Dogku by Andrew Clements illustrated by Tim Bowers*

Mr. Clements the events of a stray dog's life as he is adopted by a sweet family . . .told entirely in haiku.
A sweet story with adorable illustrations.
My nine year old especially enjoyed this book.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Won Ton A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw illustrated by Eugene Yelchin*

Won Ton shares how he is selected from a shelter and adjusts to a new home-all in haiku!
My nine year old enjoyed this book, but liked Dogku better (just because he likes dogs better than cats!).
Unique!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein art by Ed Young

Wabi Sabi searches for the meaning behind his name.  Haiku is interspersed and helps tell the story.
Unique format.  The orientation of the book is vertical which is also unusual.
Actual Japanese haiku (in Japanese) appear decoratively on each page.  The haiku were either written by Basho or Shiki.  After the story they are translated. 
-Borrowed from the library.

Whittington by Alan Armstrong illustrated by S.D. Schindler*

-Award winning book-Newbery Honor Book
I read this book aloud to my sons.
A cat named Whittington arrives in Bernie's barn, looking for a home.  Lady, the Muscovy duck who rules the barn, decides to permit him to stay (after setting up some boundaries and deals).  As time progresses, Whittington shares his family history and also stories about a beloved historical figure, Dick Whittington. 
Bernie's grandchildren live with him and his wife.  The children soon routinely visit the barn and talk with the animals.  Eight year old Ben reveals his struggle to learn to read.  Through his sister Abby's encouragement,  through Whittington's inspiring stories and through the animals' support, Ben faces his dyslexia and gains confidence.

Mr. Armstrong weaves two story lines together-Medieval England and the  modern days at a "catch all" barn. 

The author lists all of the resources he consulted in order to write this book accurately and with credence.
Points to discuss/warning: dyslexia/learning disabilities, bullies/cruelty, Dick Whittington really checks out Mary, the woman he loves, at one part in the story-her features/body

*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Wonder DVD

We all thoroughly enjoyed this movie version of the book Wonder.
Although there were definite differences and many parts excluded, we still thought the producers did a good job staying true to the original story and including vital portions of the story.  They even switched points of view throughout the movie like R.J. Palacio did in the book!
We did not like how they left out how Auggie starts wearing his hearing aids.

Some warnings: bullies, physical fights, kissing b/t Via and her boyfriend Justin, Jack says he would kill himself if he looked like Auggie and it is revisited again in the movie (I skipped this in the book because I did not want my boys hearing about killing oneself.), Miranda's mom drinks excessively and viewers see her passed out on the couch from drinking too much, Miranda then downs the rest of the wine in the glass (underage drinking), Auggie's parents are alone without the kids and whip out the wine and proclaim to each other, "let's get drunk" and the father gives the mother a gift which one infers is lingerie, 7th graders at the camp call Auggie Jack's boyfriend (another part I skipped when reading the book aloud to my boys).

-Borrowed from the library.

Tales from Cultures Near and Far as told by Jim Weiss*

Talented Mr. Weiss entertains listeners with stories from Native American culture, Japan, Spain, China, the Arabic culture, and Senegal/West Africa.
We listened to some of the stories twice.
Most of the stories are only a few minutes long. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

D is for Dancing Dragon -A China Alphabet by Carol Crane illustrated by Zong-Zhou Wang*

A very informative book about China
A rhyme summarizes facts that begin with the letter and the outer edges contain additional information about the words for the letter.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.

Death in the Off-Season by Francine Mathews*

Merry Folger is detective on Nantucket and finds herself trying to prove herself as competent to her chief police father.  She is the detective on the scene when Rusty Mason is found dead in his brother's cranberry bog.  The Mason family is an established, wealthy one and his death causes quite a stir.  Can Merry wade through the family secrets and illegal activity to discover the true murderer? 
I thoroughly enjoyed this light read.  Well developed plot and characters.
Warnings: some swearing, a mistress to a married man is introduced (but nothing sexual is  written about it), one male character remembers his first sexual relation with his old girlfriend (nothing explicit is mentioned)
-Borrowed via Inter-Lib. Loan as my county library system does not own this series.
*Highly recommend for adults.

