The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare*

*Award Winner- Newbery Honor Book
I read this book aloud to my twelve-year-old son and ten-year-old son to support our study of Colonial America.  All three of us marveled at how resourceful the Native Americans were.  It also provided an opportunity to discuss the Native Americans' and colonists' interactions and their different perspectives about land and ownership.
Twelve-year-old Matt has helped his father build a log cabin for their family.  His father leaves Matt to watch over the cabin and the newly planted garden while he travels to bring back Matt's mother, his sister Sarah and a new baby.  In seven weeks his father should return.  While he waits, Matt begins to form a rocky friendship with Attean, a native boy from the nearby Beaver tribe.  As the weeks turn into months, Matt begins to associate more and more with Attean and his tribe.  When the Beaver tribe moves north for better hunting grounds, they invite him to join them.  Should he go with them or wait for his family?
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.

Emily Dickinson text set*

My boys and I enjoyed Emily Dickison's poetry during our monthly Poetry Tea.  We ate gingerbread with whipped and of course, drank tea.  Since some of Dickinson's poems were riddles we also read riddle poems written by other poets.
Below are the books we shared:
1. The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson Introduction and Notes by Rachel Wetzsteon (Young Adult)


2.  Vision in Poetry-My Letter to the World and other Poems  with illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault (Young Adult)  * I found it somewhat difficult to determine where one poem ended and where the next one began.


3. Emily Dickinson by Maurene Hinds (short biography 45 pages)


4. Poetry for Young People Emily Dickinson Edited by Fances Schoonmaker Bolin illustrated by Chi Chung (*I like how words from the poems are defined.  Lovely illustrations too.)


5.  Poetry for Kids -Emily Dickinson Edited by Susan Snively, PhD illustrated by Christine Davenier (*Whimsical, sweet illustrations.  The poems are categorized by season.  Unusual words are defined for the reader.)


6. Guess Again! Riddle Poems by Lillian Morrison illustrated by Christy Hale


7. Riddle Road Puzzles in Poems and Pictures by Elizabeth Spires illustrated by Erik Blegvad
(*I really enjoyed this one!)


8. Emily by Michael Bedard illustrated by Barbara Cooney (a fictional picture book about Emily Dickinson)


9.  The Mouse of Amherst by Elizabeth Spires illustrated by Claire A. Nivola (A mouse learns to write poetry while living in Emily Dickinson's room.  The length, font and set up make it like a chapter book, but the prose is not divided into chapters.  64 pages long Recommend for 2nd grade-6th grade.)

How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander illustrated by Melissa Sweet*

A poem that celebrates reading and books, illustrated with creative collages and layouts. 
Mr. Alexander utilizes lots of figurative language in clever ways.  I love his writing.  Ms. Sweet includes book pages from Bambi in her collages.  The words from the story actually connected to the words to the poem!  Ms. Sweet places a lot thought into her collages and layouts.
At times the busyness of neon colors interfered with my ability to fully enjoy the words.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Ants Don't Wear Pants! by Kevin McCloskey

A Toon Book Level 1-Giggle and Learn
A perfect book for reluctant readers
Full of interesting information about ants
The art and text support each other very well. 
-Borrowed from the library

Two Brothers, Four Hands by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan illustrated by Hadley Hooper

The Artists Alberto and Diego Giacometti
A beautiful biography about two very different brothers who support each other and are loyal despite war and life's disappointments.  My favorite brother was Diego, the background brother.
-Borrowed from the library.

This Book of Mine by Sarah Stewart illustrated by David Small

I own two books by this wonderful team (The Library and The Gardener).
I, however, was disappointed by the sparse text and less than colorful illustrations.  My ten year old son pointed out that the reason Mr. Small only used two colors in his illustrations  was so the books would stand out.  This  method does make an impact.
I like how they celebrate diverse people (ages, stages) loving books in different ways.  My favorite page depicted a cleaning lady on an empty theater stage belting out lines from her book. 
This book is a love poem to books!
Strategies: connections, inferences

Red Riding Hood retold by Beatrix Potter illustrated by Helen Oxenbury*

I love illustrations by Helen Oxenbury.  Beatrix Potter's stories bring me delight.  When I first discovered this book which combined the two,  I was thrilled!
Typical of Beatrix Potter, the story includes description of nature.  I liked the addition of the woodcutter's song in the beginning of the story. 
The illustrations are a feast for the eyes.  Ms. Oxenbury does not disappoint!
Warning: The ending is dark.  But, Ms. Oxenbury offers hope in her illustration for those sensitive readers.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf illustrated by Jenny Lovlie

I want to be invited to this Thanksgiving Feast!!  For more than twenty years a family has hosted Thanksgiving in the woods in upstate New York.   This picture book is based on this actual family's tradition.
A boy shares the delight he and his family has as they gather to celebrate Thanksgiving in the woods!
Words and music for Simple Gifts are included in the back.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Llamaphones by Janik Coat*

Karina Yan Glaser (author of the Vanderbeekers) recommended this book for a Christmas gift to babies/young children on a recent podcast.
Out of the books I read by Janik Coat, this one is my favorite!
Simple drawings of llamas introduce readers to homophones. 
Very creative and fun!
This is a board book, but I am not sure how much babies and toddlers will fully understand the homophones!  I would share this book with preschoolers who are learning to read and to K-3rd graders who are learning about homophones.
*Highly recommend for word play.
-Borrowed from the library.

