Masters of the Renaissance Created and told by Jim Weiss*

Approximate running time: 78 minutes
Produced by Greatheal Productions
This audio collection of vignettes about many Renaissance artists was very interesting!  Mr. Weiss presented the facts in a story-like format and made the information a delight to hear.  We had studied all of these artists and rulers/popes yet we learned new facts.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson*

I read this book aloud to my sons.  My nine year old loved it; my twelve year did not (it was too stressful for him-Matt was failing math and not wanting to get help, he thought some his choices were not very smart and was frustrated with him!).
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it aloud!
Matt is failing math.  When his teacher, Mr. Moffat, offers an extra credit assignment where students start their own business, Matt seizes the opportunity.  Mushing dogs comes easily to him so he offers to teach individuals how to run a dog sled.  He needs three clients.  Tubbs and Alex, individuals from different schools, sign up.   As Matt teaches them the basic for dogsledding, he learns a lot about himself, family, life and friendship.
I liked how the author included all the math involving to running a business.  Great book to use with an economic unit.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Point to discuss: bullies, Matt's parents' unique parenting style!

The Unwanteds #3 and #4 by Lisa McMann

My twelve year old is trying to finish this series he started awhile ago.    He is enjoying them and reading them quickly!
Alex, an unwanted, has a lot on his plate.  He knows it is up to him to complete three impossible tasks.
Unfortunately, Alex's twin brother Aaron is on the "other side" and builds his army to battle the Unwanteds.
-Borrowed from the library.

Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists by Mike Venezia**

These short books about various artists contain a ton of great information plus humorous comments from the author/illustrator Mr. Venezia.
My sons read a few of these titles when we studied the Renaissance artists.  My twelve year old especially enjoyed them.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Books we utilized:
-Raphael, Pieter Bruegel, Michelangelo, Da Vinci,  and Giotto.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I first heard about this book on a podcast and was intrigued-
Two sisters with their eccentric father, high school age brother and a stepmother living in a castle in England in the 1930's.
This book was first published in 1949 by Ms. Smith who later would become famous for writing 101 Dalmatians. 
Cassandra and her sister Rose are tired of being poor.  Years ago their father had written a brilliant novel, but after time in jail and the death of his first wife, he has refused to write.  Thankfully the owner of the castle does not demand rent, so they have been scraping by.  When the castle's owner dies, other family members take over and may not be as gracious.
Maybe two American brothers can save the sisters from poverty?

Cassandra records one year in three different journals.  She shares her tumultuous feelings of a seventeen year old and falling in love for the first time. 

I liked Cassandra as a character.  She is smart, humorous and likable.
This book is a "young adult" book yet I am not sure if I would recommend it to a high school student (see points to discuss).

Points to discuss/cautions: language, passionate kissing-one time, hints of love making between a few different characters, Topaz, the stepmother communes with nature in the nude and she hints of divorcing Cassandra's father, drowning sorrows in alcohol (Cassandra)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5 The Last Olympian*

My twelve year old read this book to himself in a couple of days!  He truly loves this series!
Percy and his friends defend New York City against Kronos and his army.  In this book Percy turns sixteen and learns about the prophecy.
*Highly recommend by my twelve year old.
-He owns this book (a gift from his Nana!)

Luther A Graphic Novel Echoes of the Hammer by Susan K. Leigh illustrated by Dave Hill*

My twelve year old read this to himself to support our study of Martin Luther. 
Lots of graphics and tons of information about Luther.
My son enjoyed this book.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Eureka! by Joyce Sidman illustrated by K. Bennett Chavez

Poems about Inventors
I shared this poetry book with my boys because it contained poems about Johann Gutenberg and Leonardo da Vinci (history topics).
The book begins with inventors from early history and ends with the inventor of the personal computer.  Additional information about each inventor is in the back.
We did not read all of the poems since the boys weren't that interested in them (it may have been the poems' formats that caused the disinterest.).
Warning: The first poem's illustration has naked woman wading in the water (waist high water) with long hair covering her chest.  One can still see her chest form hanging down.  I paper clipped those pages shut to avoid seeing them. 

The Sistine Chapel text by Fabrizio Mancinelli

A must see when studying Renaissance art Michelangelo
Closes up of the Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings
We looked at this book when studying the Renaissance artists and Michelangelo
Warning: nudity, but can be covered up with sticky notes
-Borrowed from the library.

