Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte*

Award-winner 

1805 Martha's Vineyard-

Mary Lambert is deaf. She is comfortable within her community on Martha's Vineyard, where many people are deaf. Those who are not deaf speak with signs too. Then a young man from Boston arrives to discover the "cause" of the community's prevalent deafness. As Mary watches him, she realizes he views their deafness as an illness and treats them as lesser individuals. Mary reads his notes/letters and discovers he will be bringing dirt and water samples from the island plus a live specimen. She wonders what a live specimen is. Unfortunately, she finds out! A life of horror and confusion awaits her.

A fascinating piece of history I had never encountered before reading this book. 

Book #1 of a trilogy

The author's biography has a misspelling, which annoyed me.

*Highly recommend but  discuss----

Points to Discuss: deafness, treatment of Wampanoag and freedmen, prejudices,  kidnapping, physical abuse, Mary's hearing brother died (before this book takes place) and her mother is treating Mary unkindly in response to it (Mary thinks his death is her fault)

-Borrowed from the library

The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements*

 The sequel to Frindle! Before he passed away in 2019, Mr. Clements had almost completed this sequel.

Initially I did not care for this book-I thought the kids were a bit too bold, and I am not into technology like the main character, Josh. As the story progressed, I appreciated how Mr. Clements wove technology with traditional learning, reinforcing the benefits of both.

Josh, a sixth grader, dreads his ELA homework each evening. He is required to handwrite it neatly in black or blue ink. No technology is utilized in this class. Then Josh discovers something about Mr. N, his ELA teacher. If he exposes his secret, would the teacher relent from his antiquated teaching requirements?

I love the incorporation of the book The Elements of Style by William Shrunk Jr. & E.B. White.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving**

 Presented by the Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air-Dramatized for Audio, Produced & Directed by Jerry Robbins

 1 1/2 hours

Winner of the 2005 Gold Ogle Award for Best Fantasy Production

This time of year I have the urge to watch The Road to Avonlea or Anne of Green Gables and also read some version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. My youngest son (age 15) and I listened to this dramatized retelling and found it humorous and delightful. When the narrator spoke, I was reminded how much I love Irving's writing style, his descriptions, and his word choice. The actors/actresses and sound effects were superb. I felt like I was watching it on stage.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Big Machines: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton by Sherri Duskey Rinker illustrated by John Rocco*

 What a delightful biography! As Ms. Rinker relates how Virginia Lee Burton wrote & illustrated her well-known  picture books, she also reveals how wonderful and magical of a person Ms. Burton was. Knowing the back story, I have a new perspective about her books now and will enjoy them on a different level.

The layouts of the illustrations are clever and creative.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Goldilocks & the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems**

 How could I have missed this book?!! My friend, who was at the library when I was there, recommended this book. It is hilarious!

Three dinosaurs carefully prepare their house so they can enjoy a chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbon. Humor and sarcasm abound!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin**

 Jakob has been working at Bletchley Park, a code-breaking facility trying decipher the Nazi's Engima cipher. When his sister Lizzie avoids her journey to America, he is forced to share his room with her and have her join the secret group at Bletchley Park. Within minutes she proves her worth and wins over the Colonel. 

Two plots will engage the reader-the progression of deciphering at Bletchley Park and Lizzie's attempt  (& then Jakob's) of trying to find the truth about their mother's disappearance. 

Very engaging and interesting! I loved Lizzie (I usually don't care for female characters). This book is full of humor & hope despite the sobering setting & plot.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Hush, Hush, Forest by Mary Casanova Woodcuts by Nick Wroblewski*

 As a child and their parent read bedtime stories, the forest surrounding them prepares for winter. A celebration of the beauty of autumn!

I love woodcut art. These woodcuts are stunning. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The House of Four Seasons by Roger Duvoisin

 A family searches for  a house to buy in the country. They purchase a "fixer-upper" and debate on the exterior paint color. Readers will receive a lesson about color theory as they read this book.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Eating the Plates by Lucille Recht Penner*

 A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners

An interesting account of the Pilgrims' history, centered around food. 

Mid-late elementary students could easily read and comprehend this nonfiction book.

Recipes included.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Raven Named Grip by Marilyn Singer illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham*

How a Bird Inspired Two Famous Writers, Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe

Another fascinating biography!

Charles Dickens kept numerous ravens as pets. He named all of them Grip (then Grip II & then Grip III). Poe read Dickens's novel, Barnaby Rudge, which included a pet raven and loved the story. When Dickens and his wife visited the United States, Poe was able to meet and talk with Dickens about this novel and the raven. This raven inspired Poe to write his  poem, "The Raven", which finally made him famous (but not rich!).

