The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis**

 My Principles of Writing professor required us to read this epistle novel and then write a letter to ourselves how to best tempt ourselves. I have forgotten many assignments from my college years but not this one! Before my sons graduate from high school, I want both of them to read this impactful book. My junior will be finishing it tomorrow. Over the past few months (he only reads it on Fridays-our Soul Reading Day), we have had interesting discussions about this book. 

Screwtape, a demon, is training Wormwood, an underling demon, how to tempt a human. The entire novel contains letters from Screwtape to Wormwood, admonishing and advising him. 

**Highly, highly recommend.

-I own two copies of this book.

Evergreen by Matthew Cordell**

 Evergreen, a squirrel, is timid and is especially scared of thunderstorms. Her wise mother gives her opportunity to become courageous by asking her to deliver soup to Granny Oak who is sick with the flu. The problem? Evergreen must journey through scary Buckthorn Forest. After many adventures Evergreen returns as more courageous squirrel! Then Mama gives her another task . . . is that thunder booming in the distance?

I absolutely loved this book. It is divided into six parts (like chapters) with full page illustrations in the hues of the forest. Perfect for building stamina with younger listeners or readers. Part Five surprised me!! So fun and clever!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Great Gatsby text set

 To prepare for my son's next American Lit. assignment, I have utilized the following resources. All resources are borrowed from the library.

1. SparkNotes-The character analysis and quotation explanations were helpful. The three pages of "key facts" was concise. 

2. Cliffnotes-An extensive biography about Fitzgerald is included. At the end of each chapter summary & commentary, words are defined in a mini glossary.

3. Understanding The Great Gatsby by Dalton Gross & MaryJean Gross-I read the first chapter about what makes The Great Gatsby great. This book would be useful for someone who is interested about the context of the novel. 

4. The Literature Book-Big Ideas Simply Explained-very comprehensive but concise. A good overview of the theme, plot, context, and character relationships.

Paul Laurence Dunbar text set

 This month my sons and I read Paul Laurence Dunbar's poems for Poetry Treat. We discussed his illness, his alcoholism, and his marriage. We all agreed  that his poetry rhymes beautifully, that his word choice is superb, and that he incorporates imagery well. His poems are pleasing to the ear. My oldest son read one of his dialect poems aloud well.

The poems we shared with each other were mostly from this book-

-borrowed from the library

I used this book to share a bit of background about him and to show photographs of him, his family, and his residence.

-borrowed from the library

I highly recommend this booklet for teaching about poets. Simply Charlotte Mason booklets offer an brief biography about the poet, side notes about the poems, and quotes by Charlotte Mason about poetry. I own this booklet-

A beautifully illustrated picture book featuring his poetry that will appeal to children. I bought this book used. Artists featured: Ashley Bryan, Carole Byard, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Brian Pinkney, Jerry Pinkney, & Faith Ringgold.

Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

 Carly's life has been in upheavel since her police officer husband's death. Trying to raise her infant son and manage her demanding younger (but adult) sisters requires all of her time. Then she uncovers what seems to be a Faberge egg and family secrets.  Suddenly she and her family are in constant danger. Thankfully her next door neighbor is a homicide detective and more than willing to protect beautiful Carly. I loved how it took me on my own rabbit trail looking up Faberge eggs! 

A very fast paced novel  A bit "Hallmarkish"

A very wholesome romantic suspense novel (fine to share with teens)  I had never read any novels by this author (she has written a lot!). If I am in the mood for an easy read that focuses on suspense and a bit of romance, I will read one of her books!

 God and prayer are mentioned but are not major components to the characters' lives. 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Little Ships by Louise Borden illustrated by Michael Foreman*

 The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War II

A girl shares how she and her father rescue French and British soldiers in their fishing boat from the beach at Dunkirk. The girl and her father are not based on actual rescuers but represent the courageous ordinary citizens who risked their lives those nine days. The foreword contains insightful words from Christopher Dreyer, who commanded His Majesty's Motor Torpedo Boat 102 during this rescue. The author's note and  Winston Churchill speech enhance the fictional account. 

