96 Miles by J.L. Esplin*

 While their dad is away, a blackout occurs. John and Stewart's dad have taught them to survive any situation. Their house is stockpiled with food, water, and other necessities. However, other people know about their dad and his preparedness. Men come and rob them, including the generator. John and Stewart set off with emergency food nestled in a crawl space to their friend's ranch; they must walk 96 miles in three days or die.

My thirteen-year-old son read this on his own. After he read it, while we were both working in the garden, we discussed our thoughts about the book. We discussed how dire situations reveal the true nature of mankind and also questioned ourselves about  if it is ever ok to do something wrong to save a life. Ms. Esplin laid out the plot in an unique manner. My son and I talked about her techinque. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first but as I thought about it, I see why she choose to tell the story this way. Lots to talk about! Very suspenseful!

Points to discuss/consider: mankind's natural bent, violence (men holding up the boys at gunpoint in the boys' home, some fighting), auto theft, some use of the word "freakin'", diabetes 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

State Shapes Pennsylvania by Erin McHugh illustrated by Alfred Schrier

 The book shape is actually the state shape. Becky shares with a new transfer to PA, Web, interesting facts about PA. Fact delivery is through question and answer format. A lot of information packed into a little book! I liked extra Q & A facts on the bottom of every other page.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Pig War by Emma Bland Smith illustrated by Alison Jay*

Life is wonderful because there is always more to learn! I had never heard of the San Juan dispute or how the British and Americans dwelled there together.

My thirteen-year-old spied this book lying on our ottoman. The intriguing title lured him to read it independently.

When Lyman Cutlar spies a pig uprooting his potatoes, his temper overtakes him, and he shoots the pig. The owner was British Charles Griffin. He did not accept Mr. Cutlar's apology or payment. Instead he demanded an outrageous price. Soon government officials and military leaders became involved. Another war between the Americans and the British  was about to erupt. The dispute was resolved by even-tempered leaders, showing that arguments can be settled without bloodshed.

*Highly recommend. Now I want to visit the San Juan Islands!

-Borrowed from the library.

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer text set

 I have discovered several illustrated version of this poem. 

Casey at the Bat drawings by LeRoy Neiman introduction by Joe Torre

The introduction by Joe Torre is inspiring and insightful. I loved the layout of the book-large in size, words spaced out to build suspense. The illustrations were too smudgy for me.

Illustrated by Gerald Fitzgerald-These illustrations were blurry too. My favorite rendition has been Patricia Polacco's. This one also subsitutes different word from the original.

-Borrowed from the library.

Casey Back at Bat by Dan Gutman illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher

This humorous sequel parallels the structure of the original narrative. Children will enjoy the absurd humor. Consideration: Some women thought Casey was a "jerk". 

-Borrowed from the library.

Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley*

 I read this short novel in two days. It was amusing and stimulating. Book lovers will enjoy it, especially the numerous references to literature and its allusions to literature and authors.

Helen McGill, who has cared for her famous author brother, Andrew, decides one day to pursue adventure. When Roger Mifflin shows up at their farm, hoping to sell his traveling bookstore to Andrew, Helen buys it instead. If her brother owned it, he would leave her with the farm work for months at a time. In haste, Helen leaves, planning to drop Roger off at a train station and to resume his business. Adventure and romance ensue. Helen's life changes in one decision. 

*Highly recommend. 

Consideration: a couple of swear words

Sequel- The Haunted Bookshop (I am hoping to borrow it from the library and read it once home from vacation.)

-Borrowed from the library.

The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham**

 I laughed out loud several times as I read this biography about Mark Twain. Since I have read a couple of his books and biographies about him, I am familiar with his writing style and personality. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is probably one my favorite books.

Once Ms. Kerley learned that Twain's thirteen-year-old daughter Susy wrote a biography about her father, she did not rest until she thoroughly investigated it and wrote this picture book about her and her accomplishment. This picture book incorporates two narratives-the main one by the author and tiny journals, which have front covers that the reader can open, containing excerpts from Susy's journal about her father.

