Lindbergh The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann*

The invention of the mousetrap sends mice scurrying to North America via boat.  The main character, little mouse, tries to join them but is thwarted by cats.  The little mouse decides to build a plane to fly across the Atlantic to NYC.  He experiments and perseveres until he is successful.
Two full pages of illustrations make this book one readers will linger over and study.
At the end are a few brief biographies from major forces in aviation (Otto Lilienthal, The Wright Brothers, and Charles Lindbergh).
A longer picture book that will appeal to older readers too
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Mr. Kuhlmann is an amazing artist.

Hummingbird by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Jane Ray*

Lavish, colorful illustrations make this book breathtaking.  I loved the end pages which display a variety of hummingbirds. 
A young girl is visiting her granny in Central America where they feed the hummingbirds.  As the girl flies home to New York City, the hummingbirds begin their own migration.  The reader experiences this incredible journey with the hummingbird, ending up in NYC with the little girl. 
Beautiful figurative language only enhances the narration. 
Smaller text nestled within the illustrations share additional facts about the hummingbird and its migration. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Night Flower by Lara Hawthorne*

This book celebrates the saguaro cactus.
With rhyming text, the author reveals the necessity of this desert beauty and miracle.
My nine year old and I learned about some unique desert animals as we read this book.  The grasshopper mouse sort of freaked us out!
*Highly recommend.
Pair with Cactus Hotel by Brenda Guiberson  and Desert Giant by Barbara Bash.
-Borrowed from the library.

Ocean Meets the Sky by the Fan Brothers

On his deceased grandfather's 90th birthday, Finn remembers the stories his grandfather told abut the magical land where the ocean and sky meet.  In honor of his grandfather, Finn builds a boat and then falls asleep.  As he sleeps he dreams that a huge fish takes him to the place where the ocean meets the sky.
The illustrations are amazing with a variety of perspectives. 
-Borrowed from the library.

The Land of Neverbelieve "explored and documented by Norman Messegner*

The author explains how he came upon an unusual island and what he discovered as he explored it.
Very creative and imaginative! 
*Highly recommend.
-Inter-Lib. Loan (my county does not own it).

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo-Focus on the Family Radio Theatre**

My husband's cousin recently shared what an impact Jean Valjean's story has had on her life.  She convinced me to seek out this classic, specifically Focus on the Family Radio Theatre version. 
The actors/actresses play their characters' roles well and bring the story to life.
This story is now one of my favorites!
Brian Blessed plays the role of Jean Valjean.
169 minutes
**Highly, highly recommend this version.
-Borrowed from the library.

Meet Me at the Well by Jane Yolen and Barbara Diamond Goldin illustrated by Vali Mintzi

Ms. Yolen and Ms. Goldin both have a Jewish heritage.  They focus on amazing women in the Old Testament and tell their stories.  Each featured woman's story is shared plus extra information  from rabbis and historical accounts.  After the Bible narrative, the authors' imagine how the woman may have felt and offer her point of view in a brief first person narrative.  A poem about each woman is also included.
Women featured: Eve, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel/Leah, Miriam (& Jocheved and Zipporah), Deborah/Jael, Hannah, Naomi/Ruth and Esther.
-Borrowed from the library.

Down the Colorado by Deborah Kogan Ray

John Wesley Powell, the One-Armed Explorer
From the time he was a young boy, John Wesley Powell loved the wonders of nature.  This book follows his life from a young boy in Ohio until he takes a crew through the Grand Canyon.  Readers will be in awe of his tenacity and grit.
A very comprehensive biography.
Although it is a picture book, the text is longer and will interest older readers.

Sweep by Jonathan Auxier**

The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
Nan Sparrow is a chimney sweep under the cruel master,  Wilkie Crudd,  during Victorian England.  When Nan becomes stuck in a chimney, she is miraculously saved and finds herself in an abandoned attic.  Who saved her?  She soon discovers that a lump of soot and ash she carries in her pocket is not ordinary.  It is a golem.  Together, the golem, whom she names Charlie,  make a life in an abandoned mansion and learn what it means to love sacrificially.
A beautiful story of friendship, sacrifice and courage.
Although there are sad events throughout the book and Mr. Auxier does not shy away from the horrific facts about children sweeps, the reader leaves this book with feelings of hope.  Achieving this mixture of honesty and hope is quite a feat.
Mr. Auxier has created a story rich with history and imagination.  The research he accomplished in order to write the book is impressive.
He suggests many titles about Victorian England, Sweeps and Golems if  these subjects have piqued the reader's curiosity. 
I love how he includes information and stories about how he began to create and write this story.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library (but I may buy it!).
Points to discuss/Warnings: death, Jewish history, chimney sweeps/their history, cruelty