The Little Travelers- Japan DVD

Two sisters travel to Japan and reside there for three months with their parents.  Through their eyes and experiences, viewers witness the culture, religion and landscape of Japan.
We watched this to support an upcoming unit about Japan.
The girls are preschool age so it was a bit immature for my boys, but they did not complain and learn a few things!
This mother and her daughters visit many other countries and produce movies while they tour (the DVD series is called Little Travelers.)
-Borrowed from the library.
Recommend this for preschoolers and young elementary students.

Hanna's Cold Winter by Trish Marx illustrated by Barbara Knutson*

The main character shares how he and his family and their town save the zoo's hippos during an extremely cold winter when food was scarce because of World War II by feeding them donated straw slippers, doormats and hats. 
I liked how the author develops the family and their routines before advancing into the main story line of "saving the hippos". 
I learned that during World War II Buda and Pest were two separate towns!
The illustrations depict the time period and beauty of Hungary's architecture well.
*Based on a true story.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via Inter-Library Loan as my county library system does not own it.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio*

I first read this book when it was newly published and immediately bought it, vowing to read it aloud to my boys someday.  I think every late elementary/junior student should read this book or hear it read aloud.

August (Auggie) was born with a facial deformity and has been home schooled all of his life.  Since his genetic disorder required so many doctor visits and surgeries, he would have missed a lot of school days in the regular system.  Now that he is entering fifth grade and the need for surgeries has decreased, his parents think it is time he enrolls into school outside of the home.  Beecher Prep is their choice.
But will the students at Beecher Prep choose to see Auggie as an ordinary kid, who is just like them on the inside?
Told from different characters' points of view (but mostly Auggie's).
My boys were spellbound by this story.  We were able to discuss kindness and judging others by appearance.
Auggie's family is incredible!

Warning/points to discuss: middle school/people's cruelty (very cruel!), bullying, Via mentions a girl being "flat"/chest size (thankfully I could skip over it since I reading it aloud!), Miranda mentions smoking over the summer (again, I could skip over), Via and her boyfriend Justin kiss, some characters' parents are divorced
Pair with Ugly by Robert Hoge.
*Highly recommend.
I own this book.
I have not seen the movie yet.

P is for Pterodactyl by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter illustrated by Maria Tina Beddia*

The Worst Alphabet Book Ever -All the letters that misbehave and make words nearly impossible to pronounce.
Co-Written by Philly rapper known as Lushlife.
A very clever and fun book!
Perfect book to utilize when discussing silent letters in the classroom or with one's own child.
Thankfully, the authors include definitions and pronunciations in the "worst glossary ever".  I learned how some words are spelled and pronounced!
Warning: Some words are not ideal-psychic, ouija

Classic Starts The Adventures of Robin Hood retold from the Howard Pyle original (John Burows)

My nine year old read this to himself to support our study of Medieval History.
Engaging and accessible to young readers.
I liked the comprehension questions in the back.
-Borrowed from the library.

Earth Verse by Sally M. Walker illustrated by William Grill*

Haiku from the Ground Up 
I love when authors combine poetry and science!
The poems are categorized by earth, minerals, rocks, fossils, earthquakes, volcanoes, atmospheric/surface water, glaciers, and groundwater.
The word choice is excellent.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

If Not for the Cat by Jack Prelutsky illustrated by Ted Rand*

I found this book of haiku amusing yet powerful.
The word choice was superb.
Mentor text for word choice.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Least Things by Jane Yolen photographs by Jason Stemple*

A mother and son team!
The photographs are stunning and the haiku poems really capture the essence of the various creatures.
I liked how Ms. Yolen included a few facts about each subject matter.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Today and Today by Issa illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Mr. Karas has illustrated several of Issa's Haiku. 
The book is divided by the four seasons.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson illustrated by Garth Williams

*Award Winner- Newbery Honor Book
Armand is a content hobo in Paris.  He has his spot under the bridge and his routine.  One evening he discovers a single mother with her three young children under HIS bridge.  He is indignant and tries to distance himself from them.  Before long he finds his heart warming to the children and making them promises to ease their anxiety. 
A sweet story with wonderful ending!
Points to discuss: homelessness, gypsies/hobos (not familiar terms today)
-Borrowed from the library.

