The Buried City of Pompeii by Shelley Tanaka illustrated by Greg Ruhl*

I read this aloud to my boys to support our study of Ancient Rome.
Readers experience Ancient Roman life and the day Mt. Vesuvisus erupted by witnessing Eros's, the steward of the large house of the Menander, daily routine and his reaction to the eruption.
Interspersed throughout the book are photographs and text boxes of archaeological findings where Pompeii used to stand.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall**

This series is my all time favorite.  Ms. Birdsall creates such in depth, believable characters and integrates humor and a delightful plot.
The fifth and final book focuses on eleven year old Lydia, who is finally going to see the famous Arundel her sisters have lauded all of these years.  One of her sisters has decided to have her wedding there.  As the Penderwicks pour onto the Arundel grounds, they notice some of the scenery and people have changed, but the magic still exists.
Lydia makes a new friend and astonishes her siblings with her ability to interact with the horrible Mrs. Tifton without trembling!  Ms. Birdsall offers a peek into Batty's  future, although not conclusively, just enough to satisfy.
When I read the Penderwicks books, I want to join in their adventure, their laughter and well . . .be part of their family.  This last book does not disappoint.  The only disappointment is that the adventures with the Penderwicks has ended.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi DVD*

Ms. Bogart, founder of Brave Writer, recommended some movies for her movie club this summer, and this documentary was one of them.
Jiro's childhood, his techniques and his relationship with his two sons are explored in this fascinating movie.
Subtitles did not detract from the enjoyment factor. 
Rated PG (mild thematic elements  and brief smoking)
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

All the Animals Where I Live by Philip C. Stead

Mr. Stead shares with readers the various animals he sees in his new rural home.  He briefly contrasts them with the creatures he spied in the city.  He weaves in memories of his sweet grandma.
A quiet, gentle book that exalts memories and observations.
It is not a narrative story.
Strategy: inferring
-Borrowed from the library.

Red Again by Barbara Lehman

A sequel to The Red Book
This wordless book reveals the adventures found within a simple red book.
Children from faraway places are united.
Strategies: inferring; predicting
-Borrowed from the library.

Ranger's Apprentice #8: The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan

My eleven year old is reading this series to himself.
Halt, Will and Horace investigate a neighboring kingdom, Clonmel.  Its leaders are promising defense against marauders in exchange for riches.  Something sinister is bubbling.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
The library labels it "young adult".

Lion in the Gateway by Mary Renault

The Heroic Battles of the Greeks and Persians at Marathon, Salamis, and Thermopylae
In narrative form, Ms. Renault focuses on the various individuals involved in the Greek/Persian Battles, imitating the ancient historian Herodotus.  Using this writing method, she brings history alive!
I started reading this book aloud to my boys when we were studying Persia and Greece and specifically these battles.  Unfortunately, my eight year old did not find it interesting so I exclusively read it aloud to my eleven year old.  As a result, its completion took months and made our comprehension rather disjointed. 
-We own this book.

Shakespeare Insult Generator by Barry Kraft

In preparation for our study of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, I checked out this hilarious Shakespeare insult generator.  With 162 movable cards, the reader can create insults with words Shakespeare used in his works, or even invented.  The definition for each word is defined on the back. 
I am still contemplating if I want to buy this book since a few of the words are inappropriate for my boys' ages.
*Highly recommend for teenagers and adults.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech*

I read this sequel to Love That Dog aloud to my boys each morning.  They said they liked this book better than Love That Dog!
Jack is blessed to have Miss Stretchberry again as a teacher!!  She, of course, continues to incorporate poetry into the school days.  Over the course of the book, Jack develops into a more confident poet and writer and changes his mind about cats.  We also learn more about his mother.
A delightful novel which introduces children to the joy of poetry.
Once again, Ms. Creech includes the actual poems from well known poets in the back.  These poems are the ones Miss Stretchberry shares with her class and the ones that inspire Jack.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.

Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner*

Ruby Clyde wakes up on her 12th birthday in the back of mother's boyfriend's car.  He holds up a convenience store and is arrested.  Ruby's mother is also arrested.  Ruby and her stolen pig, Bunny, hide in the bushes outside the convenience store.   The next morning Ruby makes her way to her Aunt Eleanor's ranch.  Aunt Eleanor is a nun and very stoic.  Over time a solid relationship develops between the two, and in the end Aunt Eleanor  demonstrates sacrificial love.
I was a little sad at the conclusion of the book.  I wonder what will become of Aunt Eleanor.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss/warnings: one swear word; abandonment; stealing/hold up; cancer; lying

Ranger's Apprentice #7 Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan*

My eleven year old is reading this series to himself and thoroughly enjoys it.
Will must endure the challenges of the desert to free a Skandian leader Erak. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
The library has it labeled "young adult".

Spend the Day in Ancient Rome by Linda Honan illustrated by Ellen Kosmer*

The author introduces the reader to two siblings, Julia and Marcus, who reside in Ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The reader experiences Roman cultural and life style through these siblings' experiences.
Lots of activities/crafts are  included.  I used this book mostly for its ideas about Roman food/feasts.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Rosetown by Cynthia Rylant*

Rosetown, Indiana is a stable, comforting town, even during the 1970's.  Nine year old Flora loves its dependability.  When her parents separate, her dog dies and her fourth grade assignments overwhelm, the reliable town and its inhabitants (especially a new friend) help her endure the changes. 
Ms. Rylant really develops the characters and setting.  Readers who love action filled plots may not enjoy this book.  Yet Ms. Rylant's superb writing may just draw them into Flora's life and Rosetown.  I have found myself thinking about this book and the lovely town days after reading.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: martial issues/separation; 1970's (environmental movement vs. pesticides and saving endangered species)
 

Polycarp The Crown of Fire by William Chad Newsom*

My eleven year old read this book to himself to support his study of Ancient Rome during the time of Christian persecution. 
Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, choose to follow Christ no matter what.  Although he never met Christ, he was a disciple of Apostle John.
This book offers a lot of details about his life and the people with whom he interacted and influenced.
Strategies: monitoring reading/check for understanding (The story is not always told chronologically.).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place The Hidden Gallery #2 by Maryrose Wood illustrated by Jon Klassen

Read by Katherine Kellgren
We listened to this book on CD and thoroughly enjoyed the language, the humor and the suspense.
Ms. Kellgren reads with such expression and has voices for all the characters that I have no desire to read this series aloud to my boys!  Her read aloud talent takes this story to whole different level!

Penelope, the governess, takes the Incorrigible children to London, hoping to fill their days with educational and cultural trips.  When a gypsy exclaims "the hunt is on" and her beloved head mistress meets her in a secretive restaurant and shares some disturbing information, Penelope realizes she has a additional role besides an educator-protector of the children. 
Penelope also begins to make connections between Lord Ashton's odd behavior and the full moon and her mysterious past and the children's origins.
Although the story line and plot are superb, I almost like this book more for its sophisticated writing and witty references.  My husband even enjoyed listening to this book and was impressed with the writing. 
 My boys have been studying Latin and Ancient History and were able to make many connections to the Incorrigibles' learning!
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Happy Endings by Robin Pulver illustrated by Lynne Rowe Reed*

A Story About Suffixes
My eight year old and I enjoyed this book together as we revisited Mr. Wright and his students to review suffixes.
It is at the end of the school year and the students are finished learning.  Mr. Wright, however, wants to fit in one more lesson about suffixes.
All the suffixes in the book are highlighted.  This book that will appeal to visual learners.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling*

Aven was born without arms.  Her adoptive parents, however, do not pity her and challenge her to be independent.  When she and her parents move from Kansas to Arizona so her father can manage a theme park, Aven faces new challenges as she interacts with a new community.  She befriends a boy with Tourette Syndrome who allows his disability to limit his life experiences. 
Aven uncovers a shed with mysterious contents and begins to unravel a mystery that may give her a better understanding of herself.
I like how this book allows readers to "hear" how individuals with disabilities are affected by people and their reactions.
Pair with book Wonder by R. J. Palacio.
*Highly recommend.

