All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot**

I first received and read this book when I was sixteen-years-old.  Ever since then James Herriot's books have been a favorite of mine.
This winter I began reading this book aloud to my ten-year-old.  My thirteen-year-old even joined us some nights! 
With humor and inherent sense of pacing, Herriot captivates the reader immediately. Readers join Herriot in the beautiful Yorkshire dales, experience his interactions with the stoic Dale farmers and their animals and laugh at Siegfried's and Tristan's antics.   Also, I often paused to talk with my son about Herriot's writing techniques. 
**Highly, highly recommend but see the warnings.

Warnings: People in the story often drank alcohol.  There are several incidents of drunkenness.  One chapter I totally skipped because Herriot is extremely drunk and is on a double date (with Tristan).  Swearing is common.  Since I was reading it aloud, I could skip over the words. 
Vivid descriptions of veterinary practices (not for squeamish readers).

-I own this book (and the entire series).

Made to Move Mountains by Kristen Welch

How God Uses Our Dreams and Disasters to Accomplish the Impossible
With vulnerability and genuineness, Kristen Welch shares about a difficult year as she obeys God in her ministry Mercy House Global and with a scary health diagnosis of her child.  Her writing parallels David's Psalms-asking God "why" or crying out desperately for Him  and then also remembering that He is good and can be trusted amidst the injustices and uncertainties.
I marked lots of pages with book darts as I read.  Mrs. Welch incorporates many insights from wise individuals and plus her own profound conclusions as she travels up her mountains.
Initially I was not overly impressed because I had not expected so much of the writing focused on herself and her journey.  As I continued to read, I settled into the book and appreciated her stories.

Heads up- When I first looked through this book soon after it arrived in the mail, I immediately opened to a page where she quotes Joel Osteen, whose preaching/teaching I do not agree with.  I, however, did not found the quote offensive or unbiblical.

-I own this book.

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier*

A Peter Nimble Adventure
Sophie Quire spends her days mending books in her father's bookshop.  When Inquisitor Prigg requires the residents of Bustleburgh to burn any books that promote nonsense (aka magic and fantasy), Sophie Quire wonders how she and her father will survive.  Peter Nimble and his loyal friend Sir Tode arrive to give her a mysterious book called The Book of Who.  Sophie soon discovers that her mother had died saving this book.  Adventure, magical creatures and peril await her, Peter Nimble and Sir Tode beyond their imaginations!
An exciting and creative fantasy!
Warnings: violence, drug use (made up drugs-really spells, I guess?), Madame Eldritch is quite seductive. 
Minor heads up: Peter and Sophie tentatively give hints of liking each other.  Sophie kisses Peter on the cheek. 
*Highly recommend (but see warnings) for 4th grade and up. 
-Borrowed from a friend.

Alone Yet Not Alone DVD*

Our family watched this adaption of this true story I had just read aloud to my sons.
It was very well produced.  Seeing the characters portrayed and their circumstances brought this time period and story to life.  My thirteen-year-old liked the movie a little more than the book. 
There were some differences in the movie that bothered us, but they added more action and a little romance. 
The scenery was beautiful when teens escaped.
*Highly recommend
-Borrowed from a friend.
Warnings: Rated PG-13 for violence

Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven*

Ms. Craven, a descendant of Barbara Leininger, relates Barbara's story about the effects of the Penn's Creek Massacre on the family. 
After the Allegheny warriors murder their father and one brother, they burn the family's home and kidnap Barbara and her sister Regina.  The reader experiences Barbara's life with the Native Americans, her daring escape and her reunion with her family. 
The importance of teaching my sons God's Word and making sure we sing His truths were reinforced as I read this account.
I read this aloud to my sons a few mornings a week over a few months.  They liked the part when Barbara escaped. 
Ms. Craven does a great job knowing when to skip months/years of Barbara's life to maintain the reader's interest.
*Highly recommend for girls (My boys were not overly thrilled about it.  I wanted them to learn about this remarkable story about an actual person from our area who had experienced the French-Indian War and who had survived a capture.).
-Borrowed from a friend.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard

Award-winner-Pulitzer Prize
Ms. Dillard shares her observations in the natural over a year's time near her home in Tinker Creek, Virginia.  As she observes nature, she contemplates life and God.  Her similes and metaphors evoke memorable, powerful images.  Often I found myself thinking, "That is exactly how (fill in the blank) looks!" Her knowledge about the natural world is phenomenal! Numerous times I was astounded about the information she shared about insects, Eskimos, and muskrats (just to name a few).
Although I thoroughly enjoyed her writing, sometimes I felt like I was not quite understanding the depth of what she was trying to convey (not because of her inability to communicate, but my inexperience in reading esoteric writing!).  I was also uncertain about her views concerning God.

I think it is one I will reread when I want to be amazed by the Creator and just to relish in her descriptive writing.