Imagine The Great Flood by Matt Koceich*

Ten year old Corey is transported back in time to the days of Noah.  He witnesses the miracle of the animals traveling to the ark as he interacts with Shem, one of Noahs's sons.  Then evil giants and a sorcerer pursue him.  Will he drown in the flood?  As he is facing difficulties in this time period, his faith begins to transform.  When he returns to his modern life, he is able to apply what God taught him during his time travel adventure.
We listened to this book on audio. 
Very exciting!
Perfect for reluctant readers.
Part of a four book series
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo retold and illustrated by Marcia Williams*

I vaguely remember reading a Scholastic newspaper-like version of Les Miserables in sixth grade.  Since we will be reading this novel (abridged/children's versions) this year, I wanted to familiarize myself with the plot.
Ms. Williams takes complicated novels or periods of history and simplifies without ruining their richness. 
Jean Valjean is sent to prison for stealing a loaf of bread.  After nineteen years of prison, where he became infamous for his strength and his efforts to escape, he is free.  No one will take in a convict.  The Bishop of Digne, however,  kindly allows him to stay with him.  Jean then steals the good Bishop's only valuables-his silver.  Jean is soon caught, and the Bishop's response to Jean's thievery plants a seed of goodness.  The reader witnesses Jean's gradual transformation and how his past continues to haunt him. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Time Sight by Lynne Jonell illustrations by Vivien Mildenberger

I wished I had known about this book when we were studying Medieval History this year!

Will's mother, a doctor, joins a medical team to help children in a war-ridden country for a few weeks.  He is resentful of her decision to leave him and his brother Jamie.  Soon his father is sending Jamie and him off to Scotland to stay with relatives.  Their mother has been kidnapped.  His father travels to the country to negotiate with the government. 
In Scotland, with their cousin Nan, the children discover they can travel back in time through Jamie's Magic Eye book.  They meet relatives and realize the importance of history. 
Very exciting! This book makes history come alive. 
The author includes very interesting facts that were woven into the story.  She researched extensively and visited the setting.  The characters and castle are based on her family. 

In my opinion, the adults were a bit naive about the kids disappearing and then reappearing wearing period style clothing. 
-Borrowed from the library.

Armstrong by Torben Kuhlmann*

The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon
Sarah Mackenzie recommended this book on her podcast when she featured moon books to celebrate 50 years since the moon landing.
I read this story aloud to my twelve year old and nine year old.  We all enjoyed it!
Armstrong, a mouse, is fascinated by the moon.  With  a telescope he observes it and comes to some conclusions.    The other mice ignore him and cling to their belief that the moon is made of cheese!  Then an opportunity arises, and Armstrong pursues it with tenacity.
We were able to make some predictions as we read.
The illustrations are stunning!  I liked viewing illustrations as much as reading the story.  Every other page displays a two page spread of an illustration.
Mr.  Kuhlmann has written/illustrated two more books about mice based on famous men (Edison and Lindbergh).  I have requested them from the library and will review them soon.
*Highly recommend.

Llama and the Great Flood by Ellen Alexander

A Folktale from Peru
Llama cannot eat.  In a dream he saw the sea overflow and flood the entire earth.  He is able to warn his master and other animals so they can seek refuge on top of Willka Qutu.
Idea: Compare/contrast with Noah's Ark.
-Borrowed from the library.

Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman

Confessions of a Common Reader
These essays were humorous, clever, and creative.  To write essays in this manner takes amazing writing skills. 
I love reading essays about books, about the love of reading/books etc so this little book was a huge treat!
I did not like the essay that contained references and titles to risque/sexual books.
-Borrowed via Inter Lib. Loan (My county does not own it.)

A Child's Calendar Poems by John Updike illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman*

A Caldecott Honor Book
Mr. Updike writes a poem to represent each month.  Each poem captures the mood and theme of the month.  His word choice and his use of figurative language add richness to the poems.
Ms. Hyman's illustrations depict one single family and their activities  for each month.  I like the idea that the reader can view a family and their celebrations for an entire year.  The illustrations are cozy and detailed.  They celebrate home and family.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Unknown Terrain: The Landscapes of Andrew Wyeth

A wonderful display of Andrew Wyeth's landscape paintings
Pair with Everybody Paints! by Susan Goldman Ruin
-Borrowed from the library.

Everybody Paints!-The Lives and Art of the Wyeth Family by Susan Goldman Rubin

An interesting look at three generations of artists-N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth.
My nine year old and I paged through this book to view the different paintings and to observe the similarities and differences.
The reading would appeal to upper elementary/ middle school/high school students.
-Borrowed from the library.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise illustrated by Paola Escobar

A sweet biography about a woman, Pura Belpre, who comes from Puerto Rico to New York City.  When she begins to work at the library, she realizes that folktales from Puerto Rico are not in the collection.  So begins to bring share those stories with children and their parents with homemade puppets. Eventually she has these stories published by Frederick Warne (!).
Spanish words intermingle with the English words, which is fitting. 
The Author's Note section offers more interesting information about this amazing woman.
-Borrowed from the library.

