Framed! by James Ponti*

This exciting mystery was a refreshing!  Wholesome relationships and admirable characters.
I first read about it on Modern Mrs. Darcy blog post. 
Florian Bates has just moved to Washington, D.C. from Italy.  Before school begins he meets Margaret, a fierce soccer player, and he also becomes involved with  the F.B.I. 
Florian's father designs security systems and his mother is an art conservator.  Growing up with in the same house as them,  helped him to develop TOAST (the Theory Of All Small Things) where one adds up small details to reveal a larger truth.  When he teaches TOAST to Margaret, they observe some suspicious behavior in the art museum.  When some valuable art is stolen, Florian shares his observations, and as a result, finds himself helping the FBI!
Part of a series (#2-Vanished, #3-Trapped).
I would like to read this book aloud to my ten year old son.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin by Marguerite Henry illustrated by Wesley Dennis*

I read this book aloud to my nine year old son.  We both enjoyed this delightful story of the "Father of American Painting".
This book focuses on Benjamin's life at home with his parents, how he discovered his love for painting, how that gift developed and the Quakers' response to it.
The chapters were short with bits of illustrations scattered throughout them.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

National Geographic-Nightmare in Jamestown DVD*

An engaging video about the hardships the colonist faced while establishing Jamestown.  My tween especially enjoyed watching this video!
We even learned about a new important historical figure who is not mentioned in any history books we read. 
*Highly recommend for ages 10 and up (some violent scenes; edgy topics).
-Borrowed from the library.

Lizzy Bennet's Diary by Marcia Williams*

Inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
 Ms. Williams's books are usually so clever, creative and comical.  I especially like her versions of classical literature.
This beautiful diary allows the reader to hear first hand Elizabeth Bennet's views on life, her family and the arrogant Mr. Darcy.
Although the pages are heavily illustrated (doodles, lift the flap letters), older readers will still enjoy it immensely. 
A delightful read!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Judy Moody Book Quiz Whiz by Megan McDonald illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Judy and her brother Stink are part of the Virginia Dare Bookworm Quiz team and are reading a ton of books.  In fact, their parents are punishing them for reading at certain times of the day!!
The team is gearing up to face the intimidating team from the Braintree Academy which has a fourth grader on it. 
I love Judy Moody and Stink books (I actually Stink better.), but this one was not a favorite.  The plot seemed lacking.
I love the great books mentioned throughout and how Ms. McDonald organizes them into helpful lists at the end.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Day the Universe Exploded My Head by Allan Wolf illustrated by Ann Raff*

Mr. Wolf uses a variety of poetic forms as he celebrates space in this great book of poetry.  The poems contain interesting information about space and also are humorous at times. 
The author includes notes about the poems (additional information about the space topic and/or poetic forms) and glossary of space terms in the back of the book.
*Highly recommend.
I will be borrowing this book again when my sons and I read "poems for two/three voices" for Poetry Tea.
-Borrowed from the library.

Christopher Columbus by Bennie Rhodes illustrated by A.G. Smith Jr.

The Sowers-Adventure of Faith and Courage
I read this book aloud to my two sons to support our study of explorers.
Mr. Rhodes writes Christopher Columbus's story in first person, allowing the reader to feel like the Admiral is sitting in the room, sharing his story.    In some cases Mr. Rhodes quoted specifically from Columbus's journals.
Mr. Rhodes begins the biography when Christopher is young and ends when he is returning to Spain after years of exploring.  He also paints Columbus in a better light than most current biographies and focuses on his Christian faith. 
Although this biography was engaging, it was not one of my favorites.  My boys said they enjoyed it.  They were, however, not begging me to continue reading when I read it aloud.

