A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued
While visiting Czechoslovakia right before World War II, Nicolas Winton sees a need and fulfills it. He saves 669 children from the Nazi invasion. He never tells anyone. Years later his wife finds the paperwork in the attic. Then his unselfish deeds are brought to light . . ..
An amazing story!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Written in 1869
In journal format, sixteen-year-old Kate bears her soul as she struggles with her sin nature and trying to understand God's love. The novel includes entries from age sixteen until she is nearing the end of her life. Initially her dramatics annoyed me. Then I thought that if I recorded all of my daily struggles, I would "sound" just like Kate! It was refreshing to read these soul-bearing entries because she voiced many of my concerns and struggles as a Christian. Observing her growth over the decades encouraged my soul. Growing in Christ is a journey. Each step, no matter how seeming insignficant, proves vital.
Although this novel is fictitious, Kate's life mirrors the authors.
Elizabeth Prentiss, the author, wrote the hymn, "More Love to Thee, O Christ".
I highly recommed it but am not sure how many people in our modern era will appreciate it?? Elisabeth Elliot, Kay Arthur, & Joni Eareckson Tada recommend it!😉
-Borrowed from the library.
Reeling from her mother's death, Ave Maria begins to discover who she really is. Why did her mother never mention who her true father was? Why the strange marriage proposals? Will leaving Stone Gap resolve her issues? The humor and the small town setting will endear this novel to its readers.
Warning: It seems like sex is the driving force for a relationship for some characters (especially the bookmobile librarian, Iva Lou (who eventually settles down and marries)). Nothing explicit is included. Allusions to adultery, premartial sex.
*Award-winner (many awards)
Ms. Heiligman based this biography off of letters exchanged between the brothers (primary sources) and also secondary sources. Very-well researched and well executed. Her exquiste prose captivates the reader and thrusts them into Vincent's and Theo's worlds.
Although Vincent's and Theo's tumultuous lives has sadden me (I almost did not finish the book), I have concluded that knowing their stories gives me greater appreciation for Vincent's work and also for brotherly devotion. Ms. Heiligman reveals Theo's little known story . . .without him or his wife, Jo, Vincent van Gogh may not have been famous.
*Categorized as "young adult".
Warning/points to discuss: mental illness/depression, suicide, numerous times the men visit prostitutes (no graphic details are given), STD's, alcohol abuse, Both Vincent and Theo leave their faith, Theo contracts syphilis and eventually dies from it.
-Borrowed from the library.
A Story about Vincent van Gogh
A simple story about van Gogh's interactions with a family while he lived in Arles, France. I read this picture book aloud to my sixth grader while we studied van Gogh's painting Bedroom in Arles.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: bullies, mental illness
-Borrowed from the library.
While Mia Valentina's siblings and father watch her oldest sister Grace's basketball game, Mia remains home and helps Mom decorate the old house for their Valentine's Day celebration and dinner.
A beautiful story of a large family who is not wealthy materialistically but rich in love for each other.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
King Cedric does not like being small. To ensure he is the tallest in his palace, he banishes anyone who is taller than he is. Who remains to serve him? Babies! Gradually, as he cares for the babies, his heart softens. Transformation can occur in any person.
-Borrowed from the library.
Redeemed Reader recommended this picture book. Such a sweet, humorous book about a man's tendacity while attempting to send his love to his Valentine. The illustrations are whimsical and add a second storyline. Rhyming text makes this a great read aloud.
This is my kind of romance "novel"! 😉-wholesome and sweet.
Apparently, it is to the tune of "Oh My Darling, Clementine" & a spin-off of the song. . .singing isn't my gift so I totally missed this feature!
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.
We watched this Disney Classic after my ninth grader and I read the novel. Although differences exist between the novel and movie, the movie was still enjoyable. Jim Hawkins is cast a lot younger than I imagined him being in the book. The older programing/effects give us a better appreciation how far "movie-making" has come!
Rated: PG (pirates, drinking, killing/violence, betrayal)
We own this DVD.
For several years I have been wanting to read this overview of God's story. I spied it in our church's library the other week and immediately borrowed it!
Mr. DeYoung captures the overarching theme of God's story, focusing on God's holiness and perfection, and mankind's need for a Savior. He quickly relates all the stories of the Bible, constantly reiterating man's sinfulness and God's love and forgiveness.
*Highly recommend. If you want children to know the details about the Bible stories, this is not a good pick. However, a lot of children who attend church know the main stories well but may miss the major theme of the Bible. This book, then, is perfect.
-Borrowed from my church's library.
My twelve-year-old and I have started to study van Gogh in art. Below are books we have used/are using:
1. Vincent's Colors by Vincent van Gogh (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)-very simple, small book. Each page has a copy of his art plus words he wrote about it. An excellent book to introduce his art and style. *Highly recommend.