Ms. Borden's word choice and sentence composition are beautiful and full of imagery.

I wish more children's books existed about this historical event. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

 

George Gershwin text set

 While studying the 1920s, we listened to Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. One of my sons read one of these picture books about him too. Both books are borrowed from the library.

The Music in George's Head by Suzanne Slade illustrated by Stacy Innerst-This book shares Gershwin's life up through the concert where Rhapsody in Blue was first performed. The art was a bit jarring for my taste but was apt for the style of the  musical piece. 

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue by Anna Harwell Celenza illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel-This book focuses on how and why Gershwin first composed Rhapsody in Blue and also focues on its first public performance. The narration is more personal with dialogue and expressed feelings. I loved learning how the song title was chosen (an art and music connnection!).  Lots more details about the composing aspect and the performance. This book includes a  CD of the Rhapsody in Blue!

Reading these two books and their different focuses reinforces the necessity of reading more than one source when learning about a topic.

Out of the Shadows by Fiona Robinson*

 How Lotte Reiniger Made the First Animated Fairytale Movie

The artwork is stunning, dramatic,  and captivating. Ms. Robinson used scissor-cut silhouette, watercolors, and felt pen.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lotte's evolution into an animator and how her interests and pursuits as a young person were foundations for her success.

*Highly recommend.

Pair with Cut! by C.E. Winters.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mozart Gift of God by Demi*

 A beautifully illustrated book about Mozart's entire life and his acknowledgment that his gift for composing music was a gift from God.

*Highy recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett*

 I first read Ms. Jewett's writing when my oldest son was in ninth grade. To learn how to analyze literature and to write about it, he read several short stories. Ms. Jewett's "A White Heron" was one of the short stories, which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

The narrator, a writer who decides to stay in the coastal town of Dunnet, Maine for the summer, introduces the reader to the reserved, sturdy town residents. Even though each chapter is a separate sketch, the chapters flow chronologically into the next one. I love Ms. Jewett's descriptive writing and her apt, but sometimes surprising, similes and metaphors. 

 The narrator does not divulge any information about herself. Her sole purpose is highlight the characters within the town.

*Highly recommend to readers who like regional books with beautiful writing. This book is slow-paced. Readers who like action and fast plots could conclude that nothing happens in this book.

A "novella" (too short to be considered a novel & too long to be considered a short story)

-Borrowed from the library.

The Great Gatsby by K.Woodman-Maynard based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald

 Ms. Woodman-Maynard incorporates illustrations that magnify The Great Gatsby's symbolism and adds interpretation. I read it before reading the actual novel. I will be reading another graphic novel depicting The Great Gatsby soon.

Warning: a scene where Gatsby and Daisy are intimate-nothing pictorial inappropriate is shown, lots of drinking/partying, affairs, two murders, a suicide, swearing

What Was the Great Depression? by Janet B. Pascal*

 A thorough, accessible account about why the Great Depression began, its impact in the U.S. , FDR's "recovery" programs, and how it actually ended. 

A perfect resource for older kids and parents who need a quick overall of the time period and also for elementary readers (for whom this series is geared).

Photographs are included in the back.

The American Story by Jennifer Armstrong illustrated by Roger Roth*

100 True Tales from American History

An illustrated anthology with engaging stories about important events in history. Covers topics from 1565 to 2000.

*Highly recommend (but see "discuss" section).

Discuss: the author's worldview (especially in "1925 Evolution").

-Borrowed from the library.

Fox Has a Problem by Corey R. Tabor*

Shared Reading-My First  I Can Read! 

2024 Winner of the Theodor Geisel Award

I love Mr. Tabor's book Mel Fell. Apparently he has written quite a few other books, including at least six books about Fox.

Fox tries to fix his problem but progressively makes it worse. Teamwork solves the problem.

A perfect book for beginning readers-the story consists of sight words with a few harder words that can be determined via pictures or a parent teaching the word before hand or as they read. The more difficult words are repeated numerous times. As a result, by the end of the book, the reader will have learned a couple of challenging words. In this book the difficult words are: problem, idea, new, & very.