Rhymoceros by Janik Coat

Simple drawings of rhinos introduce rhyming words.  The two words that rhyme are on opposite pages, but side by side,
Very creative!
Strategies: prereading development (rhymes), vocab. development
-Borrowed from the library.

Hippopposites by Janik Coat

In simple shapes, hippos display opposites. 
A board book
Strategy for babies/toddlers: vocab. development
-Borrowed from the library.

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr*

This book was such a fun read!
Fifteen-year old Simon Green has completed third grade four times!  His sweet teacher, Miss Rogers, decides to graduate him.  Instead of staying with his cruel aunt and uncles and scheming cousins, he sets off with a flock of one thousand turkeys, guiding them from Missouri to the great city of Denver.   Along the way he encounters a runaway slave, his evil father and a lovey girl. 
He learns about humankind and that maybe he is not as dumb as everyone thinks he is!
Based loosely on an actual event: In 1863 two different gentlemen drove flocks of turkeys great distance in order to sell them at a good price.
*Highly  recommend.
Warning/point to discuss: "damnation", Simon kisses Lizzie on the lips. Lots of bad grammar!!

The Great Trouble by Deborah Hopkinson*

A Mystery of London, The Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel
Eel, an orphan, has faked his death to protect himself from his stepfather, Fisheye Bill Tyler.  Earning money by mudlarking, running messages for a brewery and caring for animals for Dr. Snow, Eel is able to pay off someone each Friday.  When he is accused of stealing, he loses his job (and shelter and food) at the brewery.  Then people from his neighbor begin to die.  He immediately recognizes it as the Blue Death (cholera).   What can he do?  He pleads with his one employer, Dr. John Snow, to help.  Together they investigate cholera and help prevent more deaths.
Based on an actual outbreak in 1854 in London.  Very well researched.  Ms. Hopkinson includes additional information about the historical events and actual people in the back.
The characters are well developed and the historical events are written in a very engaging, exciting manner.
The reader gradually discovers more about Eel's past as story progresses.  I really liked Eel and admired his pursuit of  honest employment and his loyalty to family and friends.  Some readers may not like how perfectly everything ended.  I like happy endings!
Warning: Fisheye Billy Tyler kidnaps Eel and beats him to learn information.
*Highly recommend (especially when studying Victorian England).
-Borrowed from the library.

White Bird by R.J. Palacio inked by Kevin Czap

Julian, the boy who bullies Auggie in Palacio's book Wonder, interviews his grandmother for a school project.  He asks her to relate her story when a boy and his family hides her from the Nazis during World War II in occupied France. 
The story she tells brings to life the horror Jewish families must have experienced when separated and the courage others had who dared to help. 
Ms. Palacio has written a beautiful story that draws you into the characters and the time period.  Because it was so compelling, I read it in one sitting! 
In the back, Ms. Palacio includes tons of information about WWII via a glossary and a list of resources for further research.
I, however, did not appreciate nor see the need how she draws a direct line of the horrors of WW II and Hitler to current day Trump and the refugees. 
Warnings/points to discuss: cruelty/bullies, violence (by Nazi, two characters are shot-blood shown, Julien dies/is shot), Julien and Sara share a kiss.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment

Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child's Education
Ainsley Arment, the Founder of Wild + Free, offers basic information about the different homeschooling philosophies and dispels myths. 
She then discusses the importance of nature, story, play, curiosity and wonder.
Her philosophies sound so ideal and perfect . . . .Unfortunately, my type A personality and my public school teaching experience interfere with my ability to execute a homeschool consistently like the one she describes!
I loved reading this book.  It is well written and full of optimism.  The photographs, layout and illustrations are beautiful to behold. 
-Borrowed from the library.

Tricking the Tallyman by Jacqueline Davies illustrated by S.D. Schindler*

With humor and excellent prose, Ms. Davies shares the challenges the tallyman for the 1790 census must have endured.
The Pepper family in the town Tunbridge, Vermont is determined to trick the tallyman, so the government does not increase their taxes or recruit their men away to war. 
Readers will enjoy the Tunbridge Town's antics and be sympathetic to Phineas Bump.
In both the introduction and at the end, Ms. Davies offers facts about the census and the specific 1790 census.
The illustrations are delightful and expressive.  They definitely help tell the story and add a whole new level of humor.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Wanted . . .Mud Blossom by Betsy Byars*