Giotto by Norbert Wolf

A detailed account of Giotto's life and his paintings
We looked at this book as we studied Renaissance art.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Complete Paintings of Botticelli notes and catalogue by Gabriele Mandel

Close up photographs of Botticelli's art
We utilized this book while studying Renaissance art.
Warning: nudity (easy to cover up parts with sticky notes)
-Borrowed from the library.

The Inventors' Specials HBO-Leonardo A Dream of Flight

This movie depicts Leonardo in Milan where he starts many projects.  He befriends a young boy, who tries out his fly machine.
A great movie to peek into this time period and Leonardo's eccentric personality and his many interests and pursuits.
-Borrowed from the library.

Jesus is Alive! by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell

With Gwen Ellis
Evidence for the Resurrection
This question and answer format is user friendly and allows the readers to pick and choose what to read.
I selected the more apologetic type questions as my sons have a good understanding of the basics and needed to go deeper.  We discussed the "unknown tomb" theory,  "wrong tomb" theory, "legend" theory, "hallucination" theory, "Jesus swooned and was revived", "Muslim substitution" theory.
A great assortment of questions/answers for kids who are at different levels in their understanding of the Gospel.  The salvation message is clearly presentation.
Perfect to read during Lent/before Easter.
-Borrowed inter-lib. loan (my county does not own it.)

Thinker: My Puppy Poet and Me by Eloise Greenfield illustrated by Ehsan Abdollahi

Readers learn about Thinker's (the dog) adoption into Jace's family via poems composed by Thinker himself.
The poems are chronologically written and create a mini story.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer * *-Audio CD

Performed by Korey Jackson (He was really pleasant to listen to.  His tone, inflection, expression was perfect.)
Recommended for listeners 9 years old and older.
The library has it labeled for "young adult" aka teens.
My boys and I listened to this book on CD for over a month.  William's story amazed us.
His resourcefulness, his problem solving skills, his curiosity, his willingness to experiment and his perseverance are inspiring.
I like how he spends the first few chapters describing his home village, explaining their culture and introducing the individuals closest to him.  The rest of the book shares his the slow, but steady plan and the implementation of his windmill to generate electricity for his family.

When a famine devastates the land and the people, William is forced to drop out of school since his father cannot pay tuition.  During his free time, he walks to the tiny nearby library and reads science books (especially a book about physics).  He checks them out over and over again and teaches himself about energy and the science behind it.  Before famine he and his friends would take apart radios to try to understand how they work.  They also had a little business in radio repair!

  His diligence pays off beyond his comprehension as the world hears his story and begins to offer financial support to him!

A truly inspiring story that every child and teenager should read/hear!

Reading an article in World News magazine about Netflix featuring a movie about William motivated me to share this story with my boys.  We will soon be watching the movie.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

I'd Rather Be Reading by Guinevere De La Mare

A few essays,  lots of art and a few quotations celebrate the love of reading and books.
Bibliophiles will relate and then smile and nod as they read this delightful collection.
I like Anne Bogel's recent book I'd Rather Be Reading better since it contains lots of essays!
-Borrowed from the library.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4 The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan*

When reading this book to himself, my twelve year old actually limited how many pages he could read each day because he does not want this series to end!!
This book focuses on the battle between the Olympians and the Titans.  Percy and friends also go on a quest in the Labyrinth to prevent the Titans from invading Camp Halfblood.
*Highly recommend by my twelve year old.
Warning/points to discuss: worshiping gods, underworld

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey illustrated by Julia Sardia

I love the story behind the story!
This book explains how Mary Shelley came up with the idea for Frankenstein.  Not only that, but it also shares what her childhood was like and how she a Big Problem!
The author's note provided interesting additional information.
The illustrations are dark and gloomy, which I think were fitting.
Although this is a picture book and the text is simple, I think junior high students reading Frankenstein would benefit from reading this book for background knowledge.
Pair with: She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Kite for Moon by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple illustrated by Matt Phelan

A sweet book about a boy who loves the moon and who frequently sends up kites to it.
The reader sees the outcome of his passion when he is an adult.
Dedicated to Neil Armstrong.  Fifty years since the United States landed on the moon!
-Borrowed from the library.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3 The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan*

My twelve year loves this series.  He doesn't want it to end!!
He read it to himself.
Percy, Annabeth and Thalia help their friend Grover.
Can they have victory over Kronos, the Titan lord?
*Highly recommend (via my son).
Warnings/topics to discuss: worshiping gods, alcohol consumption
-Borrowed from the library.

