The Explorer by Katherine Rundell*

What a riveting book!
Fred longs for adventure but is held captive by boarding school and a workaholic father.
After a break spent in South America, he and three other children are being flown in a small plane to Manaus, Brazil where they will take a ship to Great Britain.  The pilot, however, has a heart attack; the plane crashes and catches fire.
Now each day is an adventure for the three twelve year olds- Fred, Con, Lila and five year old Max as they try to survive in the Brazilian Amazon.  As they travel, they discover clues that indicate they might not be the only humans in this part of the Amazon.
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for boys who love adventure (girls too)!
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning/points to discuss: a few d-ns; a couple of times it says Fred "curses or swears" but not the specific words; Con admits she wishes half the people she knows were dead and tries to wish it upon them.

Hieroglyphs from A to Z by Peter Der Manuelian

A simple rhyming book which shows a bit about life in Ancient Egypt and its writing system.
A pull out stencil with hieroglyphs is included.
-We own this book.

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express #4 by Megan McDonald illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds*

My eight year old read this book to himself.  He laughed out while reading this book-such a wonderful sound!
Mrs. Birdwistle owns the town pet shop and has rescued 101 guinea pigs from a science lab.  Stink and his friends help Mrs. Birdwistle find homes for the guinea pigs.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers # 3 by Megan McDonald illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds*

My eight year old read this book to himself.  This is his review.
"Stink and his friends go on a field trip to a science museum where they focus on sense of smell. They get posters for the world's most stinky sneakers contest and he wants to go to it."
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Guardians of Ga'Hoole #10 The Coming of Hoole by Kathryn Lasky*

My ten year read this book to himself.  This is his review.
"The Hagsfiends figure out that Hoole and Grank are on the Island.  They move beyond where Hoole gets the ember of Hoole and is proclaimed 'king'".
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Judy Moody and Friends April Fools', Mr. Todd by Megan McDonald illustrated by Erwin Madrid*

My eight year old read this book to himself.  Although it was an easy read for him, he thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  In fact, at one point he belly-laughed while he read!  This is his review.
"Judy's birthday is on April Fool's Day.  She wants to make a April Fool's joke on her teacher Mr. Todd.  Only one class has ever fooled him and they threw a pizza party without him knowing about it."
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Auma's Long Run by Eucabeth Odhiambo*

Auma's dream is to receive a track scholarship so she may attend high school and then pursue a medical doctor degree.  Most girls in her small Kenyan village, however, marry after year eight of school.  Auma does not have time for boys as she studies, attends track practice and helps at home. 
Auma and her siblings' world is devastated when her father returns unexpectedly from Nairobi where he works and is very ill.  He dies from AIDS and has infected his wife.  Soon Auma and her siblings are orphans trying to survive and still attend school. Are Auma's dreams of being a track star and doctor -just that-dreams?
This book really reveals how traumatizing and devastating the AIDS epidemic was in Africa.  Ms. Odhiambo grew up in Kenya in the 1980's and 1990's so she was able to write a compelling story that immerses the reader in the culture and the epidemic.
A necessary book to broaden readers' worldview. 
*Highly recommend for older readers (see warnings/points to discuss).
Warnings/points to discuss: Auma begins her menstruation cycle; Her father had a mistress in the city which was how he became infected; older men in the village try to prey on virgin/younger girls to have sexual relations; death from AIDS  *The library has this book categorized as "young adult" fiction.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Place I Called Home, The Gruber Wagon Works by Beth L. Hartman illustrated by Mallory L. Ketterer*

Beth Hartman, a local author and former teacher,  wrote from her father-in-law's perspective about spending summers at the family's wagon manufacturing business.  The story begins when Eddie, the narrator, is touring the Wagon Works after it has been moved to be featured as a museum.  As he tours the Wagon Works, he reminisces about his summers helping out his different uncles who worked there.
I like how the illustrations include the transportation of the museum too.  The illustrations are also intricate and depict the Wagon Works and local area well.
I love the end pages . . .very sturdy and brown-made me feel like I was going back in time as I opened the book.
A must read before touring this museum and during any unit when learning about early manufacturing.
Strategy: check for understanding (the narrator switches between the time when he was a boy and then in the current plot so it will require the reader to think and monitor understanding.)
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book (I know the author! 😁)


Link to newspaper article about it: http://321-rewebvarnish.newscyclecloud.com/berks-country/article/a-new-childrens-book-tells-a-personal-story-about-the-gruber-wagon-works

Stink and the Attack of the Slime Mold #10 by Megan McDonald illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds*

My eight year old read this book to himself.  This is his review.
"Stink is going to a movie and it's a movie about slime mold.  The slime mold is taking over the world.  So then he goes back home and he has a science project about slime mold.  It starts to grow.  He is worried that his slime mold will take over the world."
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: M (end of 2nd grade)
-Borrowed from the library.

Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk #7 by Megan McDonald illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds*

My eight year old read this book to himself.  This is his review.
"There is a midnight zombie walk and Stink wants to go, but he doesn't have enough money to do it because he has to buy a book too.  So he and Webster want to make some money so they can go. "
I would not recommend this book to families who find zombies and themes similar to zombies offensive.  I found some of the pictures gross.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Guardians of Ga'Hoole The First Collier #9 by Kathryn Lasky

My ten year old read this book to himself.  This is his review.
"It is full of adventure.  I really liked it. The characters are different.  A kingdom is captured by hagfiends.  The king and queen have a chick .  .. read to find out more!"
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Bartholomew's Passage by Arnold Ytreeide*

A Family Story for Advent
Bartholomew enjoys his life along the Galilee with his family and making friends in the marketplace.  Then one day the Romans barge in and capture his village.  Separated from his family, Bartholomew is sold into slavery.  When his owner orders his hands to be cut off, Bartholomew flees and is rescued by Nathan, an Essene from Qumran.  Together they journey to Qumran, dodging Roman soldiers and evil Decha of Megiddo.
Very exciting!  Bartholomew's life intersects with Jotham and Ishtar (characters from other books this author wrote).
My boys looked forward to hearing the chapter each day.  After each story for the day, there is a discussion paragraph which relates to the topic/theme of the chapter.
*Highly recommend.
The author takes some liberties with the wise men . . .he has them see the Christ as a newborn baby.  He acknowledges it (in his book Ishtar) and does this for the sake of story.
Points to discuss/warnings: The author does not shy away from the cruelty of the times.  Violence and evil men are prevalent throughout the story.  A minor character, who is kind and generous, dies.  This series may not be a good pick for extra sensitive children (and young children).
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda with Liz Welch**

How One Letter Changed Two Lives
The chapters alternate between Caitlin's and Martin's points of view.

Wow.  This story is captivating and motivating.
Caitlin was a typical twelve year old upper middle class American girl who pursued the latest fashions and cute boys.  Then her English teacher, Mrs. Miller, assigns them the task of writing to another child from a different country.  Caitlin selects Zimbabwe because it sounded unique. 
Thus begins the writing correspondence between Martin and Caitlin.

Slowly, letter by letter, Caitlin realizes that Martin lives a very different life than she does and his worries differ from her concerns drastically.  Each day he and his family wonder if they will have enough money for food and school tuition.  Soon Caitlin redirects her focuses from who is her best friend and the latest cute boy to helping Martin and his family.

The tenacity and kindness Caitlin and her family exhibit will astound and inspire the reader.  Caitlin and her family basically prevent Martin and his family from losing their home (which they share with another family) and dying of starvation.  Through great lengths they send money and care packages.  Because of their generosity, Martin was able to finish school and come to America for college and job.

**Highly, highly recommend.

The reading level is upper elementary but before giving this book to your 4th/5th grader beware of the following: Points to discuss/warning: Caitlin talks about getting "boobs"/developing; she lies occasionally; boy-crazy/many boyfriends; she and a friend leave the mall with guys they don't know to party on South St., Philly; underage drinking; her one boyfriend (and mentions her brother getting caught with it) uses pot; some swearing.

-Borrowed from a relative.

One Proud Penny by Randy Siegel illustrated by Serge Bloch

A penny shares his travels since 1983.  More information about the penny's history (and other coins) is on a couple of pages in the back.
Very interesting yet light and fun for kids.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser*

I absolutely loved this novel which celebrates large families and kindness.
The Vanderbeekers have lived in the brownstone in Harlem all of their lives, but five days before Christmas, their landlord, Mr. Breiderman, refuses to renew their lease.  The five children conspire how to change Mr. Breiderman's mind, but the outcome of each of their plans does not transpire as they imagined.
It is so refreshing to read a novel with two parents who love each other and a family who supports each other.  Their "family" also extends to the individuals living in their brownstone and their community. 
This book is a perfect one to discuss how each person has an unique story and that kindness can heal.
Perfect family read aloud.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Two more books in this series are coming in 2018 and 2019.