God Made All of Me by Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb illustrated by Trish Mahoney*

I heard Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb speak on Focus on the Family about preventing sexual abuse. This book provides a starting point to talk to one's children about inappropriate touch and behavior.
Although it is geared for younger kids (preschoolers- early elementary), I am going to read it to my boys (ages 9 and 12) just to help me begin conversations about sexual abuse.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via Inter-Library Loan (My county library system does not own it.)

Twas the Evening of Christmas by Glenys Nellist illustrated by Elena Selivanova

Ms. Nellist takes the familiar rhythm and form of  Twas the Night Before Christmas poem and creates one about Christ's birth.
The illustrations are sweet.
I did not like how the Wise Men visited the stable (inaccurate).
-Borrowed from the library.

Haiku by Valerie Bodden

Poetry Basics
Ms. Bodden's offers the history and the development of Haiku.
I  like reading her Poetry Basics books to gain a quick understanding of any poetry form.
-Borrowed from the library.

Basho and the River Stones by Tim Myers illustrated by Oki S. Han*

Although Mr. Myers created this story from his own imagination about Matsuo Basho, he took some elements from folklore.  Matsuo Basho, a Japanese poet, made the the hokku (haiku) into the beautiful art form it is today.
Basho lives near the Fuka River where a cherry tree produces an abundance of cherries.  Being generous, he agrees to share the cherries with the local foxes.  Over time, however, the foxes became greedy, especially one fox.  He uses his magic to trick Basho.  The deception, however, back fires and, the fox and Basho learn to respect one another.
A sweet, fun book!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Friendship War by Andrew Clements

One of my favorite chapter books is Frindle by Mr. Clements. 
Although I was not really excited about reading his newest book, (petty middle school girls!!, middle school drama etc.), I enjoyed it more than I anticipated!
Grace comes home from her grandfather's with interesting treasures ( aka junk to some people!).  What she is most excited about, however, are the buttons she discovered in an abandoned factory he recently bought.  He sends a pallet of boxes filled with buttons! 
When she takes some of the buttons to school, she accidentally begins a fad.  Unfortunately this fad causes a dispute between her and her best friend.  How can she stop an out of control fad?!
Points to discuss: unkindness in friendship, vandalism, consequences for irrational behavior, death/life after death
-Borrowed from the library

In Freedom's Cause -The Real Story of Wallace and Bruce by G. A. Henty*

The Extraordinary Adventures of G. A. Henty   Live the Adventure!
Adapted from his book, In Freedom's Cause 
Produced by Heirloom Audio Productions
Some famous actors/actresses who performed in this production: Joanne Froggatt (Downtown Abbey), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), Skandar Keynes (Chronicles of Narnia), and James Cosmo (Braveheart)
This dramatization brings to life how William Wallace and eventually King Robert the Bruce fight for Scotland's freedom.  Lots of battles and excitement!  We loved listening to it.  The producers also integrate Wallace's faith and how it was the foundation for all of his decisions.
*Highly recommend.

The Triumphant Tale of the House Sparrow by Jan Thornhill*

We maintain bluebird houses so we despise house sparrows!  Nevertheless,  this book was extremely interesting, providing the history of house sparrows and their resiliency. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: evolution and old-earth view are treated as fact.

The Lake House by Kate Morton

In 1933 the youngest child of Eleanor and Anthony Edevane, Theo, disappears.  Since he is only eleven months old at the time, the police are sure they can find him.  But there is not a trace of evidence to what happened to him. 
Seventy years later, Detective Sadie is taking a "holiday" at her grandfather Bertie's home in Cornwall when she stumbles upon the abandoned Edevane estate.  Soon she discovers the mystery surrounding the estate and begins to dig into the past.  Her investigations lead her to an isolated famous mystery author, Alice Edevane, sister to Theo.   With tenacity she pursues all clues and uncovers some unlikely connections. 
This story captivated me.  I found myself making time to read this book outside of my "normal" reading time!  Chapter by chapter, layer by layer, Ms. Morton reveals more about the plot and the characters.  Initially I had a difficult time keeping the characters and the plots straight  as Ms. Morton shifts between different character's point of view and switches between 1933-1940's and 2003.
I liked the neat, happy ending, but some readers may argue that it was too perfect. 
Ms. Morton is a superb writer.