Humor makes this story so enjoyable!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey illustrated by Mika Song*

Won 2024 Honor Geisel Award! ("The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year.")  AND

A Schneider Family Book Award Winner!

Henry, who is on the autism spectrum, must deal with a change in their weekly schedule. Readers will admire his perseverance and also his problem-solving skills. 

Short chapters with plenty of illustrations make this a great book for beginning readers. This book is a sequel to A Friend for Henry.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

On Reading Well by Karen Swallow Prior*

 When my son reads The Great Gatsby, I will have him also read Ms. Prior's essay/chapter about "Temperance". It was thought-provoking.

In this book Ms. Prior takes classic literature and highlights virtues that can be found (or not found!) in them. She divides the book up into three parts-The Cardinal Virtues (prudence, temperance, justice, courage), The Theological Virtues (faith, hope, love), & The Heavenly Virtues (chastity, diligence, patience, kindness, & humility). Authors/books she includes are: Henry Fielding, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Charles Dickens (The Tale of Two Cities), Mark Twain (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn),Shusaku Endo, Cormac McCarthy, Leo Tolstoy (The Death of Ivan Ilych),Edith Wharton (Ethan Frome), John Bunyan, Jane Austen (Persuasion), George Saunders, & Flannery O'Connor.

I only read "Temperance" pertaining to The Great Gatsby. I would like to read some of the other chapters at a later date. "Humility" featuring short stories by O'Connor especially interests me. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Winter Cottage by Carol Ryrie Brink illustrated by Fermin Rocker**

 I adored this book. If I see it at book store, I plan to purchase it.

In the fall of 1930, the Great Depression has just begun to grip the nation.  Araminta ("Minty") Sparkes and Eglantine ("Eggs") Sparkes are traveling with their father ("Pop")  by car to their Aunt Amy's house ( their deceased mother's sister).  Their dreamy, poetry-loving father has once again lost a job. As they travel in the Wisconsin woods, their car dies, forcing them to take residence in a summer cottage along a lake. Pop promises that they will pay rent to the owners. Minty, the sensible one, cannot comprehend how they will earn any money to pay rent while hiding in the secluded cottage. The threesome remains there throughout the winter, welcoming a runaway named Joe and eventually two strangers who may be holding a greater secret than the Sparkes family.

I loved how Pop was constantly quoting poetry. 

**Highly, highly recommend. 

Points to discuss/considerations: lying, the family is living in someone else's home without a way to pay for it, Joe has run away from his mom who has remarried (he does not like his step-father), the view of the Native Americans may be offensive to some-a nun calls them "heathens", In the chapter "Heathen Dancers", Minty admits she has never thought much about God but prays to Him that one night.

-Borrowed from the library.

1920s textset

 We are studying this decade in history right now. My oldest son may use this books to build schema for The Great Gatsby. All books were borrowed from the library.

What Were the Roaring Twenties? by Michele Mortlock-I read this one in an evening. An easy book to give a comprehensive overall of the 1920s. 

Two other general books about the 1920s that are geared for junior high or older kids. I just paged through these and will be utilizing specific sections & photographs-

A Cultural History of the United States The 1920s by Erica Hanson

American History by Decade The 1920s by Gregory T. Farshtey

(can't find the photo of it)

The Great Gatsby- Midnight in Manhattan -DVD

 published 2000 (BBC), 49 minutes

F. Scott Fitzgerald's personal secretary, his granddaughter, and other writers offer a view into his life and dispel the persona he created for himself. A couple of the writers point out the similarities between Gatsby and Fitzgerald.

A play about the lives of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zeld (his wife), & Ernest Hemmingway are also available to view. I did not watch this play.

Warning: Before showing this to teens, educators/parents should know that scenes of scantily-clad women dancing (from the 1920s) and a close-up camera scan of a naked statue are included. Fitzgerald was an alcoholic so his drinking is discussed in detail. The Roaring 20s celebrated reckless pleasure, which is included in this DVD.

I am preparing for my oldest son's next literature assignment, The Great Gatsby. I won't show him this DVD. It was to build my background before introducing the novel to him.

-Borrowed from the library.

