Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan*

Although it took me a few chapters to really get into this book, it slowly became a book that I could recommend.    Ms. Sloan develops a likable, humorous character in Julia.

Julia's mother forces her to audition for the town's summer theater production, The Wizard of Oz.  Her little brother Randy has a beautiful singing voice so for him this is an opportunity.  But Julia?  Her talent is daydreaming and missing Ramon, her dog that just died.  Julia earns a part in the play . . . as a munchkin.  She is short so this role does not surprise her. 
Other surprises await her, though- becoming friends with short adults, meeting an eccentric lonely lady on her street and also forming a bond with the famous director, Shawn Barr.
The final lines in the book summarize it well,
pg. 296
"I grew this summer. 
Not on the outside, but on the inside.
And that's the only place where growing really matters."
*Highly recommend (I loved this book, but am curious if kids would find Julia as humorous and lovable as I did!). 
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: pet dying, daughter dying from cancer, some cast members drink champagne at a party and Julia takes a sip (She doesn't like it.) , one mention of a cast member smoking, one mention of someone swearing (no actual swear words, though), theater romance drama (nothing inappropriate-just the lead actress dating different people right after each other).

Monster Blood Tattoo #1 Foundling by D.M. Cornish*

Audio -unabridged read by Humphrey Bower
First of all, Mr. Bower was an excellent reader/performer having consistent different voices for all of the characters. 
Rossamund is finally venturing out to live out his destiny as a lamplighter after living at Madam Opera's Estimable Marine Society for Foundling Boys and Girls.  As he journeys through the Half-Continent to his place of employment, he encounters delightful people, mysterious people and evil people.    Excitement and interesting characters abound.
Book # 1 ends with a satisfying conclusion, but alludes to new problems and mysteries to come.
I especially loved the writing style.  Mr. Cornish's word choice and carefully crafted sentences enable the story to come alive in one's mind.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Afraid of All Things by Scarelt Hiltibidal

With humor and vulnerability, Mrs. Hiltibidal shares fears she has had over the years and how God has met her where she is to bring healing and comfort.  Her testimony reinforces the importance of reading the Word, knowing it and believing it. 
Mrs. Hiltibidal writes in a very personal manner, which makes the reader feel like one is interacting with a friend.
Throughout the book, I was confronted with my inaccurate views of God.  An easy read yet a challenging read!
-Borrowed via Inter-Lib. Loan (Libraries in my county do not own it.)

A Pocket Full of Murder by R.J. Anderson

Tarreton, a city powered by magic, only honors the wealthy.  When Isaveth, a poor twelve-year old, learns her father has been arrested for murdering a governor, she sets out to prove his innocence.  As she investigates and tries to sell her home-made magic, she meets mysterious Quiz, a boy who seems to have connections everywhere.  Together they uncover a twisted scheme that requires cleverness and intelligence to stop.

The setting is in a fantastical world, but closely resembles the 1800's (before electricity or automobiles). 

I read this book very quickly.  It was exciting! 

Consider: Someone is murdered, but the act is not described.  Quiz holds Isaveth's hand to comfort her.  At the end he asks if he may kiss her, but an event interrupts the moment.  

-Borrowed from the library.

Sequel: A Little Taste of Poison

Redeemed Reader gave these two books a starred review.  

The Grumble-Free Year by Tricia Goyer

I heard Mrs. Goyer speak on Focus on the Family about their grumble-free year.   I requested that the library purchase this book, and they did!
As I read this book, I felt like Mrs. Goyer was sitting in the room and was telling me personally about the challenges and celebrations as she and her family of ten (including her grandmother) decided to try not to complain or grumble. 
Practical advice is woven into the stories.  At the end of each chapter she lists questions and ideas for the reader to ponder and apply.  I liked how she recognized that the only way anyone can change is if it is heart change through God.
-Borrowed from the library.

History's Kid Heroes The Top-Secret Adventure of John Darragh, Revolutionary War Spy by Peter Roop and Connie Roop Adapted by Amanda Doering Tourville illustrated by Zachary Trover

The Quaker Darragh family, who resided in British-occupied Philadelphia, lived across the street from General Howe's British Headquarters.  Even though they were opposed to violence, they worked together as a family to spy on the British.  Since their oldest son Charles had enlisted in Washington's army, they justified their spying to keep Charles safe.  Mr. Darragh created a code.  Mrs. Darragh hid the messages in her son John's buttons.  John would then walk to Washington's camp to deliver the buttons/messages to Charles.
This book creates a story about what may have happened as John carried the messages to Washington's camp.
In the afterword the authors explain how Mrs. Darragh played a major role in preventing the British from attacking American forces.
Very interesting!
-Borrowed from the library.
*There seem to be a couple more book in this series  focusing on kids who helped in the Revolutionary War.