Who's Saying What in Jamestown, Thomas Savage? by Jean Fritz illustrated by Sally Wern Comport*

My nine year old and I read this book aloud together to support our study of Jamestown.
We both enjoyed it.
Ms. Fritz carefully researched recordings about Thomas Savage and used her own imagination to create a compelling story. 
Thomas, a thirteen year old orphan, arrived to Jamestown in 1607.  He was Captain Newport's cabin boy.  Once in Jamestown, he became an interpreter between the colonists and the Powhatans. 
Readers learn about the struggle the colonists experienced as they try to establish a colony and the ongoing disputes with the Powhatans. 
Engaging history!
Lots of illustrations add appeal for reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Blood of Kings #1 By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson*

Achen has lived the life of a stray.  Along with scars from being beaten is the brand "S" for stray on his back  He longs to change stations in life so he can marry his childhood friend, Gren.  Then a knight named Gavin who is a Kingsguard offers to train him (which is illegal).  As Achen trains and begins to encounter various people from the kingdom of Er'Rets, he begins to discover his gift of bloodvoicing and who he really is.
Vrell Sparrow enters Achen's life to care for his wounds.  Masquerading as boy, she hopes to avoid an unwanted marriage to the crown Prince.  Unfortunately, an evil man wants to exploit her and Achan's abilities.
This novel is fast-paced.  The characters are well-developed.  The prose is also excellent. 
Two more books complete this series.  Ms. Williamson has also written the Kinsman Chronicles which continue the saga to redeem Er'Rets from the darkness.
Point to discuss: The library has it categorized as "young adult".  Achen and Vrell have romantic feelings for other characters.  Gren briefly kisses Achen on the lips.  Although romance is certainly not center-staged, those uncomfortable with a bit of romance should be warned.

Look! I Wrote a Book! (And You Can Too!) by Sally Lloyd-Jones illustrated by Neal Layton*

This book about the writing process will evoke smiles as it is very humorous and entertaining.
A young girl displays how she writes her first book.  She humbly shares her mistakes, which add humor to the story.  Mr. Layton, the illustrator, layers more to the story with his humorous illustrations and interpretations. 
How many times have I written the word "humorous"?  😀
Ms. Lloyd-Jones and Mr. Layton have woven together a fun how-to book which every teacher should include in their lesson plans when introducing and/or reviewing the writing process.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry illustrated by The Fan Brothers*

Whenever I read about a new book illustrated by the Fan Brothers, I  immediately check it out of the library.  They are amazing artists.  This book displays their talent and proclaims their ability share a story well via illustrations. 
Scarecrow does his job well.  No animal ventures near him.  Then one day he reaches down and saves a baby crow.  He tucks him near his heart and raises him.  His life is transformed.  When the crow flies away, he is devastated.  He cannot resume his former life, so he slips into a depressed state.  The conclusion of the story is uplifting and full of hope.
I can think of so many discussion points stemming from this book!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Judy Moody and Friends-Searching for Stinkodon by Megan McDonald illustrated by Erwin Madrid*

Stink is resolved to find a tooth from a saber-toothed tiger in his backyard.  He spends his summer days digging holes in the Moody's backyard.  Judy and his friend Sophie miss his companionship, so they decide to plant a tooth in one of his holes.  In the end everyone is surprised and satisfied.
I love this series for transitional readers. 
Full page illustrations and short chapters.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Story of Jamestown by Eric Braun illustrated by Steve Erwin, Keith Williams, and Charles Barnett III

Graphic Library
A wonderful series that brings history alive that is perfect for reluctant or struggling readers.
The book covers why the English came to Jamestown, John Smith and the Natives, their struggles and ultimate end.
-Borrowed from the library.

Bloom Boom! by April Pulley Sayre

Stunning photographs of a variety of flowers and blooms!
With nouns and verbs, Ms. Sayre celebrates the miracle of blossoms! 
I shared this book with my sons to reinforce the importance and impact of strong verbs.
-Borrowed from the library.

Walt Disney -Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates DVD

90 minutes
We watched this DVD with the grandparents after we read the book Hans Brinker.  Although we enjoyed the movie, it shared few similarities with the book!
Most of the movie focused on the the big skating race.
-Borrowed from the library.