So delightful, clever, and fun!!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-I borrowed it from my library (but liked it so much that I bought it from Amazon today!).

Magnolia Table Volume 3 by Joanna Gaines

 I was not able to make many recipes from this book since I had to return it to the library. As I paged through it, a lot of recipes caught my eye, so I plan to check it out again when I have more time to try new recipes. The first one will be "Brownie Cookies" (my two favorite desserts combined!). In the short time I was able to borrow it,  I made two of her muffin recipes-"Lemon and Raspberry Muffins" (my sons loved) and "Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins" (I loved)--Very easy to follow and turned out perfectly the first time. Most recipes are accompanied with a full-page photo of the dish.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Summer of Sundays by Lindsay Eland*

 Sunday is the third child of six. Often she is overlooked. When she and her boisterous family spend the summer in Alma, PA while her dad finishes a library renovation job, she decides that this is the summer when she will accomplish something so amazing no one can overlook her again. In the basement of the library she discovers a locked metal box. After she finds the key to unlock, she discovers a manuscript, some letters, and a couple of cassette tapes. Little does she know what she will learn about friendship and family as investigates the author of the manuscript and letters.

I loved this realistic narrative. The way Ms. Eland portrays the family made me want to be part of it and join in the chaos (for a bit!).  The town and residents are wonderful. Fellow booklovers will relish the idea of helping reopen a library and the discovery of an unpublished story. 

The writer of manuscript and the correspondents of the letters were obvious to me early on. I felt Sunday and her friend Jude were a bit dense about figuring out who they were!

Considerations: CJ, one of Sunday's brothers, accuses her and her friend Jude of "making out". When a younger sibling asked what it meant, he replied, "Kissing". Emma mentions May's large "you-know-whats".  

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

We Are Branches by Joyce Sidman illustrated by Beth Krommes*

 I love Ms. Krommes scratch art. Lyrical words make the topic seem deceptively simple. Ms. Sidman points out the many branches found in most of creation (roots, wings, rivers, snowflakes etc). When I look at creation, I will be more inclined to see branches.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Journey Cake, Ho! by Ruth Sawyer illustrated by Robert McCloskey*

 Ruth Sawyer was Mr. McCloskey's mother-in-law.

Johnny lives with an old man and an old woman. When their livestock dies or becomes injured, food is scarce. So the old woman sends  Johnny off with a journey cake. The Journey Cake becomes animated and rolls away. Johnny and animals chase it in hopes of eating it. The Journey Cake provides a way for Johnny to be reunited with the old man and old woman.

*Highly recommend. Reminds me of The Gingerbread Man tale.

The Many Assassinations of Samir, The Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri*

Orphan Omar is fleeing for his life. Monks are chasing him to stone him to death. In steps Samir. With his well-crafted words, he persuades the monks to leave Omar in his care. Omar becomes known as "Monkey" and joins Samir and the caravan traveling the Silk Road. Little does Monkey know that his jolly, trickster of a man, is being pursued by numerous individuals. They want Samir dead. A life of adventure on the exciting Silk Road begins and also the discovery of love and friendship.

My thirteen-year-old started this book but could not "get into it". I enjoyed it, though! Excellent writing. Full-page illustrations add to the presentation of the book.

*Highly recommend.

-Consideration: Monkey "falls in love" with a young lady on the caravan. Nothing inappropriate happens. He is just a bit obsessed at times!😊

-Borrowed from the library.

Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schon, and Some Very Famous Ducklings by Angela Burke Kunkel illustrated by Claire Keane*

 What a creative book! The reader will notice how the author/illustrator/designer carefully incorporated clever references and connections to Mr. McCloskey, Make Way for Ducklings, and sculptor Nancy Schon. When I opened the book, I felt like I was opening Make Way for Ducklings because of the size and shape. The wording is clever and poetic. 