The Guardians of Ga'Hoole The Outcast #8 by Kathryn Lasky*

My ten year old son read this book to himself. 
Nyroc is hunted by the Pure Ones, but longs to join the Guardians of Ga'Hoole, but his family reputation prevents this relationship.
Nyroc changes his name and goes to The Beyond the Beyond.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins*

A few mornings a week I read a chapter from this book about a specific Christmas carol and then we listened to the song on Youtube.
We discovered many interesting stories behind the songs!  The Twelve Days of Christmas was the most surprising.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Arctic Lights Arctic Nights by Debbie S. Miller illustrated by Jon Van Zyle**

We absolutely loved this book!  Beginning with June 21st, the author shows the reader, month by month, how the landscape and the daylight changes in Alaska. 
We especially liked seeing what time the sunrises and sets each day. 
A very helpful glossary with terms relating to Alaska phenomenon is included.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis*

What a great combination!  This book shares what various people groups around the world believed when the amount of daylight diminished and the rituals they followed to lure back the sun.  It also explains (and gives an science activity) the science behind the lessening daylight.  A Native American story which explains why the evergreens remain green all winter is also included. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

What is a Solstice? by Gail Terp

This book thoroughly explains what a solstice and and offers more details about winter and summer solstice.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Hidden Life of a Toad by Doug Wechsler**

My sons and I leisurely read this book with wonder as we witness the changes and development in toads via magnified photographs.
Each photograph and page is labeled which day of its development it is.
**Highly, highly recommend.

More Parts by Tedd Arnold*

A boy is confused and horrified at the various expressions say that incorporate body parts.  He takes the idioms literally which creates a quite humorous book! 
I read these books aloud while the boys had their hair cut and their hair stylist enjoyed the humor immensely!!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
--We also read Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold.
Strategy: figurative language (idioms)

The Guardians of Ga'Hoole #7 The Hatchling by Kathryn Lasky*

My ten year old is reading this series.  This is his review.
"The main character, Nyroc, does not like the Pure Ones and does not want to live with them.  He flies away and is captured by the Pure Ones and brought back.  Then he flies away again and this time he escapes.  Other owls mistaken him as his evil mother Nyra.
I liked it because it has adventure and battles and other stuff that boys like."
-Borrowed from the library.

Tea with an Old Dragon by Jane Yolen illustrated by Monica Vachula

The Story of Sophia Smith, Founder of Smith College
Both the author and illustrator attended Smith College and collaborated to create this book to celebrate the eccentric founder of Smith College.
Louisa, one of Reverend John Greene's children, sees some boys running away from a dragon.  Curious, she remains along the street, awaiting the dragon.  To her disappointment, only Miss "Sophy" is traveling in her carriage.  Spunky Louisa decides to visit Miss Sophy and inquire about the dragon (not knowing the boys were calling Miss Sophy a dragon!).  Miss Sophy is taken with Louisa's boldness and offers to teach her to play piano.  A special friendship between the two individuals begins.
Although aspects of this story are fiction, Ms. Yolen integrates many truths about Sophia Smith so that one can appreciate her legacy.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hide and Seek Fog by Alvin Tresselt illustrated by Roger Duvoisin

Award winner- Caldecott Honor Book
A very descriptive book about a fog that blankets a sea village and hinders normal routine.
As I read it, I could almost feel the fog,  and I also felt like I was suffocating!
Strategy: figurative language-personification
-Borrowed from the library

Words Are CATegorical Books by Brian Cleary

Fun books that help define parts of speech.
There six books in the series (What is an Adverb?; What is an Adjective?; What is a Noun?; What is a Verb?; What is a Preposition?
A fun way to review and reinforce grammar.
-Borrowed from a relative.

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

Over Labor Day weekend, Mackenzie, aka "Mack", takes three of his children for a last summer hurrah in the form of a camping/hiking trip.  On the last day, as he is trying to rescue his son from being trapped from a capsized canoe, a serial killer takes his youngest daughter. The authorities have never found the killer's victims.  So for three years after this horrifying event "The Great Sadness" descends upon Mack and changes his view of God.
Then one winter day, in the mail, he receives a note from God, telling Mack to meet him in the shack where Missy's blood was found on the wooden floors.  Mack goes, against his earthly good judgment, and is forever transformed.
The story captivated me and made me think more about my perceptions of God and my views on forgiveness.
As I was reading, however, I encountered some viewpoints which I believe are not Biblical (no hierarchy between God, Christ and the Holy Spirit; Christ not being separated from God when he died on the cross; Salvation through Christ is muddled-to name a few).  The emotion of the story may hinder the reader from clearly seeing some of the erroneous theology.
I would NOT recommend this book, especially to new Christians.
Here is a link to a review from Focus on the Family : http://www.boundless.org/faith/2008/the-shack-a-review
-Borrowed from a friend.

Stink Solar System Superhero by Megan McDonald illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds*

My eight year old read this book to himself.  He is enjoying this series.  He laughs out loud as he reads it.  This is his review:
"The class 2B is having a debate if Pluto is a planet or not.  Riley Rottenberger went to space camp and acts like a "know it all".  Stink does not like her!"
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.