The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne

 My son, who is a junior, is currently reading this classic for English. I have been trying to read the classics he is reading this year. By reading these books, my brain is being stretched. When I read modern books now, I feel like it is so easy and requires almost no effort!

The Pyncheons have owned the House of the Seven Gables for several generations. Greed and pride dominate the family. The land purchase on which the house stands commenced with greed and manipulation. In order to own the desirable land, Colonel Pyncheon accuses the land owner, Matthew Maule, of witchcraft. As Matthew is being hanged, he curses Colonel Pyncheon. Since that day unusual deaths have plagued the family. The current residents, Hepzibah and her half-crazed brother, Clifford, live in poverty. The decaying house suffocates their joy for life. Will the house and the curse continue to captivate the family?

I enjoyed the way Mr. Hawthorne describes scenes and people with metaphor. I also liked how he talked directly to the reader, like we were walking along aside of him, witnessing the story unfolding before us. He creates an intimacy with the reader. The vocabulary and verbose sentences required concentration and thinking on my part. I liked the Barnes & Noble classic edition. It contains footnotes and notes to explain obsurce allusions and analogies.

*Highly recommend for those who enjoy classics and being stretched in their reading.

-I own two copies of this book.

Cut! by C.E. Winters illustrated by Matt Schu

 How Lotte Reinger and a Pair of Scissors Revolutionized Animation

Ms. Winters reveals how from a young age Lotte loves the theater and Scherenschnitte (German word for "scissor cuts"). These passions lead her to create new ways to animate. She invents the multiplane camera. Walt Disney receives more credit for the animation process than Lotte even though she was animating in the 1920s, ten years before he did. Her accomplishments were mostly achieved right before WW II and after it. Maybe she does not receive as much credit because she was German??

Very interesting!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Good Dream by Donna VanLiere

 Ivorie Walker, unmarried in her early thirties, is considered an old maid in her Tennessee town in the 1950s. When her mother dies, she discovers she is lonely and begins to return affection to a widower, George. Then she discovers a feral boy who cannot speak stealing from her garden. As she interacts with him, she realizes he is abused and neglected. She must rescue him. But someone from the town attacks her in the dark, on her own porch, to warn her off from involving herself with the boy. Even George distances himself from her. What is she willing to sacrifice for this boy?

A compelling story

Warning: physical abuse, inferred sexual abuse, the abuser swears, adultery/an affair

-Borrowed from the library

Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes*

 Our current history curriculum recommended reading this book during a specific unit. During lunch for the past week I read aloud this book to my sons. Kathryn, the narrator & the author, shares about her Norwegian's family's adjustment to the U.S. in San Francisco. Her aunts, uncles, her many siblings, and her family's boarders provide amusing and captivating stories. My sons enjoyed witnessing how an immigrant family acclimated to a new culture.

*Highly recommend for older elementary and older.

-I own this book (my copy is old and very fragile).

Considerations: one uncle is accused of drinking away his money (but he doesn't), lying, stealing

Queen Elizabeth II and Her Family by DK Publishing*

 After watching The King's Speech , I wanted to find out more about Albert/King George VI and his family. This newly published biography about Queen Elizabeth II (King George VI's daughter) offers interesting insight about the royal family. Lots of photographs and other graphic displays that were helpful for understanding (family tree, time lines).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere

 Two stories, one from 1972 and one from 2012, are joined together by a handmade kitchen table. 

Joan, a young mother, is diagnosised with breast cancer which spreads to her lungs. She and her husband journey through the difficult days by supporting each other. Her husband discovers that he needs God and turns to him. During these days he attempts to build a kitchen table. 

Forty years later Lauren, a newly expectant mother, purchases a kitchen table. Inside the table drawer she discovers handwritten recipes. Growing up in the foster care system, she never learned to cook. She teaches herself how to cook via the mentorship of the anonymous recipe writer. Through clues within the comments on the recipes, she attempts to find the recipe owner.

This book was a "light" read, a Hallmark-type book with the perfect ending. A beach read, vacation read when you want to give your brain a break. A lot of the space was given to recipe directions/ingredients within the narrative. The author includes complete recipes in the back.

