The Labors of Hercules Beal**

 My thirteen-year-old loved this book (he rates it as his "second favorite Gary Schmidt book".Okay for Now is his favorite. I agree with his rating.), and so did I! I think liked and admired all the characters (except for a couple of his classmates at times).

Hercules Beal lives on the Beal Brothers Farm and Nursery with his older brother, Achilles. A year and a half ago their parents died in a truck accident. Achilles, who had an awesome job with National Geographic, was forced to return to his family home and raise his younger brother. As the brothers struggle to continue on with their lives without their parents, their neighborhood and school community offer support as more difficult circumstances arise in their lives.

Once again Mr. Schmidt weaves in characters from his other books into his latest novel. Danny Hupfer from Wednesday Wars is Hercules's homeroom teacher, who is a major source of encouragement.

I laughed out loud and read aloud some funny parts to my family. I cried too. Gary Schmidt knows how to portray life as it is-devastating at times yet hope is always there.

**Highly, highly recommend for junior high and older. See warnings.

Warnings: parents' truck accident is described, more peril to the main characters (ironically, vehicle accidents), dealing with death of parents, some language and the use of the word "stupid" and "jerkface" often, Towards the end of the novel, Achilles's girlfriend Viola is there in the early morning...was she sleeping over? Nothing is mentioned but one could infer, Hercules kisses his girlfriend (not described, just stated), his girlfriend's parents separate toward the end of the novel

-Borrowed from the library but may be one I will buy soon.

Grandma Moses written and illustrated by Alexandra Wallner*

 Ms. Wallner relays how Anna Mary Robertson loved being creative and drawing/painting at an early age but was required to work for her family and for other families throughout her life. When she was in her seventies, she finally had time to paint! A delightful and inspiring biography!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Taste of Chaucer chosen and edited by Anne Malcolmson illustrated by Enrico Arno

 Selections from The Canterbury Tales

I read The Canterbury Tales for the first time in college. I felt like I was reading a foreign language and thought I would fluck the class!! Thankfully I persevered and my mind acclimated to the English and spellings. Ms. Malcomson rewrites some of the tales with more modern spellings yet still incorporates the older English vocabulary so modern readers can enjoy these stories. She also introduces each tale, giving a general overview. In the back is a twenty-three page glossary, containing the older English words. As I read, I frequented the glossary!! I was surprised how often Chaucer used ancient tales as the structure for a lot of his stories.

A great book to utilize when encountering The Canterbury Tales and Chaucer for the first time. I wish I had access to this little book while in college!

-Borrowed via inter-library loan.

Grant Wood text set

 Grant Wood is another artist we will study this coming school year. The following picture books are ones we may utilize while studying him-

1. Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists-Grant Wood written & illustrated by Mike Venezia-very quick overview of Mr. Wood's  life and his development as an artist. Simple text

2. American Gothic -The Life of Grant Wood by Susan Wood illustrated by Ross MacDonald*

This picture book focuses on how he develops his own style and the story behind American Gothic, his most famous painting. *Highly recommend.

3. Artist in Overalls The Life of Grant Wood** This book is my favorite of the three. An illustrated chapter book that appears like a picture book. Readers will learn more details and "the why" about Grant's life. I felt like I got to know him as a person as I read this book. **Highly, highly recommend.

I recently bought this oversized book from my local used bookstore. I like it because due to its large size,  the viewer can look at his paintings well. It displays all types of his paintings and shows his progress into the painter he wanted to be. 

