsy.  This series is all he wants to read to himself these days.
Henry and Ribsy find themselves in many predicaments.  My son especially gushed over the last chapter when Henry caught a 29 pound Chinook with his bare hands!  This type of book appeals to my son-a boy and his dog and fishing!
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: O (3rd grade)

Pocket Poems Selected by Bobbi Katz illustrated by Marylin Hafner*

I read poetry aloud to my two sons each morning before we officially begin school.  We enjoyed this anthology of poetry which contains a wide variety of poems by various poets.
Some made us laugh; others made us consider the beauty of words and the world.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this anthology.

Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

My sons and I love the Mercy Watson books and recently the expansion series-Tales from Deckawoo Drive.
When my eight year old and I saw the latest one displayed at our library, we quickly checked it out.  My eight year old read it in two sittings and loved it!
Eugenia, who is a rather sour elderly lady, receives an accordion in the mail one day.  Will the accordion bring a smile to this dour lady's face?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Temple Cat by Andrew Clements illustrated by Kate Kiesler*

All of his life servants have taken care of the Temple Cat's every need.  He,  however, longs for freedom.  One night he escapes and finds true happiness with a lowly fisherman and his children.
My son and I read this together for his reading.  Again, it was on a the easy side for him, but he enjoyed the delightful plot and the fact it was about a cat!
As we read, we inferred, asked questions and recorded the plot.
I liked how the sweet story exposes young readers to a time period in history.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via intralibrary loan (not available in my regular county library system).

Egyptian Gods and Goddesses by Henry Barker illustrated by Jeff Crosby*

All Aboard Reading Level 2 (Grades 2-3)
My son and I read this together for his reading to integrate our Egyptian study.  Although this book was an "easy" book for him, it was a great review of all we have learned this week (at the museum and through other books). 
I like how this book is written on an easy level yet it contains tons of information about Ancient Egypt.  It provides younger readers an opportunity to read and learn about a fascinating time in history, independently.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

You Wouldn't Want to be a Pyramid Builder! by Jacqueline Morley illustrated by David Antram*

I read a few sections a day to my boys as part of our Egypt study.
Humorous and fascinating facts!
Excellent series for reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Mummies Made in Egypt by Aliki*

"An oldie but a goodie"
I read this aloud to my boys as part of our study of Ancient Egypt.
The book focuses on how the Egyptians mummified their deceased but includes other aspects of the culture.  The details about the mummification process were superb.
After reading this book. we followed the steps in making a mummy by using a plastic doll from the dollar store.  We also mummified an apple (an ongoing experiment) and made our own canopic jars.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Raisel's Riddle by Erica Silverman illustrated by Susan Gaber**

My eight year old and I read this together for reading.  We connected it to the other cultural Cinderellas we have read in the last couple of days.  We LOVED this one!  My son asked me if I was going to buy it  . . it is going on the "to buy" list!

Raisel is raised by her scholarly grandfather in small rural village.  When he dies, she travels to a nearby city to find employment.  A rabbi gives her work, but the malicious cook treats her poorly.  At the feast of Purim, Raisel overhears riddles the guests are sharing with the Rabbi's son.  Then, because of her kindness, Raisel is given the opportunity to attend the Purim play and wins this son's heart.
A wonderful story which celebrates the Jewish culture.
Takes place in Poland.
My son and I especially liked the clever riddles
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

After the Fall by Dan Santat

How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again
Mr. Santat takes a deeper look into the psyche of Humpty Dumpty and how he resolves his fear of heights and conquers it.
A good book to read to someone who is trying to conquer a fear.
-Borrowed from the library.
 

The Golden Sandal by Rebecca Hickox illustrated by Will Hillenbrand*

Maha, who lives in Iraq with her fisherman father, longs to have a mother after her own mother dies.  Eventually her father remarries and the stepmother and stepdaughter, of course, treat her cruelly.  When Maha rescues a talking red fish from being eaten, the fish promises to help her whenever she needs assistance.  Years later he provides her the opportunity to attend a bride's henna which sets up a series of events leading to her future husband.
I loved all of the cultural aspects integrated into this story.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Strategies: text to text connections, compare/contrast
Teaching idea: Have students read a variety of cultural Cinderella stories and compare them.

