Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker illustrated by Matthew Cordell*

 As I was reading this middle grade novel, I was constantly making connections to Roald Dahl's Matilda. Leeva's parents run the town, Nutsmore. Her mother is the mayor; her father is the treasurer. Leeva basically has been held prisoner in her own home most of her life. One day she ventures out to discover a library, friendships and the true meaning of familial love.

*Highly recommend.

Points to discuss: embezzling, her parents are cruel to her by their words and by keeping her captive in the home, her parents abandon her and love themselves, fame and money more than her

-Borrowed from the library.

Outside Nowhere by Adam Borba*

 I find this book very odd yet very delightful. The plot captived me because the author slowly revealed answers as it progressed. 

After destroying the community pool by dumping fifty-seven gallons of powdered fruit punch into it, Parker is sent to work on a radish farm. His normal endearing personality does not budge the farmer, Molly or the other workers to like him. For the first time in his life, he has to work hard and to think of others before himself. Then he breaks one major rule-he eats the crop. Dire ramifications ensue but life lessons become endelible. 

I could not help but to like Parker even though at first he was irresponsible and selfish. As I discovered his life story, his behavior made sense. My thirteen-year-old started to read this book but stopped because he did not like Parker. He thought he was snooty.

Even though parts were sobering, I liked this quirky, at-times-humorous book.

*Highly recommend. (The cover, unfortunately, will not draw mobs of readers!)

-Borrowed from the library.

Two Dogs by Ian Falconer

 Augie and Perry, two dachshunds, are bored when their family is gone for the day. Using their brains, they devise a way to escape outside, to enjoy the backyard, and to conceal their escape. I did not like the illustrations. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Finding You-DVD*

 On St. Patrick's Day a blog I read, The Wallflower Journal, featured an article how to visit Ireland without leaving your home. The author recommends a few movies, Finding You, being one of them. This movie is based on a young adult romance (rom-com) novel called There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones. 

Rated: PG

My whole family watched it with me (I am the only girl!) and seemed to enjoy it. Violinist Finley Sinclair decides to spend a semester abroad in Ireland after she fails to meet the qualifications for New York conservatory. Hoping for inspiration in Ireland, Finley is not thrilled to find an annoying teen-throb actor staying at the same bed/breakfast. He distracts her yet provides her opportunities to experience Ireland. As the semester progresses, she learns to peer past first impressions and appearances. 

My one son stated he appreciated how numerous plots kept the movie extra interesting. Another bonus is the ability to view the stunning Irish sights and its culture. The movie ends with a direct reference to God, but only Christians would understand it. It seems like the novel was published with a Christian publishing company. However, God is not the focus of the movie.

*Highly recommend-a refreshingly fun movie for ages 12 and older .. it is definitely a "chic-flick" .

Heads-up-A couple of times some characters swear, scenes shot in a pub (drinking), two references to "finding me in the bedroom"  

-Borrowed from the library.

Hot Dog by Doug Salati**

 Winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal

An adorable book! A dog and his owner leave the blistering heat of the city for a day at the beach. The illustrations enhance the story and relate the emotions.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Gravity Tree by Anna Crowley Redding illustrated by Yas Imamura*

 A True Story of a Tree That Inspired the World

The reader learns the true story behind Sir Isaac Newton's "discovery" of gravity as he sits under an apple tree, the story of the tree and other scientists it impacted. I loved this story's long view of science and its history.  Lots of alliteration

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Peak by Roland Smith*

 I researched online for "clean books" for teen boys on behalf of my thirteen-year-old. This title was one that appeared on a list. My son really enjoyed this book and recommended it to me.

After climbing a New York City skyscraper, fourteen-year-old Peak is arrested and placed on trial. His father, Joshua Woods, whom he has not seen in years, arrives just in time. The solution? Make Peak disappear from the U.S. and give him the opportunity to climb Mt. Everest so he will be the youngest person to reach its summit. Peak learns about unselfishness and what truly matters in life. 

This novel will reveal the tenacity and the stamina people who climb Mt. Everest must possess. The reader will learn a lot about climbing and acclimation.  A story that will appeal to active, adventurous readers. Although Peak is competitive and has flaws, his kindness ultimately rules his final decisions. He is a credible character. 

*Highly recommend but see warnings. This novel is labeled a "young adult". 

Topics to discuss/Warnings: Peak's arrest & his attitude, lying, a couple of swear words, a woman mentions how Josh Woods is cute and contemplates sneaking into his tent one night & says waiting until they are in higher elevation to engage in this activity is not a good idea "more than your lungs shut down", Peak's mom and dad have him out wedlock and never marry, Peak's dad, Joshua Woods, is selfish and not an involved father

-Borrowed from the library. It appears a total of four books are in this series.