Christmas Cheer for the Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

Christmas means joy, right?  Not for the grouchy ladybug.
Throughout the short text, the narrator points out the joyous events that occur during the Christmas season.  By the end of the book, the ladybug is smiling!
-Borrowed from the library.

Counting Birds by Heidi E.Y. Stemple illustrated by Clover Robin**

The Idea That Helped Save Our Feathered Friends
Frank Chapman loved birds (this sentence is repeated a few times throughout the book and was effective!).  He worked for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.  His job was to create bird exhibits.  During this time period on Christmas Day, groups of people would participate in bird competitions. . . hunting birds-any bird.  Whichever team shot the most birds, won.  Through his magazine Bird-Lore, Frank decided to promote a bird hunt of his own on Christmas Day-a bird count!  For the first time in 1900, twenty-seven bird watchers across the United States counted all birds.  The tradition has continued to this day!
I love picture books!  I learn so much in short amount of time!  I never knew the story behind the Christmas Day Bird Count. 
Ms. Stemple is Jane Yolen's daughter.  Ms. Yolen wrote the beloved book Owl Moon.  The girl featured in the book is Heidi Stemple and the father is Jane Yolen's husband (and Heidi's father).  Each Christmas Day, Heidi wakes up at midnight to count owls.
After the main narrative, Ms. Stemple shares with young birders how they can participate in various bird counts. 
My ten-year old and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and are looking into participating in a bird count ourselves.  My son aptly stated, "One person can make a big difference." (referring to Frank Chapman)
**Highly, highly recommend (especially to young birders).
-Borrowed from the library.

Today We Go Home by Kelli Estes

My friend gave this book to me for my birthday via Once Upon a Book Club.  As I read it, Post It notes reminded me to open a small gift.  It was fun!
The book delves into two women's lives-

• modern day Larkin Bennett who was stationed in Afghanistan and is now struggling with PTSD 
• Emily Wilson who disguises herself as a man so she can fight in the Civil War in 1861

Their two lives merge when Larkin digs through her deceased best friend Sarah's possessions and discovers Emily's diary.  As she reads Emily's diary, Larkin begins to process her tragedy and heal.
Ms. Estes reveals how many women disguised themselves as men during the Civil War and sheds light on the difficulties women in the military, both then and now, face.

To consider/warning: some swearing, Larkin drowns her demons with alcohol. Sarah and men in her unit visit a brothel.   Sarah is forced to go into a room with a prostitute named Vee.  Vee kisses her (thinking she is a man),  and Sarah for a brief second enjoys it.  Sarah then reveals that she is a woman, and Vee keeps her secret.  Men attempt to rape Sarah.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger**

Two of my husband's relatives recommended this book to me on the same day at separate times.  I am so glad that they recommended it! 
A beautifully written book about miracles and family.
Told from eleven-year-old Reuben's point of view
Reuben should not have lived.  When he was born, his lungs did not work.  His father, Jeremiah Land, however, told his newborn son to "Breathe" and he did. 
For eleven years Reuben struggles with asthmatic symptoms.  His father faithfully pounds his chest and offers him steaming water concoctions.  During these years Jeremiah raises his three children, Davy, Reuben and Swede, in a small town in Minnesota, earning a living as school custodian.  Only Reuben witnesses first hand that his father is special . . . a man able to perform miracles.  Jeremiah's love for God and his submission to Him are paramount.
Then two young men, bent on evil, enter their lives, threatening their family.  Davy defends his family and is arrested.  Knowing he will be convicted, seventeen-year-old Davy escapes prison and becomes an outlaw.  Jeremiah, Reuben and Swede drive off to find him in North Dakota with a federal investigator following them.  More evil lurks, threatening to destroy them.   Jeremiah continues to pray, read the Word and sing to His Creator and Savior. 
Despite the prevalence of man's depravity throughout the book, the reader will be filled with hope of God's sovereignty and His goodness.
This book will stay with me for a long time, for the language and structure made lasting imprints on my mind. 
My mom read this book too.  She thought the plot was good and the ending was satisfying, but she thought the writing was weird and that one had to infer too much. 
-Borrowed from the library.
**Highly, highly recommend.