The Egyptian Cinderella by Shirley Climo illustrated by Ruth Heller*

Since we are studying Ancient Egypt, we read this book together  and also read another Cinderella tale from Iraq (The Golden Sandal) since we had just studied Mesopotamia to bring the two units sort of together.
We compared and contrasted the two stories.
The Egyptian Cinderella is one the oldest Cinderella stories and contains some fact!  Rhodopis, the heroine, is a real person who was a Greek slave and eventually marries Pharaoh Amasis from the 26th Dynasty.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Strategy: text to text connections, compare contrast
Teaching suggestion: Have students read a variety of cultural Cinderella stories and compare them.

Seeker of Knowledge by James Rumford

The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs
At the age of seven Jean-Francois Champollion was already intrigued by Egypt.  As he grew, he continued to be passionate about Egypt and vowed to decipher the hieroglyphs and visit this mysterious land.  He fulfilled all of his dreams but he died at a young age.
I liked how the author zooms in on Jean-Francois' passion and persistence.
I read this aloud to my boys as part of our study of Ancient Egypt.
The illustrations resemble Monet or French impressionist. 

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary*

My eight year old read this book in just a couple of days and loved it!
Each chapter contains mini adventures about Henry and his new dog Ribsy (from raising guppies to digging up 1, 330 night crawlers to a pink Ribsy).
-We own this book.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: O (3rd grade)
GRE: 4.2

Pyramid by David Macaulay *

Step by step Mr. Macaulay demonstrates how the Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids.
Fascinating and well explained and illustrated.
Glossary included.
My ten year old read this as part of history unit.  He liked reading it because he likes understanding how things are built and how things work.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

We're Sailing Down the Nile by Laurie Krebs and Anne Wilson*

Although we are studying Ancient Egypt, I had my eight year old read this simple, rhyming book because it had a fabulous map of the Nile and cities and historical sites situated along it.
The bulk of the reading is in the back with tons of information about gods, time periods, social classes, occupations, pyramids, mummies, hieroglyphs and lots more.  It was interesting too to read about the Aswan Dam.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Above and Below by Patricia Hegarty and Tanera Simons illustrated by Hanako Clulow

Explore the world's diverse habitats.  Each habitat has a lift the flap page.
An introductory paragraph offers an overview of the habitat.  Additional facts about plants, trees and animals are written alongside whimsical illustrations.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Reading Promise-My Father and the Books We Shared by Alice Ozma*

With humor and honesty, Alice shares how, from the time she was in fourth grade until the day she leaves for college, she and her father do not miss a night of reading together.
The book is also a tribute to her father who raised her as a single parent and who was a fabulous children's librarian in the public school.  Towards the end it focuses a bit on public education and its disregard for books and reading aloud.
This book was a treat to read as Alice divulges with wit and a delightful writing style the ups and downs of her childhood.
**Highly, highly recommend to those who love reading, reading aloud, children and books.
-Borrowed from the library.
**I first heard about Alice Ozma on Read Aloud Revival podcast by Sarah Mackenzie.  https://amongstlovelythings.com/

Bill and Pete to the Rescue by Tomie de Paola*

Bill the crocodile and his toothbrush Pete ( a plover bird) travel to Louisiana to help Bill's cousin escape from the "Bad Guy's" brother.
Adventures and excitement abound in this third book about Bill and Pete.
My eight year old read it to himself.  He read all of the Bill and Pete books in one day!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile by Tomie de Paola*

My eight year old and I read this book together for our Ancient Egypt unit.  It was perfect . . .earlier today in history we talked about some the sights Bill and Pete see along the Nile.
Bill and his toothbrush Pete (a plover bird) love school.  This year they are learning about Egypt and the River Nile.  To culminate their study, their teacher takes the class (all crocodiles) down the River Nile to see the sights.  Then Bill and Pete recognize a man . . . The Bad Guy!  Can these two outsmart him once again?
Strategies: Plot; character traits
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Bill and Pete by Tomie de Paola*

My eight year old read this book to himself and thought it was a fun read!
Bill is a crocodile who lives along the Nile.  Pete, a plover bird, is his friend and toothbrush (plover birds cleaning crocodile's teeth is apparently a myth according to a zoologist's blog).
When Bill is captured by the "Bad Guy", Pete proves to be even more useful!
Exciting and fun!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

National Geographic-Voices of Ancient Egypt by Kay Winters illustrated by Barry Moser*

I read this book of poetry to my boys as part of our routine before school.  Each of us looked forward to it!  I am so glad I found this poem book at the local used bookstore.  What a find!

