The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell

Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard
Kristin Schell wanted to connect with her neighbors and offer true hospitality (not entertainment) in her home, but with her busy schedule she felt like she could not squeeze in one more pursuit.  Then when Lowe's delivered two picnic tables for a party she was hosting, God blessed her with the idea of placing one of them in her front yard.  Instead of spending time outside in their backyard, Kristin and her family hang out in the front yard at the table.  As a result they have met the people residing in their neighborhood and have been able to minister to many different people.
In this book Kristin offers practical, easy advice how to begin this mindset in whatever neighborhood one lives.  Recipes and action plans abound!
-Borrowed from the library.
I first heard about this idea when Focus on the Family featured her on their radio broadcast.

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan-Audio version

I had already read this wonderful novel months ago but Sarah Mackenzie raved how amazing it was to hear via audio so I borrowed this audio so my boys (and husband) could enjoy it.  I now agree with Mrs. Mackenzie that the audio brings this already incredible book to a whole new level.
Each of the four characters' stories is narrated by different individuals.  The music mentioned throughout the book is actually played or sung within the narration.
Four individuals are impacted by music and a harmonica.  Without realizing it,  their choices and their courage affects the other characters' lives.  Most of the stories take place during World War II and come full circle at the end. Very cleverly executed.
Narrators: Mark Bramhall, David De Uries, Macleod Andrews, and Rebecca Soler.
Music by Corky Siegel.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood*

From a previous master, Widge was trained to write in a coded shorthand.  Now his new master, Mr. Bass, has commanded him to steal Shakespeare's Hamlet play by copying it in this code.  When Widge attends the play, however, he is caught up in the story and its characters that he forgets to copy most of it.  He returns to attempt the copying once more, but is swept away in the story a second time!  A disaster occurs and he is discovered . . . but given the chance to be trained as a players!  For the first time he has a group of people who treat him with respect; he has friends; and a home with good food and a soft bed.  Will he betray the people he is beginning to love?
A very exciting story that immerses the reader into this time in history and what life was like at the Globe.
The library has it categorized as "young adult" -a few swear words; violence.
*Highly recommend.
Part of a trilogy. 
-Borrowed from the library.

Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg*

When Annie Taylor's charm school attendance declines,  she devises a plan to earn some money.  She designs a barrel and announces she will travel over Niagara Falls in it.  At age 62 years old, she is successful, but unfortunately when she and her manager travel around the country sharing her story, people became disinterested because of her age.  Her manager (and her second manager) steal her barrel and she never earns the money she had hoped.
An amazing but sort of sad story.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Action Bible God's Redemptive Story illustrated by Sergio Cariello General Editor Doug Mauss*

I gave this Action Bible to my now eight year old son one and a half years ago for Christmas after a good friend of mine recommended it.
My boys loved when I read this Bible aloud and would beg for one more story.
When I had a long term sub position teaching 5th grade recently, I brought this into my classroom for kids to read at their leisure.  It was rarely left on the display table where I had placed it.  Usually a student was reading it.
The stories are accurate and are not simplified. 
**Highly, highly recommend (especially for boys and reluctant readers).
-We own this Bible.

Grump The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff*

Grump, a dwarf, longs to live on The Surface.  He panics if he must go deep under the earth which is atypical for the mining occupations dwarves always have!  To his horror,  he is assigned to the crew which is digging at the deepest point out of their colony.  Adding to his misery, he is the seventh dwarf of the crew.  The seventh dwarf must do whatever anyone else commands him/her to do. 
Then one day he escapes to the surface to find himself under the command of the wicked stepmother/queen of Snow White. 
What does Grump long for the most?  A friend. 
The reader will relate to Grump's longing to be understood, to have a friend and to be appreciated for who he is.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

I read this aloud to my boys (we own the other titles in this series) and we all enjoyed it!

The Treasure Chest #9 Leonardo Da Vinci: Renaissance Master by Ann Hood

Twins, Felix and Maisie,  travel back in time to Florence where they interact with young Leonardo Da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. 
Each time they travel to a new place in history, they learn more about the mysteries of Elm Medona (their great uncle's mansion) and their family history.
Points to discuss: The twins' parents are divorced and they are both dealing with the raw aftermath of it.  Maisie has a crush on Sandro Botticelli.
Initially I found it difficult to get into this book since I had not read the others in the series.  I found the facts about Leonardo Da Vinci and this time period fascinating.
-Borrowed from the library.