William Penn text set

My ten year old read the following books about William Penn when we studied colonial PA:

1. William Penn A Life of Tolerance by Jennifer Boothroyd
-Borrowed from lib.


2. Graphic Library- William Penn Founder of Pennsylvania by Ryan Jacobson illustrated by Tim Stiles
-Borrowed from the lib.


3. William Penn  Founder of Pennsylvania by Steven Kroll illustrated by Ronald Himler
-Borrowed from lib.


4.  The Story of William Penn written and illustrated by Aliki
-I own this book.

Hex Signs text set

To support our study of colonial Pennsylvania, we read parts of some books about hex signs.  The following books are for adults, but can be useful for building schema.

 #1 Hexology by Jacob and Jane Zook


#2 Hex Signs by Don Yoder and Thomas E. Graves


#3 Hex Signs by Ivan E. Hoyt **(I really liked this one because it shows readers how to create the designs step by step and also shares tips and what tools are needed.)

A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit

Ms. Engelbreit retells the birth of Christ via kids participating in a pageant. 
The illustrations depict  typical kid antics, adding humor.
I liked how she included many different ethnicities. 
-Borrowed from the library.

A Place to Start a Family by David L. Harrison illustrated by Giles Laroche

Poems About Creatures That Build
Divided into home locations (underground, in the air etc), these poems magnify the amazing creation of our God!  I especially appreciated the additional information about each creature found after the poems.  I learned something new about each creature (even if common, i.e. beavers).The author also recommends additional picture books to read about each creature. 
-Borrowed from the library

Bear is Awake! by Hannah E. Harrison**

I loved this adorable alphabet book! 
Each letter of the alphabet is only represented with one to two words.  These words, however, tell a fun and magical story of a girl and a bear. 
Ms. Harrison is a superb illustrator, capturing facial expressions so well. 
Great book for expanding vocabulary for younger listeners/toddlers/preschoolers.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Finding Narnia The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother by Caroline McAlister illustrated by Jessica Lanan*

A sweet picture book about C.S. Lewis and his relationship with his brother-from childhood until he writes The Chronicles of Narnia.  I especially loved the illustrations where Ms. Lanan included book titles!!
Separately, the author and illustrator, provide explanations behind their research and work and more details about C.S. Lewis' life in the back.  Both ladies did a ton of research to write and illustrate this picture book.   Fans of Narnia and C.S. Lewis will find the notes interesting.
I would recommend this book for kids who have read the series or at least The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Sign of the Beaver DVD

Based on the novel by Elizabeth George Speare
93 minutes long
The movie followed the basic plot line of the book, but switched some aspects of the plot to make it more exciting.  The  movie also provides the "why" behind some events in the book (more details about when they were detained at the port because of the fever, why they were moving to this land).  I did not like how the movie focused on how Matt's mom had previous feelings about Matt's dad's brother.  This relationship was not mentioned in the book at all, and in my opinion, not necessary. 
My twelve-year-old did not like how the movie spent time on Matt's family's progress.  In the book, the reader only encounters Matt's dad in the beginning and then all of the family at the end.  The book focuses on Matt, his survival and his relationship with the Natives.
The book is better!!
Warning: a couple of "d-n"/swearing, the father accuses his wife of having feelings for his brother and regretting marrying him 
-Borrowed from the library.

The Great Spruce by John Duvall illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

Alec loves climbing the big spruce on his property.  His grandfather had transplanted the little spruce to their backyard before Alec was born.  When a few men ask Alec's parents if they may chop down the tree for the city's Christmas celebration, they agree.  Alec is deeply upset.  The day the crew comes to chop down the tree, Alec negotiates and convinces the men to "borrow" the tree!
I found it fascinating how a large tree is dug up and moved (The author provides step-by-step photos of this process at the end.).  The author's note also shares the history of the Rockefeller Center tradition of putting up a large decorated tree to celebrate Christmas.
-Borrowed from the library.

Reading People by Anne Bogel

Ms. Bogel explains a myriad of personality tests.  The writing is warm and personal.  Although I was learning about a lot of different personality types for the first time (I had only taken the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator and had only read about The Five Love Languages), I was able to read through this book with ease and also found it pleasurable!
-Borrowed from the library.