Albrecht Durer text set

 When preparing for our unit of the Reformation, I discovered that Albrecht Durer was known as "the artist of the Reformation" . He is also considered the greatest German Renaissance artist. My favorite paintings by him are "Peonies", "Columbine" , and "The Large Piece of Turf". I am using the following resources to teach my sons about him:

1. Albrecth Durer-Art for Children by Ernest Raboff. *Highly recommend. Easy, engaging paragraphs-format like an artist sketch book. In this book I saw for the first time "Peonies", Columbine", and "The Large Piece of Turf". -Borrowed from the library.

2. Before They Were Famous by Bob Raczka-(How Seven Artists Got Their Start)-One page short biography about their early days following with a few of their famous paintings. *Highly recommend. Borrowed from the library.

3. Simply Charlotte Mason Picture Study Portfolios by Emily Kiser -I absolutely love these packets. They contain copies of artists' paintings, suggested ways to talk about art  & artists. For each painting there are additional insights about it plus probing questions. I owe quite a few of these portfolios! My youngest son and I were disappointed they did not include our favorite paintings by Durer (I knew before I ordered it what paintings were included. I just wished they had included more of his nature subjects).

Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett illustrated by Christian Robinson

 Each two-page spread includes a question-some have a specific answer while most of them are open-ended with the potential for interesting discussions with your child! Definitely a book that will promote critical thinking and provide the practice to defend logical thinking.

Warning: One question is "Which of these ladies just robbed a bank?"-probably a discussion is needed how robbing a bank is wrong!!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Gardener of Alcatraz by Emma Bland Smith illustrated by Jenn Ely*

 A story about transformation and gardening

Elliott Michener, a counterfeiter, was sentenced to Alcatraz. Gloom abounded. He contemplates his escape. When he finds and returns a key to a guard, his life turns in a new direction. The "bosses" at the prison were looking for a person with integrity to garden on the island and gave the job to Mr. Michener. Throughout his years at Alcatraz, Mr. Michener becomes an expert gardener and slowly, his view on how to live and earn a living is transformed. Once released, he never returns to a life of crime.

The illustrations' colors reflect the story's mood.

The author's notes offer additional information about Michener and Alcatraz. Some items included seemed like an agenda push.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Village School by Miss Read illustrated by J.S. Goodall

 Originally published in 1955, Village School introduces readers to the village of  Fairacre from the perspective of  Miss Read, the village's school teacher. I enjoyed reading the gentle, humorous stories, feeling like I was living in the village. Even though it is told from Miss Read's point of view, I feel like I did not "get to know" her very well. More time is devoted to describing and interacting with other characters. Being a former school teacher, I enjoyed reading about how the public school was in England in the 1950s. 

Aspect I did not agree w/- While her husband was at war, Mrs. Waites has an affair (no details-just mentions it) and gives birth to Cathy. Her husband does not say anything and treats Cathy as her own. From time to time Mrs. Waites thinks about this man and sees nothing wrong with the affair. 

A great setting to escape to! I will definitely be reading more titles in this series. Miss Read has written over fifty-three books. 

*Highly recommend.

A Rose Named Peace by Barbara Carroll Roberts illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline*

 How Francis Meilland Created a Flower of Hope for a World at War

Francis loves growing vegetables, fruits and roses on his family farm in southern France. When he sees a stunning rose his neighbor has cross-pollinated and developed, he is determined to create his own rose. Years of experiments and failures ensue. Then World War II erupts. When he sends his newly developed rose to  Robert Pyle, a famous rose grower in PA, he does not know if his seedlings have arrived safely. His roses thrive all over the United States and offer beauty and hope for a war-torn world. 

I like how Ms. Roberts integrates the impact of WW II within the story.

Beautiful, expressive watercolor illustrations. I like any book illustrated by Mr. Ibatoulline.

-Borrowed from the library.

Moon Tree by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser illustrated by Simona Mulazzani

The Story of One Extraordinary Tree 

Ms. Fraiser shares a little known story of tree seeds that circle the moon with the United States first moon orbit and landing. The seeds have been planted all over the United States (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina,Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, & Washington) and even in Brazil. We have a moon tree in our town, which is why I borrowed this book from our local library! The listing for where all of the moon trees are growing is included in the back of the book.

I love stories about little known tidbits of history! The illustrations were a bit too dark and modern for me.

*Highly recommend for those who may have a moon tree in their town!

-Borrowed from the library.