I first read this book years ago when I worked with a reading group in my mother-in-law's fourth grade class.  I loved it so much that I bought it!
Since my fourth grader enjoys realistic, humorous stories, I selected this one for our read aloud.  I loved rereading it, and he begged me to keep reading, chapter after chapter.  My seventh grader even settled in with us while we were reading it!
The Blossom family attracts excitement!
It is Junior's turn to bring home the class pet, a hamster named Scooty, for the weekend.  In preparation, he has dug a tunnel for it in the backyard.  He feels sorry that it is locked in a cage all of the time.  As soon as he arrives home, he releases Scooty in the tunnel.  Junior is distracted because Mad Mary is missing and enters the house to see if there is any news about her.  When he returns, the tunnel boards have been upheaved, and Scooty is gone!  Who is the culprit?  All evidence points to Mud, Pap's dog. 
Chapters are split between figuring out what happened to Scooty, where Mad Mary is and who is trying to kill Vern and his friend Michael (and why??). 
I have so many compliments for this book-the writing is superb, fast moving plot, humor, well-developed characters.
This book is number six in the series.  I recommend reading the other ones first as this one references escapades from previous books. 
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.
Warning: Maggie and her "boyfriend", Ralphie argue.  Maggie says she "hates him.  Ralphie calls and says he loves her (but by accident says it to Mrs. Blossom!! 😆 ).  Then they meet in the woods to "search for Mad Mary's cane" and share a kiss or two.  The whole scene is very humorous, not inappropriate. 

Unlimited Squirrels in Who is the Mystery Reader? by Mo Willems*

Mo Willems's latest book!
A group of squirrels is trying to figure out what a stop sign says.  One of the squirrels excuses himself.  Suddenly a squirrel wearing a mask and underpants appears and suggests, "Why not read it?"!  It is the Mystery Reader!  He proceeds to help them read the word. 
Humor abounds in this book.  Multiple stories and many "Acorn-y Jokes" are included.  Mr. Willems has even drawn "emote-acorns" on the bottom of some pages to reveal the big feelings squirrels are having on that particular page!
The only section beginning or struggling readers may have difficulty reading is the one where the history of writing is explained.  The adult will probably have to read that section aloud.  But by that time in the book, the reader may need a break.
*Highly recommend (My fourth grader even enjoyed reading this book.  I think I spied my seventh grader reading it too!).
Perfect for beginning readers or struggling readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hornbooks and Inkwells by Verla Kay illustrated by S.D. Schindler*

With rhyming text, Ms. Kay relates how children learned in the 1700's in an one-room school house.  Readers witness the change of seasons and also how the students mature. 
The author's note was very interesting.  She mentions how her research led her to discover Christopher Dock and his revolutionary teaching style.
The illustrations are expressive and endearing.
*Highly recommend.

Just Like Beverly by Vicki Conrad illustrated by David Hohn

I loved Beverly Cleary books as a child and still enjoy reading them aloud to younger readers.  My parents did not like reading them aloud to me because they disapproved of Ramona's behavior!!😏 So Mrs. Cleary books took me from a faltering, struggling reader to an independent reader  (Nancy Drew also helped me become an independent reader!)!
This picture book biography focuses on Beverly Cleary's early childhood and elementary years and her love for writing at an early age.  Although the reader learns about how she began her professional writing career and about her continued success as an author, most of this book focuses on her childhood, which reader will find relatable.  Astute Cleary fans will make connections between her childhood to events in her books. 
The author includes several pages of additional information about Cleary in smaller font for adult or older readers.  A timeline of her life is also in the back of the book. 
On the day I am writing this blog post, Beverly Cleary is still alive (103 years old!!).
*Highly recommend for Beverly Cleary fans.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix*

I bought this book over a year ago when it was first published, but since I own (no due date!) it, I kept reading borrowed books instead.
Readers will learn about a vulnerable Germany after World War I,  will witness the rise of evil Hitler and will read in awe as Dietrich Bonhoeffer decides to stand against the Nazi propaganda. 
Mr. Hendrix presents history in an exciting narrative.  His artwork is interpretive yet powerful.
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for reluctant readers (or struggling readers) who are in junior high or high school.
-I own this book.

How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg illustrated by Kevin O'Malley*

A read a few entries from this book each week aloud to my boys.  A lot of the individuals featured in this book are people we have studied, are studying or will study in history.  My boys found the stories fascinating.  I especially liked the additional facts included about some aspect of history that was mentioned in the biography.
  The facts and writing are a bit edgy. 
The library has it labeled as "young adult" as there are some questionably appropriate facts included (They are easy to skip over if you are reading it aloud to a younger crowd like I was.). 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

River by Elisha Cooper*

I read this beautiful picture book aloud to my sons since we are learning about New Netherlands (NYC) and Henry Hudson (Hudson River).
A woman (a mother) canoes the Hudson River from Henderson Lake into the Atlantic Ocean.  Her encounters with nature and the river are recorded in beautiful prose.  Mr. Cooper's attention to detail in his illustrations is amazing.  Observing the differences between the end pages in the beginning and the end and also the illustrations before the title page and on the author's note page is a worthwhile activity.
A great book to model asking questions while reading.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.