*Highly recommend for the unusual tidbits of history that one learns about these two famous authors.

-Borrowed from the library.

 

Mousekins books by Edna Miller

 In both of these books, Mousekin, a white-footed mouse, encounters a creature that is an icon for the book's featured holiday. I liked Mousekin's Thanksgiving more than Mousekin's Easter Basket.  The illustrations are realistic and lovely in both books.

-Borrowed from the library.

*Highly recommend.

What Music! by Laurie Lawlor illustrated by Becca Stadtlander*

 The Fifty-Year Friendship Between Beethoven and Nannette Streicher, who Built His Pianos

A fascinating story about Beethoven and Nannette from their early years until their deaths. The author shares information about them as individuals and then when their lives intersected. The flow and overarching thread seemed lacking at points, and sometimes the information seemed scant, but I am still highly recommending it because the story is unusual and inspiring.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Restorationists #1- Beneath the Swirling Sky by Caroline Leiloglou illustrated by Vivienne To*

 Vincent has decided to stay away from art-not look at it, not draw it, not paint it. When his parents leave him and his adopted sister Lili at his great-uncle's house in Texas, he believes they are trying to coerce him into loving art again. His uncle's house is crammed with art. How can he avoid it? Georgia, his second cousin, is also spending the week. The two form a friendship as they attempt to rescue Lili from a sinister society in an art world. 

Exciting and unique! Vincent, Lili, and Georgia travel into paintings. I loved learning about artists through this adventurous novel. Book #2-Between Flowers and Bones is already available (it is mostly from Georgia's perspective).

At first I did not care for Vincent. In my opinion, it took  too long for the author to reveal why he hates art. I like how the author confronts nudity in art. She incorporates it tastefully and realistically into the story and then discusses how to handle it in the author's note. I love how she lists where to view all the art she incorporates in the book. God is mentioned throughout. Jesus, on the boat in Rembrandt's The Storm on the Sea of Galilee , helps him process and move on from the evil conflict within himself. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Hotel Balzaar -A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Julia Sarda*

 Marta and her mother live in the attic room of Hotel Balzaar. While her mother cleans the rooms during the day, Marta roams the hotel, trying to be quiet as a mouse. She longs for her father, who has been fighting in the war. It has been over a year since they had received a letter from him. Then the countess arrives at the Hotel Balzaar. During her stay she relates stories to Marta. At first the stories seem meaningless and disjointed. As time progresses, Marta begins to understand their connection.

I love how Ms.DiCamillo incorporates light and hope into all of her stories. Although I enjoyed this book, I think I love how Ms. DiCamillo writes the best. Her word choice is powerful.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray*

 I love this series. 

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are summoned to Catherine de Bourgh's estate, Rosings Park, to determine who is trying to kill her. Her demanding, overpowerful personality could cause those closest to her to resent her and to wish to eliminate her. Secrets abound with those connected to Catherine de Bourgh and Rosings Park. As Jonathan and Juliet shift through the deceptions, will they keep ahead of the would-be-murderer? 

For matters of the heart, Jonathan and Juliet discover their fathers are not in favor of their relationship beyond friendship. Their tenacity will be tested. 

Ms. Gray is a superb writer. She maintains Jane Austen's tone and style while  creating intriguing new plots. I was thankful this novel did not involve any infidelity. I would hand this novel to a teen (but with caution with books #1-2).

Number Four in this series will be published on June 17, 2025!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Taste of Home-Classic Family Favorites

 I tried three recipes from this collection so far. My family loved the "Easy Fried Rice" recipe (better than a restaurant!). The "Mini-Chip Cocoa Pancakes" were also delicious. The pasta/ham dish did not have much flavor. I won't make it again.

Most of the recipes seem simple to prepare with ingredients you already have in your fridge or pantry.

-Borrowed from the library.

Take Back Your Family by Jefferson Bethke*

 Mr. Bethke evaluates the state and priorities of families in our Western culture. Infused with studies and stories, this book will cause the reader to realize how we have been sacrificing our families to the culture.

 *Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL

The Scarecrow's Hat written & illustrated by Ken Brown*

 Chicken wants Scarecrow's hat. Scarecrow will swap it for a walking stick. Chicken flutters away in search for a walking stick. Badger owns a "nice walking stick". He would trade it for a  piece of ribbon. . . . Chicken perseveres and interacts with many critters until she is able to fulfill everyone's wishes!

I loved this book! If I see it at a store, I will purchase it!