For the Birds by Peggy Thomas illustrated by Laura Jacques

 The Life of Roger Tory Peterson

A comprehensive book about Mr. Peterson's life- his development and love for nature, birds, and illustrating. It also reveals his impact on nature guides and environmental concerns for birds. The surfeit of bird-related similies and metaphors was a turn off for me. The illustrations are lavish and beautiful.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Dark is Rising Sequence-#1 Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper*

 Three siblings, Simon, Jane, and Barney, are vacationing with their parents and mysterious great-uncle, Merry, along the coast in Cornwall. By accident they discover an ancient map. Other individuals want this map and relentlessly pursue the children. Very exciting story. The ending is not totally conclusive.  The story has only begun ...

 Ms. Cooper writes superbly-from word choice to sentence structure, grammar, and to character and plot development.

My thirteen-year-old started reading the second book and did not like it as much. My sister-in-law has read the series and says the other books are odder and not as compelling. Five books make up the series.

*Highly recommend.

Grandpa's Soup by Eiko Kadono illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa*

 This book is precious---the sweet, grieving grandfather and the expressive illustrations.

Grandfather misses his wife, Grandma, who died. After days of sadness, he decides to make himself soup using Grandma's recipe. He only makes a small pot . . . then something taps at his door. He shares the soup and declares he should have made more. Word travels about Grandpa's soup. Each day when he makes it, a few more partakers await a sampling. 

A story about grief and hope. Originally published in Japan.

The illustrations depict grief and hope well. In almost every illustration a door or window is displayed. I wonder if that was intentional.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff retold by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jon Klassen*

 I laughed out loud as I read this retelling. Mr. Barnett delightful additions only enhance the old tale. More attention is devoted to the troll and his personality. Humorous twists abound! The changes, however, do not detract from the original story.  I love the theme of "three" throughout the retelling and the troll's clever rhymes.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Red Canoe by Anne Yvonne Gilbert

 A beautifully illustrated picture book about a canoe and his boy enjoying the lake during the summer. Then the boy leaves war and never returns to the canoe. In the end, a younger boy in a new generation discovers the canoe. A hopeful ending  

Reminds me a bit of The Giving Tree.

-Borrowed from the library.

Resources for Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

 My high schooler and junior higher will soon be reading/listening/watching Shakespeare's comedy, Twelfth Night. I would not recommend the unabridged play for younger readers as some sexual references are included. 

The following resources proved helpful in my preparation and also for my sons'  use while reading it-

1. My go-to resource for Shakespeare- How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare by Ken Ludwig *highly recommend; I own it.

2. The Great Courses- William Shakespeare: Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies  Taught by Professor Peter Saccio Dartmouth College (each lecture is 30 min.) *Highly recommend; borrowed from the library.

3. Shakespeare Appreciated-Twelfth Night-all-audio series-full-cast performance (option w/ commentaries/guided analysis, 2 CDS just have the play, not commentaries). *Highly recommend; borrowed from the library.

4. Globe on Screen-William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night *Highly recommend; borrowed from the library Warning- All the actors are males. The males play female roles, so technically when a "woman" kisses a man it really is two men kissing. My sons did not like that.

5. Barron's Booknotes                   Borrowed from the library-

6. CliffsComplete                  *Highly recommed; Borrowed from the library:

7. No Fear Shakespeare-*Highly recommend; I own 2 copies 

8. Twelfth Night retold by Bruce Coville illustrated by Tim Raglin *Highly recommend-especially to read before the unabridged version so the plot is understood & for the younger audience.

Lessons at Blackberry Inn by Karen Andreola illustrated by Nigel Andreola*

Sequel to Pocketful of Pinecones

Mrs. Andreola continues the story of Carol's home educating journey in the 1930's in this second book. She, her husband, Michael, and her children, Donald and Emily, adjust to country living as they help an elderly woman, Emma, run Blackberry Inn. This book does not have reflection questions and ideas at the end of each chapter. It is a story first, instructional second.

Even though it was idealistic and a bit too simplistic in resolution, I thoroughly enjoyed the escape into a wholesome world. These books have encouraged me because they value mothers and their influence.

*Highly recommend for those who want to escape and to be encouraged!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Bluest Sky by Christina Diaz Gonzalez*

 Hector loves Cuba. With the communist leadership, however, it is becoming more difficult to survive. His father, who is labeled a traitor and enemy of the people, has been living in Florida. Sometimes his father's life taints his family's ability to progress. Thankfully his grandmother is part of the government leadership and saves them from numerous challenges. When his mother begins talking about joining his father in Florida, Hector is vacillates between wanting to stay with all that is familiar and wanting leave to experience freedom. Violent acts of repudiation create fear and hostility even between friends. 