Tangled in Time-The Portal #1 by Kathryn Lasky

When Rose's mom dies in a fiery car crash, Rose moves to Indianapolis to live with her grandmother, who seems to have dementia.  On her first day of school she encounters "three mean girls" who apparently have read her fashion blog.  They proceed to decimate her person-hood. 
To add to her chaotic life, she finds herself somehow transported to the Tudor time in England. 
More questions than answers dominate her life as she sorts out her grandmother and her mother's connection to this time period.
Maybe she isn't an orphan after all?
The book ends with some questions answered, yet new ones arise.  Hints of problems and up and coming characters are scattered throughout the book.  This book is number one in a series.

Ms. Lasky certainly portrays sixth grader girls and their pettiness and cattiness well!  I cannot stand when young and teen girls act this way so this was a turn-off for me as I read the book!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Door Within Trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson*

My twelve year old read this trilogy within a month.  He loved it!
Aidan and his family move to take care of his sickly grandfather.  When he enters his grandfather's basement, he discovers three ancient scrolls and is invited to enter another world where good and evil battle.  Can he trust the unseen true King?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed entire series from a friend.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book #1 and #2 by Rick Riordan*

The Lightning Thief #1
The Sea of Monsters #2
My twelve year old is reading this series to himself and loves it! 
He read these two books in about a week!
Percy Jackson is a demigod- half human and half god.  He is encountering many Greek mythology gods and has even angered Zeus.  In book one he has to return Zeus' master lightning bolt (Percy is the main suspect!).  In book two Camp Half-Blood's protective border has been poisoned so the safe haven has been compromised.  Percy and friends enter to the Sea of Monsters to save the camp.
My son commented a couple of times how the movies are so inferior to the books!
Both my husband and I have enjoyed the series.  I read only book one.  My husband read the entire series when the movies were being produced. 
*Highly recommend (but see warning).
Warning: Greek mythology;   In other mythology series by Mr. Riordan, he incorporates homosexual and transgender characters.  They are not in the Percy Jackson series.
-Borrowed from the library.




 

Stone Giant by Jane Sutcliffe illustrated by John Shelley*

Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be
My nine year old and I enjoyed this book together to support our learning of the Renaissance Artists.
The illustrations are beautiful and reflect the artistic beauty in Florence at the time.
The narrative will appeal to younger readers yet it incorporates many facts and the story behind the David statue (even before Michelangelo came along to carve it!). 
Author's note shares what happened to the statue over the years.  Ms. Sutcliffe, however, does not mention where David stands now!
Warning: Small statues in the borders show men's private parts.  Full size David statue on one page shows his private parts, of course.  Another illustration shows his butt.  Naked statues were common during this time period.
Strategy: asking questions

Martin Luther A Man Who Changed the World by Paul L. Maier illustrated by Greg Copeland*

Rich full page illustrations
A great overview of Martin Luther's life, his beliefs and his impact on the world.
My nine year old read this book to himself to support our study of Luther.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen**

My boys and I love Mercy Watson!  We started reading her books when they were preschool age and have continued to delight in the characters and tales of Deckawoo Drive. 
Even though my boys are now ages twelve and nine, they enjoyed hearing me read aloud this picture book about how Mercy Watson came to live with the Watsons and the story behind her name.  Eugenia and Baby, of course, make their appearances!  My nine year old noticed parents walking down the street with a boy toddler and a baby girl in a stroller.  He inferred that they were Frank and Stella! 
After we finished reading it, my twelve year old proclaimed he was hungry for toast with lots of butter!
Mercy Watson, Mr. Watson, Mrs. Watson, Eugenia and Baby are some of my favorite literary characters!
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Seashells More Than a Home by Melissa Stewart illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen*

Ms. Stewart reveals interesting information about the animals that live in shells and how shells are more than just a home for these creatures. 
My nine year old and I were amazed at some the new facts we learned!
Multiple aged book-the main text is simple.  Under each main idea statement are details, which may appeal to older listeners. 
The illustrations enhance and explain the text further.
Love her use of similes.
The end pages reveal where the different types of shells can be found in the world. 
Pair with this team's other book: Feathers: Not Just for Flying 
https://www.amazon.com/Feathers-Just-Flying-Melissa-Stewart/dp/1580894313
A perfect book to read with your kids before heading to the beach.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Gondra's Treasure by Linda Sue Park illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Gondra shares with readers what it is like to be a dragon with one parent from the east and the other parent from the west.  She learns to celebrate the diverse traits and qualities she has inherited from of her parents.
-Borrowed from the library.