-Borrowed from the library.

Holly by Ruth Brown*

 A lovely story about the author and her family adopting a stray kitten around Christmas time.

I love Ms. Brown's illustrations-cozy, expressive, and realistic.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Moving the Miller's Minnie Moore Mine Mansion by Dave Eggers illustrated by Julia Sardia*

 Mr. Eggers relays the history of an Idaho mansion and its tenacious owner who moves it four miles so she can raise pigs. Mr. Eggers incorporates humor and side comments with a tinges of sarcasm at points. I enjoyed his unique story-telling style (& this unusual piece of history/engineering feat).  A great book when learning about mining & its impact on America's growth.

A true story!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Year of Everyday Wonders by Cheryl B. Klein illustrated by Qin Leng*

 The first page begins with the first day of the year and proceeds throughout months celebrating "firsts" for that year. The author inserts different numbers besides "first" sometimes (like-"second lost umbrella" or "second crush" or "two hundred twenty-sixth fight with your brother"). A fun, whimsical picture book. The words/story depend on the illustrations for meaning and humor.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

In Every Life by Marla Frazee*

 Award winner: Caldecott Honor

Viewing this book was like entering an art gallery. Stunning illustrations. She depicts mankind with such knowledge and empathy. I am not sure how much the words will appeal to the age the publishers are marketing it (baby -8 years). Ms. Frazee takes the words from a Jewish baby-naming blessing/poem and illustrates them.

I love how it celebrates life, humanity, and human interactions.

*Highly recommend for older readers and adults who can analyze and appreciate the words. (warning: one illustration of one man kissing another man on the cheek with much feeling-under the section about tears)

-Borrowed from the library.

There Was a Party for Langston King O'Letters by Jason Reynolds illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey & Jarrett Pumphrey*

A Caldecott Honor AND A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor

Mr. Reynolds shares about a dance party in Schomburg Center in the Langston Hughes Auditorium in 1991. His name and influence are celebrated throughout the party AND in this book. I loved the illustrations (handmade stamps by brothers, Jerome & Jarrett). Their layout and design were clever and unique. The illustrations and the layout were my favorite aspect to this book-from the endpage to endpage! I smiled the whole time I read and viewed this book.

*Highly recommend for the illustrations.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Strange Habit of Mind by Andrew Klavan

 A Cameron Winter Mystery-#2

*NOT a "cozy mystery"

When a former student texts him the message, "Help me!" and then is found dead, Cameron begins to unearth a sinister world-wide force behind a seemingly kind billionaire, Gerald Byrne. Soon he is entrenched in a dangerous battle with Byrne who controls all technology. In steps Cameron's former mentor, aka, "The Recruiter" from the Division. Even though his mentor is in retirement, he still can outwit the best of them. I love the Recruiter! He is a Christian. Some other characters called themselves Christian but were using the title for their own gain/purposes. So Mr. Klavan includes both authentic transformation of Christ and those who did not truly surrender to Christ.

Very suspenseful. Mr. Klavan once again exposes evil and its toil. Any questionable content is to reveal the brokeness of man and how we need a Rescuer. Cameron recognizes he is broken and wrestles how to free himself from his sorrow. 

I would not hand this series to a teenager.

Warning: With all of these warnings, Mr. Klavan shows mankind's struggle with sin. It is never glorified.  One character's fiance claims to be a born-again Christian but takes nude photos of her so he can resist her sexually. In reality, he is gay and is hoping to be stimulated by her photos. He struggles with his feelings for men and tries to battle it with this double life. Cameron never had a relationship with his mother and continues to long for maternal love. He tries to fill this void a bit via his therapist. His therapist also fluctuates between maternal love for him and a romantic love for him even though she is old enough to be his mom. In his loneliness Cameron longs for intimacy and a woman. As a result, he notices attractive women. He tries to resist and steer himself away from temptation. He does have intimacy with a woman who was sent to entice him in order to sabotage his computer. He enjoys the encounter even though he knows it is a ploy, but at the same time, he is sorrowful because it is not real.

-Borrowed from the library.

I will read and review book #3 soon.