 

The Year with Grandma Moses by W. Nikola-Lisa with selected writings and paintings by Grandma Moses*

 I am investigating artists for this coming school year's art study. Grandma Moses was a delightful find! This book features excerpts from her memoirs plus the author's narrative. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Attributes of God by A.W. Tozer*

 My father-in-law was reading this book for a men's Bible study at his church and had an extra copy. He gave me his extra copy! 😊

Over the last few months I would read sections, highlight and pray over my learning. Mr. Tozer writes like the reader is sitting across from him-very intimate and personal. Passion thunders from his writing. It will be a book I will revisit. To love God more, one must know His character. This book delves into His character and who He is.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Great Stone Face a tale by Nathaniel Hawthorne retold by Gary Schmidt illustrated by Bill Farnsworth

 In New Hampshire, in the mountains, Great Stone Face stares over the village. Ethan grows up hearing the prophecy that someone nearby would be born to resemble the Great Stone Face and be the noblest person. Great men return to the village with villagers predicting that this man would fulfill the prophecy. Each time Ethan is disappointed. The ending is predictable but sweet.

-Borrowed from the library.

Flute's Journey written and illustrated by Lynne Cherry

 The Life of a Wood Thrush

Just last week my thirteen-year-old, who is a birder, mentioned  how the wood thrush's song is his favorite. When I heard this book recommended on a podcast a day later, I requested it from the library for him and me to enjoy.

The illustrations are lavish and breath-taking. My son loved identifying the birds in the main illustrations and the borders. Ms. Cherry follows a wood thrush from Costa Rica to Maryland. What turned my son and me off to the narrative was the strong environmental push/preaching. Otherwise, the writing is superb and interesting. 

-Borrowed from the library.

M is for Mama by Abbie Halberstadt**

 This book is due at the library today and cannot be renewed. As a result, I had to read it faster than desired.

Mrs. Halberstadt, mother of ten, provides mothers encouragement to be mothers based on Scripture and to embrace the calling of motherhood. The chapters are practical and exhorting. At the end of each chapter she displays a mini chart comparing "mediocre motherhood" vs. "Christlike motherhood", lists a verse to memorize, provides action steps, questions and a prayer. Some topics she covers-comparison, self-care vs. soul care, mom guilt, motherhood as a profession, gentleness, training our kids, media influence, talking to our kids about sex/porn, asking for help, and emotions.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Magnolia Table Volume 2 by Joanna Gaines*

 I made severals recipes from this book. We enjoyed all of them! Some of our favorites were: Lucy's Peanut Butter Brownies, Blueberry Sweet Rolls with a lemon glaze, and Chicken Street Tacos. If I borrow this collection again, I will try Oatmeal Cream Pies and Aunt Mary's Cherry Mashers. 

Each recipe has an accompanying full-page photo. Most recipe ingredient list and instructions fit on one page, next to the photo. Pages stay open to the recipe you want to make. 

She just published volume 3 the beginning of May 3, 2023. I requested to borrow it from the library.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Most Reluctant Convert -The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis-DVD*

 My friend watched this movie in the theater and commented how she wished she could have rewound parts to fully comprehend what was said. This movie, as my husband stated, "is heady". He enjoyed it. To my surprise, my thirteen-year-old son liked it too! Upfront, viewers need to understand that this is NOT a movie to watch if one wants to veg out.

 It is also atypical in the format. The actor portraying middle-age C.S. Lewis narrates his story as he walks, eats and completes ordinary tasks. Other actors portray him as a young boy and young adult. These actors do talk and interact with other actors, but it is minimal. 

The producers focus on his conversion but weave in his tendencies seamlessly.

*Highly recommend. To fully appreciate this movie, I will have to watch it again . . .and again!

Warning/points to discuss with younger teens- drinking/smoking is shown, as a young preteen he lusts after his dance teacher (nothing appropriate is shown-he just mentions it-the acteress is beautiful and sensuous), when in an army hospital the man next to him is having an affair with a night nurse-they close the curtain and murmurings are heard, he pursues the occult/dark things

-Borrowed from the library.

The Universe in You -A Microscopic Journey by Jason Chin*

 This book made my brain hurt as I tried to fathom microscopic items! Mr. Chin, once again, does an excellent job of explaining and showing size in a relatable manner.

*Highly recommend.

Heads up-evolutionary theory treated as fact

-Borrowed from the library.