Reading aloud The Story Girl, watching The Road to Avonlea, and ordering The Golden Road (sequel to The Story Girl), I decided to read a few books about the author and the beloved P.E.I.
1. The Anne of Green Gables Christmas Treasury by Carolyn Strom Collins & Christina Wyss Eriksson (I thought it was a collection of stories about Anne at Christmas. It is not!)-a collection of a decorations, crafts, ideas and recipes featured/mentioned in Anne of Green Gables. Quite a few sewing projects. I just glanced through this one.
2. The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables by Catherine Reid This book showcases the breath-taking scenery of Prince Edward Island via photographs. The text relates more about L.M. Montgomery's life and how much she loved the island. I am currently reading this one.
A Hercule Poirot Mystery
I read aloud to my boys while they eat lunch about three times a week. It took me less than a month to read aloud this Agatha Christie novel to them! A few times they asked me to continue reading even though they were finished with lunch. I have read three Agatha Christie novels so far and am continually impressed with her ability to create a suspenseful novel with an unexpected solution! (This novel was my boys' first encounter with her.)
When Hercule Poirot receives a typed letter taunting him to solve a case, he knows that it will involve murder. Three murders occur in alphabetical order-Mrs. Ascher in Andover, Ms. Betty Barnard in Bexhill and Sir Carmichael Clarke in Churston. Before each murder, Mr. Poirot receives a letter in which the murder shares the date and town where it will take place. Mr. Poirot calmly and quietly analyzes the clues to find the culprit.
*Highly recommend. (Warning: some swearing, mention of sex appeal-easy to skip over when reading it aloud.)
I own this novel. From the library I requested the TV series starring David Suchet to watch the screen version of it.
We may read Death on the Nile after we finish a biography about Corrie ten Boom. The movie is being released in theaters this week (Feb. 2022).
A mother and son team created this book!
My sixth grader read these poems each day for a week. He regularly composes poems and loves to photograph birds. My goal was to inspire him to try new poetry formats. His favorite poem was "Wood Peck" because of the apropos rhythm. He was not overly impressed with some of the photographs, but others he admired. Each photograph spanned two pages and included a picture caption with information about the featured bird.
-Borrowed from the library.
2022-Youth Media Winner-for Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.
Out of all the novels/chapter books for this year's ALA winners, this one looked the most interesting.
Alex, an autistic boy, loves birds. In his own backyard he observes eagles raising their eaglets. A tornado whips through their neighborhood and destroys the tree, holding the nest. A different tree crashes into their home. As a result, Alex's estranged father returns to help repair their home. Suddenly Alex realizes that his mother and the adults in his life have kept secrets from him. Will order ever be restored?
Each chapter begins with a new poem. I looked forward to reading them! Ms. Myers not only weaves together a family story but also creates poems that support the story's development.
Originally I decided to read this book so I could pass it along to my twelve year old who loves birds. I won't be recommending it to him.
Warnings/points to discuss: Alex's home is on the property of two men, Emmett and George. They are lovers. Their physical affection for each other is displayed by one laying a hand on top of the other and a kiss on the cheek. When I read the summary about the book, I thought it was about an autistic boy, his love for birds and his struggle with his parents' separation. I was not aware of this element. If I had known about this inclusion, I would not have borrowed it. Once I started, I enjoyed Alex and his story, so I finished the book. Alex's parents have been separated because of the father's alcoholism. Also, if readers are not familiar with autism, it would be good to discuss the spectrum and its implications.
-Borrowed from the library.
The Life and Vision of Lilias Trotter
I had never heard of Lilias Trotter. Coming across a review of her biography, I was intrigued and pursued finding the book by Miriam Rockness. I then read about this movie about her life and hunted it down too! It beautifully portrays the progression of her life--from wealthy artistic young lady to a woman who pioneers ideas to reach the Arabs in North Africa. Beautiful music, landscapes and paintings fill the DVD. Miriam Rockness, the writer who spent thirty years reasearching Lilias Trotter, is included in the film. Without her tenacity, Lilias Trotter would be unknown.
Very interesting and well. . .beautiful! Some of the shots were reused.
-Borrowed via inter-library loan.
This month my ninth grader is reading this novel for English. Since I had never read it, I read it so I could discuss it with him.
When a sea captain dies in his mother's inn, Admiral Benbow, Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map in the man's chest. Sharing the map with the local doctor and squire, Jim finds himself swept off on a sea adventure and treasure hunt.
A coming -of-age novel (bildungsroman) and a quest tale.
I found the ship and seafaring vocabulary and terminology from Stevenson's time period challenging.
I bought the version that includes N.C. Wyeth's illustrations from Barnes and Noble (a beautiful edition).
Points to discuss: drunkness, violence/murder, different character's views of God