The reader will learn about Mr. McCloskey and how his famous book came to be and about Nancy Schon and how she creates sculptures of his picture book Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings for display in Boston's Public Garden. 

*Highly recommend but see warning.

-Borrowed from the library.

Warning: In the author's note, it is mentioned how Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings are dressed for holidays-certain political and cultural trend statements are mentioned, including a photo of the ducklings dressed for pride.

"Migrant Mother" text set*

 Three books about the famous photograph taken during the Great Depression/Dust Bowl and about the photographer,  Dorothea Lange-

A historical fiction picture about the "Migrant Mother" and her family. Ruby, middle daughter, tells their story. 

Ruby's Hope by Monica Kulling illustrated by Sarah Dvojack

*highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library

Migrant Mother by Don Nardo

Informative yet easy to read. Mr. Nardo presents Dorothea Lange and how her photography impacted the United States and also the story of the migrant mother. Full of photographs (very apropos). Consider-one photograph shows Florence Thompson nursing her child.

-Borrowed from the library.

Dorothea's Eyes by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Gerard DuBois-Ms. Rosenstock offers a comprehensive overall of Dorothea Lange's life -from her childhood to her success as a photographer. Throughout the book, Ms. Rosenstock incorporates repeated phrases and themes. The timeline was informative. I liked how Ms. Lange's famous photographs are included at the end. 

 *Highly recommend. -Borrowed from the library.

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer illustrated by Patricia Polacco*

 In April I am planning to feature this poem for our "Poetry Treat" day. A humorous ballad about baseball

I love Ms. Polacco's added story line/back story to the poem. Her illustrations will render smiles.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book. Our library system does not have this version. Thankfully my local used bookstore had it in stock.

Thursday's Child by Noel Streatfeild*

 Margaret Thursday has been living with Miss Sylvia and Miss Selina Cameron since she was a baby and left in a church. Each year her mother or a living relative leaves gold in the church to cover her expenses.This year the rector discovers a note; the money has run out. Since the Cameron sisters are aging and have limited funds, Margaret must be transferred to an orphange. The orphange is reputed to be a godly one. The matron, however, is abusive. Margaret meets three other orphans during her transfer. The foursome commit to each other and have adventures as they support each other.

The point of view switches between Margaret and Lavinia.

*Highly recommend.

Warning: abandonment, abuse 

-Borrowed via inter-library loan.

Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith illustrated by Becca Stadtlander*

 This delightful book reveals Mr. McCloskey's struggle to depict mallards/ducks accurately. A great book about the creative process

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Cher Ami text set*

 Two books about the carrier pigeon, Cher Ami who saves an American battalion of soldiers.

Fly, Cher Ami, Fly! by Robert Burleigh illustrated by Robert MacKenzie-This book focuses on its flight and the dangers it encountered while delivering the message. Cher Ami is called a boy in this book. Later on it was discovered the pigeon was actually a girl! The next book revealed this fact. Since I read the books back-to-back, I thought one author had made an error. It was interesting to read about the new information discovered.

Cher Ami : Based on the World War I Legend of Fearless Pigeon by Melisande Potter illustrated by Giselle Potter (a mother-daughter team!) This book shares about Cher Ami's training and her life after the war (in addition to her flight to save the men).

*Highly recommend both books.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman*

 What a fascinating book! In graphic novel style, Mr. Lemelman recounts the history of the Jewish people during the time of the rebellions/Masada and the Judean date palm trees AND the discovery of its seeds in modern times and its potential in the medical field. The graphic novel style will appeal to reluctant readers. 

A wonderful marriage of history and science.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Near -Psalm 139 by Sally Lloyd-Jones illustrated by Jago*

 Ms. Lloyd-Jones has created a board book that reveals to our youngest readers how God's presence and love knows no boundaries.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Father, We Thank You by Ralph Waldo Emerson illustrated by Mark Graham

 This coming school year one of our monthly poet focuses will be Ralph Waldo Emerson. This picture book illustrates his simple poem of gratitude for God's creation. The smudgy illustrations depict families and children hiking and camping in the woods.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Painter Who Loved Chickens by Olivier Dunrea**

 This story is delightful! The illustrations and words are well-crafted and beautiful. 