Each poem features a different worker in Ancient Egypt, sharing details about their daily tasks and how they contribute to the success of Egypt's economy.  The titles of the poems are in English and in hieroglyphics.  In the back the author explains the workers' role in more detail.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw*

*A Newbery Honor book
I read this book aloud to my boys as part of our history curriculum.  We enjoyed this exciting book!
Ranofer's father, a goldsmith, has died and now Ranofer lives with his half brother Gebu who is a stone mason.  Gebu is harsh, beating him when he is displeased and providing minimal food for Ranofer.  Eventually Gebu forces Ranofer to work for him, spending the day completing difficult, mindless tasks at the stone cutter shop.
Then Gebu begins to act suspiciously.  Ranofer and his friends, Heqet and the Ancient, investigate and find themselves in a very dangerous situation.  Will anyone believe their discovery?
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: V (5th grade)
Warning: Gebu physically abuses Ranofer.

The Skull Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta illustrated by Ralph Masiello*

What an unique alphabet book!  My sons and I loved it!
With text and picture clues, the reader needs to figure out what animal skull is being depicted.  Presidents' head shots are hidden in the illustrations.  One page reveals the correct answers, but they are also hidden in the illustration.
Lots of fun to read together!  The reader also learns a lot about skulls. :-)
Mentor text: writing own alphabet books
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Dinosaur Cove #5 Catching the Velociraptor by Rex Stone*

Tom and Jamie follow a velociraptor that has stolen Jamie's lunch and Fossil Finder.  They find themselves in danger when they run into a raptor den!
My eight year is reading this series.  They are so exciting that he reads them in one sitting!
This series was originally published in Britain (24 titles).  Unfortunately, the United States has published only #1-9.
Perfect series for reluctant readers and boys.
Point to discuss: evolutionary viewpoints
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Purloining of Prince Olemargarine by Mark Twain and Philip Stead illustrated by Erin Stead

Mr. Stead took Mark Twain's notes from a story he told his daughters at bedtime and expanded it into a full story.  Mr. Stead inserts imaginative conversations he had with Twain too.
Johnny only knows of despair and when he eats a magical seed, his life is transformed, but not how he imagined it would be!
Points to discuss: Charles Darwin is mentioned a couple of times.  A comment is made that is history is lies or exaggerated.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this peculiar story!
The illustrations are lovely.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Quest for Z by Greg Pizzoli

A fascinating biography about Percy Fawcett who was convinced there was a magnificent city to be discovered in the Amazon.  Unfortunately, when he, his son and his son's friend, searched for it, they never returned. 
-Borrowed from the library.

Myths of the World-The Ancient Mesopotamians by Virginia Schomp*

As we studied the Mesopotamians, we read a myth from their culture each day.  The myths included: The Origins of the World and the Gods; The Origins of Humanity; The Great Flood; Adapa and the South Wind; Inanna Descends to the Underworld; and  The Epic of Gilgamesh.
Part 1 includes information about the Mesopotamians.  We only read Part 2 (the myths).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via interlibrary loan (not available in my county).

Charlie Anderson by Barbara Abercrombie illustrated by Mark Graham*

A cat travels between two homes without his owners realizing it!
Strategy: asking questions
Point to discuss: The girls have divorced parents.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen*

Winner of the Caldecott Medal
A small fish steals a hat from a large fish.  Will the large fish notice it is missing?
Simple text but it evokes a lot of questions.  Perfect book for modeling "asking questions" strategy.
Humorous too!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Words by Christoph Niemann

A very interesting little, thick book!
Each page has a simple word on the bottom with an illustration depicting it.  Some of the words on the pages side by side go together to make a phrase; others are opposites. Some pairings display how the same spelling of a word can be a different part of speech (like lean (adj) vs. lean (verb)).  I especially liked the illustrations for woebegone and effervescent.
 Most of the words are simple but a few will expand older readers vocabulary-collywobbles, scintilla and Brobdingnagian.  Their meanings can be inferred via the pictures.