Alabama Spitfire The Story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird by Bethany Hegedus illustrated by Erin McGuire*

A delightful picture book sharing information about Nelle Harper Lee's childhood in Monroeville, Alabama and her adult life in New York City.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Lola Dutch by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright*

Lola Dutch is  bit too much!  Her energy and creativity cause much chaos and action in a single day.
A very likable character.
Famous artists and their art are integrated into the story.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
--More books in this series will be published.

The Case of the Incapacitated Capitals by Robin Pulver illustrated by Lynn Rowe Reed

The capitals in Mr. Wright's class are withering from neglect.  When the students write a letter to the principal, capital mistakes abound.  The emergency medical crew saves the day.
My eight year old and I read this book together to reinforce correct use of capitals.
-Borrowed from the library.

Behind the Mask A Book About Prepositions by Ruth Heller*

With vibrant illustrations and clever phrasing, Ms. Heller explains the correct use of prepositions.
My eleven year old read this book to himself to reinforce his grammar study.
We will revisit this book next school year since Ms. Heller incorporates a lot of valuable information in a short book.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Show; Don't Tell! Secrets of Writing by Josephine Nobisso illustrated by Eva Montanari

Through the dialogue interactions of various animal characters, the author shares the importance of using exact words and revealing the ideas in one's imagination. 
I read this aloud to my boys so we could discuss further how vital it is to show and not just tell when they write.  I, however, found the book too wordy.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Curious Collection of Cats by Betsy Franco illustrated by Michael Wertz

Concrete poems that celebrate cats
A must read for cat lovers!
-Borrowed via Inter Library Loan (my county library system does not own it).

Pinky Pye by Eleanor Estes illustrated by Edward Ardizzone*

I read this book aloud to my boys for our bedtime read aloud from my personal copy when I was ten years old! 😊
The Pye family travels with the father, an ornithologist, to Fire Island, NY for the summer so he can observe unusual birds there. The unexpected occurs . . father fractures his leg; a new kitten joins the family who can type; H. Hiram Bish, a famous ornithologist who just lost a famous owl visits a few days and something in the eaves has captured Gracie's (the old cat) attention.
We especially enjoyed Pinky's antics!
The Epilogue especially made us chuckle!
My eight year old now wants me to read Ginger Pye.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.

Absolutely Lucy by Ilene Cooper illustrated by Amanda Harvey*

My eight year old read this book to himself and really enjoyed it.
Bobby is an introvert and does not have many friends.  As a birthday gift, his parents give him a beagle which he names Lucy.  Lucy is outgoing, and as a result, she literally pulls Bobby into many friendships!
Sweet story.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Stink Hamlet and Cheese #11 by Megan McDonald illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds*

My eight year old read this book to himself.  This is his review:
It is spring break. Sophie is going   Shakespeare camp.  Stink isn't going to any camp so he goes to the camp but he doesn't know that Riley Rottenburger is going to be there!
A note from mom:Warning- One reason Stink wants to go to the camp is because Sophie tells them they are allowed to swear (really Shakespearean insults). 

Library on Wheels-Mary Lemist Titcomb and America's First Bookmobile by Sharlee Glenn*

As Ms. Glenn, the author, was researching for a book about America's first library, she discovered a minute reference to Mary Titcomb.  Intrigued, she investigated this unknown pioneer of the bookmobile and decided to write a book about her instead!
Lots of photographs of the time period and from Ms. Titcomb's life adorn the pages.  Although very informative, the text is not too challenging and accessible to elementary readers.
The author even raised money for headstones of both Mary and her sister Lydia. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.