Shakespeare Retold by E. Nesbit illustrated by Antonia Javier Caparo*

With a Foreword by John Lithgow
Biography and Timeline by Mariah Fredericks
Seven of Shakespeare's works are shared in this beautifully illustrated anthology (Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Tempest, and Much Ado About Nothing).  Before each story is a cast of characters which is helpful as sometimes remembering who is who is confusing!
Warning: Although these stories have been revised for children, they still include violence, suicide and evil characters. 
I had started reading this to myself, but then my eleven year old snatched it away so he could read it!  He likes Shakespeare! His only negative comment was that he wished the versions in this collection were lengthier.  He wants more of the details.
*Highly recommend.\
-Borrowed from the library.

Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal*

With description language, Ms. Messner showcases the interesting life found in and around the pond.  A mom and her son spend the day in a boat, moving slowly across the waters, appreciating the sights, sounds and smells of the pond.

*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Timelines of World History by Jane Chisholm*

Usborne
Divided into seven sections, (The Ancient World, The Middle Ages, The 16th Century, The 17th Century, 18th Century, the 19th Century, The 20th Century) this book displays dates and events in columns, with different countries/areas in each column. 
I own a few timeline books, but I like this format/arrangement better.  It is easier to compare the different areas this way.
-Borrowed from the library (but I may buy it).
*Highly recommend.

U.S. Geography for Children-New York DVD

Produced by Schlessinger Media, a Division of Library Video Company

In this series Miguel travels to various parts of the United States.  He chats with a friend via computer, sharing all of his adventures.  This DVD's focus was on New York state.  Viewers can see the diverse landscape, land forms, and cities within this large state.  History is also included.
-Borrowed from the library.
Other DVDs in this series:
California, Florida, Michigan, Texas, The Midwest, The Northeast, The Southeast, The Southwest, The West, The State Capitals, The United States, and U.S. Commonwealth and Territories

Much Ado About Nothing For Kids by Lois Burdett*

Shakespeare Can Be Fun! series
In rhyming text, Ms. Burdett offers the humorous story about Beatrice's and Benedick's continuous sparring and Hero and Claudio's love for each other.  Don John, an evil half brother, decides to destroy the romance between the two.  Will the truth be known or will Hero and Claudio be separated for life?  Will Beatrice and Benedick fall in love?
Ms. Burdett incorporates illustrations by kids to depict the different scenes.  Kids also compose letters from one character to another character.  These letters are dispersed throughout the book.
Ms. Burdett has written seven different Shakespeare stories for kids!

My eleven year old has been picking up and reading the Shakespeare books I have lying around as I research what to use this coming school year.  He has really enjoyed all of the different stories by Shakespeare but did not care for this format (the rhyming, letters and pictures by kids).
I think my eight year old will enjoy this series, though.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Spotlight on Canada by Bobbie Kalman*

The layout of this informational book is appealing and does not overwhelm the reader.
It offers a comprehensive overview of Canada's history and cultural.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Niagara Falls by Steve Goldsworthy

North America's Largest Waterfall
Lots of interesting facts coupled with photographs make this book a great learning tool.
A "What Have You Learned?" section and a make your own waterfall activity are included.
-Borrowed from the library.

What Are the 7 Natural Wonders of the United States? by Cheryl L. Defries

Each chapter is devoted to a different natural wonder in the United States.
The location/size, description of it, animal and plant life and threats are common sections in each chapter.
A good overview of these amazing places.
-Borrowed from the library.

Maiden of the Mist by Veronika Martenova Charles

A Legend of the Niagara Falls
Ms. Charles shares this legend, basing it on a European retelling of an Iroquois legend.
A Seneca tribe lives along the Niagara River and enjoys the beauty of the land.  Then a sickness descends upon their tribe, killing even chief's wife.  His daughter, Lelawala, offers herself as a sacrifice and discovers the cause of the sickness.  She ultimately helps the tribe destroy the source of the sickness, giving her people the life they had remembered.
-Borrowed from the library.
*The Maid of the Mist is named after this legend.

A Medieval Feast by Aliki*

I read this book to prepare for our upcoming history unit.
The king has announced that he will be traveling and will stop by the lord and lady of Camdenton's Manor.  The lord rallies his serfs to prepare the house for the king and his companions (up to 100!).  They also spend days making food for a day long feast. 
The illustrations offer additional learning.
A must read for this coming school year!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Voices from the Underground Railroad by Kay Winters illustrated by Larry Day

Poems from different perspectives share about the courage various people exhibited helping slaves escape.
End pages display an escape route map.  Back of the book contains lots of additional information.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Dancing Pancake by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff*

A novel in verse
Bindi is mad at her father for leaving them.  As she and her mom try to survive under these new circumstances, Bindi learns life lessons about kindness, forgiveness and unselfishness.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: martial problems/separation; homelessness; crushes (Bindi has a crush on a boy for a short time)
-Borrowed from the library.