Mystery! Mystery! As told by Jim Weiss*

Greathall Productions  for Children
Featuring abbreviated versions of:
The Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan Poe
The Blue Cross by G.K. Chesterton
The Red Headed League by Arthur Conan Doyle

Although I am not a child, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to these stories! 
*Highly recommend (especially as a schema building activity).
-Borrowed via Inter Lib. Loan (My county library system does not own it.)

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon

Award Winner
Several review sources recommended this novel, so I decided to read it aloud to my boys (ages nine and twelve).  My twelve year liked it okay, but my nine year old did not care for it.  He did not like how the brothers were choosing to disobey their parents and to make bad decisions.  So I stopped reading it aloud to them and read it to myself.
Caleb and his older brother, Bobby Gene,  have always lived in Sutton, Indiana.  Caleb longs to be not ordinary and experience life beyond their rural town.  Under no circumstances, however, does their dad want them to leave their community.  It is safe.  In fact, he does not even permit the boys to go on field trips to the Indianapolis' museum with their classmates!  Then Styx Malone, a sixteen year old foster "child", appears in their woods one summer morning.  Styx takes risks.  He seizes life.  He is not safe.  Soon the brothers find themselves in circumstances that involve lying, disobeying and even stealing. Yet it is exhilarating to break out of their protective haven.  Caleb wants to live the life Styx has-freedom to be and do what he wants.  Yet is Styx really satisfied?  Does the security of family and being loved  outweigh the freedom to have adventure?
Lots of opportunities to  discuss life, the impact of choices  and other deeper issues with children when reading this book.
The ending was satisfying. 
Point to discuss: Caleb, Bobby Gene and Styx are African American.  Caleb and Bobby Gene's father has reviewed what they are do if they are stopped by a police officer  to keep them safe.
Other points to discuss/Warnings: Caleb swears two times to show Styx he is "cool"-not a country bumpkin, peer pressure, lying, stealing, disobeying/disrespect, foster care

The Camping Trip That Changed America by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Mardicai Gerstein

Two very different men, Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir, find commonality in their love for nature.  Roosevelt responds to Muir's request to come see the beauty of the wilderness in California and after that camping trip, proposes and changes laws to protect America's wilderness.
Beautiful vertical illustration of the sequoias. 
Points to discuss: Muir's belief in evolution

Mr. Bliss by J.R.R. Tolkien

Before he wrote The Hobbit, Mr. Tolkien wrote this story for his own children.  This version displays the story in his own handwriting with the original illustrations on the right hand side, while the left hand side is typed for easier reading.
One day Mr. Bliss decides to buy a motorcar from Mr. Binks.  He then ventures out to visit the Dorkinses and a crazy adventure soon begins that involves bears, cabbages, a donkey and bananas.  The Girabbit also adds to the absurd story!
I read this aloud to my sons (ages nine and twelve) and the ludicrous plot certainly kept them entertained!
-Borrowed via Inter-Library Loan (My county system does not own it.)

A Helpful Alphabet of Friendly Objects by John Updike photographs by David Updike

Pulitzer Prize Winner John Updike writes poems about ordinary objects that begin with each letter of the alphabet.  His son, John, took the photographs to accompany each poem.
Great way to introduce children to this famous author.
-Borrowed from the library.

Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen

Mr. Cohen creates a wonderful story about hope with characters and a setting that will remain in the reader's mind long after the last page is read.
I heard the author speak on the Modern Mrs. Darcy podcast. 
Harry loves trees.  Unfortunately, he works for the US Forest Service as an analyst behind a computer.  He dreams of leaving his job and working with actual trees.  His beloved wife, Beth, dies unexpectedly.  In his sorrow, he quits his job and flees to Endless Mountains in Pennsylvania.  In those woods he meets Oriana, a imaginative, intelligent girl who is dealing with her own sorrow. Her mother, Amanda, is tough and does not seem to grieve.   After reading tons of fairy tales over the past sorrowful year, Oriana reads an unique fairy tale called The Grum's Ledger.   Oriana contrives a plan which will free them from their tragedies based off of this peculiar tale. 
The plot moves along quickly yet at the same time characters develop at the perfect pace.
I loved reading this novel.  Although, there were some elements I did not appreciate (and tried to skip some paragraphs):
-swearing/f-word
-the local men lust over Amanda (not real explicit, but the author makes it well known they all want her!)
-After her husband dies, Amanda misses the physical aspect to a relationship, so she asks a local farmer to satisfy that desire.  They both agree that they do not care for each other.  They just want the physical part.  There is one chapter with some details about their physical relationship.
-The farmer video tapes their intimate interactions and shares the video with his hired hand.
(*The positive part to the last two items is that both parties feel horrible about what they had done and realize that it was a mistake.  The farmer makes amends at the end of the story.  I still did not like this piece of the story, though.)
-Borrowed from the library.