A painter loves to paint chickens. No one, however, wants paintings of chickens. Since he needs to survive, he paints what the consumers want-people, poodles, and penguins. As he paints chickens in his free time, he dreams of having enough money to buy a farm and to raise actual chickens. Then a woman walks into his studio. . . .

The illustrations beckon the reader to linger. Around his desk and throughout his house,  the painter has mini chickens and chicken-related decor. Also, on every text page is a illustrations of a specific chicken with its breed identified. 

**Highly, highly recommend, especially for those who love chickens. (I would consider buying it, but it is $70 on Amazon!)

-Borrowed from the library.

An Optical Artist by Greg Roza*

 M.C. Escher is another artist my eighth grade son will study this coming year

An art book that focuses on M.C. Escher's use of math to create his art. I loved how math and art are fused in this book.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

I just bought this interactive, fascinating book from my local bookstore-

The Keeper of the Bees by Gene Stratton-Porter*

 Jamie has given up on life. After fighting in the war, he returns to the states to find his parents are deceased and contends with a wound that won't heal. He escapes the hospital and ventures out on his own, walking the roads in California. He passes a lovely cottage where an elderly man calls for help. Michael Worthington is the owner of the flower-filled property. As he tries to recover in the hospital, he asks Jamie to live there and care for his gardens and his apiary. Jamie forms friendships with a next door neighbor woman and a fiesty youngster who is Michael's partner, and also meets a mysterious woman on a stormy night. In the process, Jamie begins to heal physically and spiritually.

*Highly recommend for those who like a longer story written in the 1920s. I found the story a bit unrealistic at points, preachy, and old-fashion but still enjoyed it. Also, the word d**n was used a few times throughout the book but seeking God was also a component. I felt the two were incompatible. 

Recommended for high school and older/warnings-one character has a baby out of wedlock, d**n a few times, **SPOILER ALERT-the fiesty youngster, Scout, does not reveal her gender until the end. She doesn't like being a girl so she tries to act and dress like a boy (an interesting aspect to include in the 1920s . . .I found it especially interesting because of our current situation with gender identity!) 

-Borrowed inter-lib loan

Grandma Moses text set*

 I am preparing for my eighth grader's art class. Grandma Moses will be one of the artists we study. Below are a variety of biographies about her and one autobiography. I highly recommend all of the books. All of them are borrowed from the library.

1. Great Artists-Grandma Moses by Adam G. Klein (recommended 2nd grade and older picture book) -

2. Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists-Grandma Moses by Mike Venezia (for kindergarten and older)-

3. The Essential Grandma Moses by Jane Kallir (a teeny book packed with information-This will be our main source for information when we study her. For junior high and older)-

4. Grandma Moses My Life's History by Anna Mary Robertson edited by Otto Kallir -autobiography( I have not read it yet but am anticipating when I can! In this book she mostly writes about growing up and living on a dairy farm, not about her art. For junior high or older.)-

Mary Cassatt Extraordinary Impressionist Painter by Barbara Herkert illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska*

 The text is sparse but the illustrations generously fill the pages. Ms. Swiatkowska painted the illustrations in impressionistic style. Ms. Barbara succintly portrays Mary Cassatt's fiesty, independent personality which led to her success in an era not accepting of women painters.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy Who Loved to Draw-Benjamin West by Barbara Brenner illustrated by Olivier Dunrea*

 In Lancaster County, PA, in 1738, Benjamin West was born into a large Quaker family. A preacher predicted that he would do great things someday. His family watched for greatness. At age seven Benjamin was compelled to draw his baby nephew. Initially he hid the drawing, afraid that his family would think he had spent his time foolishly. Instead his family celebrated his talent and provided ways for him to develop it. In fact, Benjamin Wes is often called the father of American art.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.