The Day Boy and the Night Girl by George MacDonald illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian*

 Watho, a witch, keeps and "raises" two children. One child, a boy whom she calls Photogen, is never allowed to see darkness, while the girl, Nycteris, never sees day. By accident, when they were older, the two meet, each one fearful and ignorant about the portion of the day they have never seen.  Together they escape Watho and learn to support each other in weakness.

George MacDonald is credited to inspiring writers, including C.S. Lewis.

*Highly recommend for those who like fantasy.

-Borrowed from the library. 

Bud & Me by Alta Abernathy**

 What an incredible story! Our world and human species has changed drastically from the early 1900s! This biography shares how five-year-old Temple and his older brother Bud, age nine, traveled across the country via horseback without an adult!! Their resiliency, their courage, and resourcefulness will astound readers. These brothers also travel the United States by a wooden car called the Brush, on elephant and donkey, and finally, motorcycle. By the time they are ages nine and thirteen they retire from their cross-country adventures but treasure the valuable lessons they learned along the way.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden

 Leah Boden explains the Charlotte Mason philosophy and how to incoroprate it into our modern world. At the end of each chapter, she lists practical ways to incorporate the topic discussed. The one concept I want to remember is how vital it is as a mom to maintain a growth mindset. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Ancient Paths-Negotiating Life Wisely by J.C. Ryle*

 Published by Lamplighter-1853

As I read this teeny book, which urges young men to live for the Lord, I was reminded that "nothing is new under the sun". Although this book was first published  in 1853, the foundational struggles young men (any human, really) endure are the same. In short chapters, Mr. Ryle talks to young men about the importance of worshiping, praying, reading the Word, choosing friends wisely and several other topics. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (although I did order a copy).

The Sacketts-Sackett's Land by Louis L'amour*

 I loved Louis L'amour books as a teen and decided to share one of his novels with my boys as a read aloud. My sixteen-year-old enjoyed it (he loves adventure books) while my thirteen-year-old did not like it as much (he doesn't like books with seemingly perfect characters).

This novel is book one for the Sackett series. Barnabas Sackett incites the anger of a powerful, determined man, Rupert Genester. As Barnabas escapes Genester's traps, he finds himself in the New World, fighting off different danger and enemies. Barnabas knows this land is for him and sets out to pave the way to live in this new world. A lot of action, fighting, and adventures!

The story takes place in the 1600s, which supported the historical period we recently studied.

*Highly recommend.

Warning: a few swear words, violence (fighting with swords)

-Borrowed from the library.

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle**

 Peter Mayle relates how he and his wife depart deary England to purchase a farmhouse in Provence. His account spans a year (the narration is organized by months) and is full of humor as he depicts the French culture, traditions, and people. Descriptions of food abound!

This book was an absolute joy to read. The writing is superb. Subtle humor is incorporated flawlessly. I would read a sentence and stop and think, "Wait. That was REALLY funny!" and break into an appreicative smile. Mr. Mayle is a master of the memior craft!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Durrells in Corfu -The Complete First Season-DVD

 I read about Gerald Durrell's trilogy in a Christian homeschooling book (the author highly recommended it). When I searched for it in the library system, the book was not available but the TV series by Masterpiece was available. I borrowed it and was excited to watch it with my family. Unfortunately, sex was mentioned a lot (not shown or done in the show) and some vulgar language. The TV series focuses on the mother, a recent widow,  and her struggle raising four challenging children in the 1930's. The trilogy (the books), on the other hand, is from Gerald's point of view when he was a twelve-year-old and capturing and studying animals in Corfu, Greece. I am hoping the books are more benign!! I bought the first book and will review it. 

Our family watched one episode and won't be watching the rest. On the postive side, the acting is superb, the storyline & characters are interesting, and the scenery (in Greece) is stunning. Humorous parts abound.

My thirteen-year-old son and I love Callum Woodhouse as an actor in All Creatures Great and Small and were thrilled to discover that he was playing a major role in this series.

-Borrowed from the library.