What I did not like: a teen pregnancy, adultery (nothing explicit was written about the affair/no bedroom scenes etc.), that Eleanor claimed she loved two men (her husband and the man with whom she had the affair).
The author does not sugar coat the consequences about having an affair or of  a teen pregnancy.

She Made a Monster by Lynn Fulton illustrated by Felicita Sala

How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein
This book reveals how Ms. Shelley came up with the idea and the plot of Frankenstein.  The author also weaves in events from Ms. Shelley's childhood and her mother's (Mary Wollstonecraft) advocacy of women's rights. 
The author's note offers more insight to the time period and the original Frankenstein story. 
The illustrations are dark yet fitting.  They may creep out younger readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

I did not finish this book but wanted to post my opinions about it.
The title and the idea of a woman starting a mobile bookstore in an used van so appealed to me! I loved being part of a story where the main character loves books and reading.   The setting, Scotland, was beautiful.  Ms. Colgan's descriptions of the countryside and the interesting people made me want to fly over to Scotland right now!
The main reason I did not finish the book was the romance aspect.  I could tell the main character, Nina, was going to develop an relationship with her landlord who was in the middle of a divorce (so he was a married man).  I read ahead (yes, I am bad like that) and I was correct.  There were parts where they were intimate with each other (no major descriptions).
These kinds of books are not beneficial for me.
Some swearing and "JC"s  were throughout the book too.  Drinking and becoming drunk.
-Borrowed from the library.

Graphic Classics The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo retold by Michael Ford illustrated by Penko Gelev

Quasimodo has been raised by Claude Follo, the archdeacon of Notre Dame.  He hides in the cathedral because he is hunchbacked and has only one eye.  Meanwhile, beautiful Esmeralda captures the eye of Pierre, a playwright and also Claude.  These lives are soon interwoven.
A very engaging story . . .sad,though!
I liked how this book has information about Victor Hugo, his reasoning for writing the novel and also  early medieval Paris. A couple of photos of the Notre Dame are included.
My twelve year old read this book to himself and thoroughly enjoyed the story.
-Borrowed from the library.
Pair with Wonder by R.J. Palacio .
Warning: violence, cruelty, death/murder

Raising Real Men by Hal and Melanie Young*

I heard this couple speak on Heidi St. John's podcast about their new book, No Long Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope. Our library system does not own this book yet, but they had this title by them.
I really enjoyed reading their Biblical insight how to handle various situations.  Their love for God and their sons, and their long range, Biblical planning were clearly displayed in all of the chapters. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Dick Whittington and His Cat retold by Margaret Hodges illustrated by Melisande Potter

Dick Whittington travels to London, hoping to make his fortune.  Unfortunately he finds himself in a dire situation, sleeping in doorways.  Kind Mr. Fitzwarren takes pity on him and offers him a job in the kitchen.  In time he earns enough money to purchase a cat.  This cat begins a series of events which lead him to wealth and fame.
My nine year old and I read this aloud together to support our study of medieval England.
Strategy: cause and effect
-Borrowed from the library.

I'm Just No Good at Rhyming and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups by Chris Harris illustrated by Lane Smith

These poems are really funny and clever.
I read a few of these poems aloud to my boys each morning.
When I finished it, they begged me to go back and reread.
I would highly recommend it, but some poems focus on the words "stupid" "I hate you" etc.
-Borrowed from the library.

Wings of Fire #12 The Hive Queen by Tui T. Sutherland

My eleven year old loves this series!  He finished this book in a couple of days.
Cricket has grown up in the hives and has millions of unanswered questions.  One day she finds herself fleeing for her life.  Along the way she befriends SilkWing dragons.  The group bands together to figure out how to prevent a LeafWing attack and war.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens-Audio Drama

A lovely performance by Focus on the Family Radio Theatre
90 minutes
We had trouble hearing some of the actors well, but maybe it was our van's sound system?
-We own this CD.