Ms. Gonzalez immerses the reader in the Cuba's culture in the summer of 1980. Readers will be incredulous at the horrors and at the betrayals the Cubans endured during this time. Likeable characters and a tight plot will engage readers from beginning to end. A glossary of Spanish words and phrases proved helpful.

*Highly recommend but seeing warnings.

Warnings: violence, death of a beloved character, betrayal, cruelty, harsh conditions Cubans endured crossing from Cuba to Florida, one swear word,  a girl Hector finds beautiful kisses him but it is to cover up why they were in a forbidden place, at the very end the author chose to include a gay man escaping to Florida (very minor-just mentioned-had no bearing on the story nor needed)

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost text set

 These newer interpretations of the well-known poem are interesting! Vivian Mineker's interpretation may be too abstract for elementary students. I liked the one illustrated by P.J. Lynch better.

Building by Henry Cole

 The pen illustrations and sparse/selective color depicting beavers and their habitat is superb. Children will learn a lot about beavers and how they build their lodges.

-Borrowed from the library.

Trees by Tony Johnston illustrated by Tiffany Bozic

 The artwork in this simple picture book is stunning and displayed unique perspectives. The text was a bit simplistic.  The list of trees illustrated was helpful.

-Borrowed from the library.

They Loved to Laugh by Kathryn Worth*

 When Doctor David Gardner attends to a dying couple, he brings their orphan daughter, Martitia home to his large family. The mourning  girl finds herself in the middle of five boisterous boys who tease relentlessly. The only daughter in the family, Ruth, is serious and does not welcome Martitia. Ruth is appalled that Martitia only paints, can speak French and plays the spinet. In her disgust over Martitia's inability to help in the home, she often utters, "Every tub ought to stand on its own bottom". The five brothers wonder when Martitia will learn to laugh. As she adjusts to the loving, hard-working Quaker home in North Carolina, she gains confidence and finds true love.

In one of the last chapters the family witnesses a meteor shower (although they think the world is coming to an end) on November 13, 1833. Since the author mentions a specific date, I thought it was based on a true event. It was! The Leonid meteor shower produced between 50,000 & 150,000 meteors per hour!!

Point to discuss: A few times a comment is made by  male characters that they would rather marry a woman who has beauty than intellect and even make a negative comment about Martitia trying to learn about politics.

Based somewhat on the author's family.

*Highly recommend. (I wonder how much teen girls will like this book as Martitia seemed more innocent and younger than young ladies today. . . I wonder if they would find her not credible.)

-Borrowed -inter-library loan.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett on CD*

 Read by Josephine Bailey (She is an amazing reader. For each character, she created a distinct voice. Even if the character was singing, it sounded like the voice she created. We loved her British accent also!)

Years ago I read this delightful book to myself and was happy to revisit this world. This winter my youngest son and I were on the road many hours a week for doctor appointments. He suggested we listen to audio books to make it a time to anticipate. The Secret Garden was an uplifting to story to listen to in the dead of winter!

Mary, a selfish and hateful child, finds herself being shipped from India to her uncle's home at Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire, England after her parents die of cholera. In her loneliness, she uncovers two secrets and is forever changed. 

Suspenseful plot, delightful characters    A hope filled book.

Warning/point to discuss: My son and I did not like the "magic" aspect to the book. Colin attributes his well-being and recovery to magic. Even the transformation in creation is credited to magic. 

*Highly recommend.

-I borrowed this audio version, but I own the physical book.

 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee**

Award-winner-Pulitzer Prize 

As a teenager I read this book and loved it.(I did not read many classic books in my younger years, so I have no idea what compelled me to read it!) Reading it aloud to my boys was a pure delight. Often they would ask me to "keep reading", which is the highest compliment. 

Scout and her brother Jem are comfortable on their street in their southern town, Maycomb-the gossipy ladies, their walk to school, the mysterious Radley house on the corner where Boo Radley only to emerge at night (supposedly), Atticus, their lawyer father who comes home like clockwork for meals, and Calpurnia, their Black housekeeper. Then their father agrees to defend a Black man accused of raping a white young lady. The town has its Opinions. Those Opinions affect the kids. Danger lurks in places they never imagined. Through it all, the children learn what their father means by, "You never understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . .until you climb into his skin and walk around in it". This book made me cry while reading aloud-a rare occurrence.

I think this novel makes it into my top ten favorite novels. The writing is superb, the story is compelling, and the characters and the setting are well-developed.

A Bildungsroman novel

**Highly, highly recommend (but see warnings below).

Warning: swearing-even Scout, an eight-year-old utters some swear words, the topic of rape-nothing graphic but enough not to hand this novel to a junior higher or younger to read on own, prejudice behavior and actions, violence, the children are violently attacked and a murder occurs