It Rained Warm Bread by Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet and Hope Anita Smith illustrated by Lea Lyon

In this novel in verse, Ms. Smith relates Jewish Moishe Moskowitz's story of enduring persecution from the Polish and the Nazis over a nine year period.  Readers experience a look into a young boy's mind and the turmoil he confronted as he and his family were stripped of their dignity. 
Focusing on specks of hope kept him persevering.
I like how the Ms. Moskowitz-Sweet shares about her father's  life after he emigrated to America in the back.
Figurative language abounds in this book!!
Strategy: figurative language 
-Borrowed from the library.

Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island by Jennifer Thermes**

I absolutely love this book!
Through engaging detailed map drawings, Ms. Thermes reveals how the island of Mannahatta (Lenape for "island of many hills") changes over time-from when the Lenape lived there to when the colonists settled to modern day.  She also inserts little side stories about interesting places and structures (Collect Pond, Seneca Village, Central Park, subways, bridges, skyscrapers). 
An incredible book!
Over-sized
**Highly, highly recommend.
I emailed Ms. Thermes asking her to consider writing a book in this format about Philadelphia.  She replied and said that was not on her current "to do" list, but maybe someday.
-Borrowed from the library.

Festivals of the World-Netherlands by Joyce Van Fenema

The book begins with a brief overview of where the Netherlands are located and an explanation of the Dutch.  The rest of it focuses on the country's festivals.

-Borrowed from the library.

Exploring Countries The Netherlands by Lisa Owings

An informational book about the culture and history of the Netherlands.
Lots of photos and engaging text boxes.
We used this book for background building before reading Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates and also for research.
-Borrowed from the library.

Girls' Club by Sarah, Sally and Joy Clarkson

Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World
Sally and her two daughters, Sarah and Joy, take turns narrating chapters about how to be a friend.  They share stories of their own loneliness and how they combated those difficult times.  They offer stories and examples about women who made an impact on their lives.
I marked several spots with book darts so I can copy their wisdom for further pondering.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge*

My sons and I created a club as we read this book.  We each had our own copy, would read on our own and then come together to discuss our thoughts and questions. 
My nine year old read an abridged version edited by Kathryn Lindskoog, which was significantly shorter.  My twelve year old and I read the original versions.
The story tells about Hans Brinker and his family as they struggle to make ends meet after the father Raff Brinker's accident.  This accident has left him mentally unstable and insane.  Is their any hope for his recovery?  Where is the money that he and his wife had been saving for years?  It disappeared the night before he was injured. 
Majority of the story also focuses on a group of boys who decide to have an adventure by skating fifty miles over a four day period.  These boys live in the same village as the Brinker family, but only Peter chooses to be kind to Hans.  One member of this group is Ben, Jacob's English cousin.  The reader learns about Dutch culture and history as Ben asks questions. 
The author provides detailed explanation of Dutch history, sights and culture. 
The three of us thoroughly enjoyed this story. 
Most children who are use to more simplistic, fast moving plots may label this story "boring".
We will be watching the Disney produced movie based on this book.  We are looking forward to comparing the book to the movie!  It is bound to be quite different!!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.


Abridged version:

Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More! by Carole Gerber illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

Poems for Two Voices
Fun poems for two different readers that offer insight about the life cycle of plants and other aspects of their development.
Perfect addition to units about plant life cycles.
-Borrowed via Inter-library Loan (My county does not own it.).

Hana in the Time of Tulips by Deborah Noyes illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

The illustrations are like masterpiece paintings!
Readers travel to Holland when the tulipomania is consuming its residents.  Hana misses her father.  He use to pretend with her and smile.  Now he is focused on tulips.  When the tulip market crashes, Hana listens to Rembrandt's wisdom and steers her father back to what is important.

I read this aloud to my sons to support our study of the Dutch during this time period.
A great book to immerse children into this period in the Netherlands.
-Borrowed from the library.

Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew Dogs by Molly Blaisdell illustrated Nancy Lane

A Story About Rembrandt van Rijn
I read aloud this picture book to my sons to support our study of the Dutch and the book Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates.
Titus, Rembrandt's son, longs for his father's approval and teaching.  After many scoldings, Titus finally receives art lessons from his famous father.
A delightful way to introduce younger children to this famous Dutch artist.
-Borrowed from the library.