Brick History by Warren Elsmore

Very unique book!
From prehistoric time to modern (2011), the book covers important events in history, with directions how to build scenes!
-Borrowed from the library.

The King's Fifth by Scott O'Dell

Award winner- John Newbery Honor
While he is in jail, Esteban de Sandoval tells his tale of traveling with Coronado and his army to explore the Southwest. He describes the power of greed and gold that takes a hold of him and the conquistadors. 
My twelve year old read this book to himself to support our study of the conquistadors.  He thought it was a good story.  He did not, however, appreciate how Esteban turns to evil actions.  Fortunately, he changes for the good by the end of the adventure.
-Borrowed from the library.

Johann Gutenberg and the Printing Press by Kay Melchisedech Olson illustrated by Tod Smith

This graphic novel explains the early life of Gutenberg and how he came to invent movable type and the impact it had hundreds of years later.
My twelve year old read this book to himself when we studied Gutenberg.
Perfect for reluctant or struggling readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

From the Good Mountain by James Rumford*

How Gutenberg Changed the World
The illustrations are exquisite!  The illuminated letters and the illustrated borders add to the beauty.  Questions lead the reader to the next page and next step in the book making process.
The epilogue offers more details about Gutenberg.
My nine year old read this book to himself to support our study of Gutenberg.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Geronimo Stilton The Weird Book Machine

Geronimo Stilton and his professor friend travel back in time to save history from the pirate cats when Johann Gutenberg was creating his printing press.
My nine year old read this to himself to support our study of Johann Gutenberg.
Perfect for reluctant readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

Johann Gutenberg and the Amazing Printing Press by Bruce Koscielniak*

Not only does this book share about Gutenberg and how he designed the different printing process, but it also explains the history of book making and the arduous process it was.
I read this book aloud to my boys to support our study of Gutenberg.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via Inter-Lib. loan (My county does not own it.)

Poe: Stories and Poems graphic novel by Gareth Hinds*

Amazing illustrations and retellings of  many of Poe's well known stories. 
Perfect for reluctant high school readers or struggling teen readers.
Warning: very creepy, gruesome, graphic violence
*Highly recommend for high school students.
-Borrowed from the library.

Tales from Africa retold by Kathleen Arnold*

My boys absolutely love this book!  We have been reading a tale in the mornings (2-3 days /week) for a couple of months now.  I plan to buy this book since they like it so much, and I have to return it to the library!
Short, traditional African tales -entertaining, amusing.
Some of the stories end in a somewhat shocking manner! Justice is often served-unabashedly!!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library (but on my list to buy so we can finish it and enjoy again!).
We are on pg. 86.

A Siege of Bitterns by Steve Burrows

I wanted to love this book.  I love birds.  I love stories which take place in Britain. I love mysteries. 
It, however, moved a bit slow, and I had a difficult time connecting to the character.  Mr. Burrows seem to keep Jejeune, the detective and the main character, distant.  The slowness of plot and the distant character, however, actually represent  Jejeune well.  Jejeuen also does not really enjoy his job.  He would rather watch birds!   He is a methodical detective and not very warm and open, even with his girlfriend.
 Maybe this mystery novel reflects how cases are solved-dead ends, false conclusions, methodical research?!
Jejeune is a new detective in Norfolk, a town in Saltmarsh, a birding hot spot.  When an ecological activist is found dead, Jejeune and his fellow investigators uncover a deeper issue threatening Saltmarsh and its community.
-Borrowed from the library.
I did appreciate that the foul language was minimal (maybe a couple?) and that there were no intimate scenes at all.

Who Was Ferdinand Magellan? by Sydelle Kramer illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf

My nine year old son read this book to himself to support our study of explorers.
Ms. Kramer shares about Magellan's life as a boy through his death.  She does not sugarcoat his personality and how he treated people.  At the same time, she recognizes what he accomplished in the age of exploration.
-Borrowed from the library.