*Highly recommend

-Borrowed from the library.

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night An Old Song illustrated by Peter Spier*

 Caldecott Honor Book

How I love, love these illustrations! I want to step into the pages and walk along with the fox, devouring the countryside scenes.

Fox goes out "on a chilly night" to find a goose and a duck for his family's dinner. Yes, the fox family eats the goose and duck!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The House by the Lake by Thomas Harding illustrated by Britta Teckentrup*

 Thomas Harding's great-grandfather builds a wooden house by a lake on the outskirts of Berlin. The house hosts diverse families over a period of time. As a young man, Mr. Harding finds his great-grandfather's house, visits it, and restores it to its original beauty. 

I found it intriguing to read about the five different families who resided in the house. This house provided shelter for individuals during a tumultuous time in history.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Floating House by Scott Russell Sanders illustrated by Helen Cogancherry*

 What a fascinating piece of history!! The McClures float on their floatboat from Pittsburgh, PA to the Indiana territory. This book describes their exciting encounters and beautiful scenery on this journey. When they reach the settlement, they disassemble their flatboat and use its wood to build their home!

I wish author had included an "author's note" at the end to confirm that this book was based on fact. I had to look online to see if settlers actually traveled this way (they had😄).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Henry David's House by Henry David Thoreau Edited by Steven Schnur illustrated by Peter Fiore*

 A couple months ago I remembered a book from my childhood about a family building their own home and wanted to reread it. Because of my search online for it, I have discovered some great books about homes! My friend, a former librarian and bibliophile, figured out which book I was remembering in less than an hour. The book, The Little Stone House by Berta and Elmer Hader, costs $75 on Amazon!!

Back on topic-Henry David's House-describes his experience building his house and living in solitude in his own words. The illustrations fill entire page. 

I wish I had known about this book when my oldest son read Walden.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

 Award-winner-Newbery Honor, Michael L. Printz Honor, Coretta Scott King Award

Will's brother Shawn is dead. Shot. Will knows who the shooter is. He is following the three rules: 1. Don't cry. 2. No Snitching. 3. Get Revenge. 

Entering the elevator, Will has a loaded gun tucked in his waistband. Revenge. Over sixty seconds dead friends and family, who have been shot, enter the elevator and talk to him about the choice looming before him. Is revenge really worth it?

Told in free verse   I read this in one sitting and recommend this method. It is fast-pace. If you stop in the middle, it is almost like you lose momentum. 

*Highly recommend for its literary & artistic value but see warnings. This book will lead to great discussions about revenge, misconceptions, and breaking cycles.

-Warnings: swearing (including f-word), gun violence, graphic description of Shawn's death & how he looked right after the shooting, smoking, gangs, selling drugs, stealing

-Borrowed from the library.

Cubs in the Tub by Candace Fleming illustrated by Julie Downing**

 The True Story of the Bronx Zoo's First Woman Zookeeper

Helen Martini yearns to be a mother. She prepares her home for a baby, but she and her husband are not blessed with a little one. Then her husband, Fred who works at the Bronx Zoo, brings home a lion cub whose mother has rejected him. Helen cares for him like a baby until he is strong enough to return to the zoo. Soon Helen finds herself caring for three tiger cubs and many other creatures. Eventually, she remodels an abandoned room into a nursery at the zoo.

The word and illustrations placement are clever. I love this biography -for the interesting story and for the artistic/literary value.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Barn by Debby Atwell*

 A barn relates its history and the U.S. history over the centuries. Readers witness the changes to the landscape and the people. I loved the language and the imagery.

I researched where this story takes place and discovered it is along the Atlantic coast of New Hampshire (Hampton).

Pair with A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

What Grieving People Wish You Knew by Nancy Guthrie**

 ....About What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts)

Mrs. Guthrie and her husband lost two children to the same disease. They are cohosts of the GriefShare video series. 

If I owned this book, I would have been highlighting and underlining as I read. With a personal tone, Mrs. Guthrie shares how to interact and how NOT to interact with someone who is grieving. She includes stories and insights from grieving people. 

It is very easy reading-an elementary student could read it (maybe not mature enough for the topic).

Chapters: What to Say (and Not to Say), Typical Things People Say (and What You Can Say Instead), Assumptions We Make That Keep Us Away (and Why We Should Simply Show Up), What to Do (and What Not to Do), Social Media and Grief (and When the "Like" Button Just Seems Wrong), Let's Talk about Heaven (and Hell), & A Few Quick Questions

-Borrowed from my church library

**Highly, highly recommend.

Sweater Weather by Matt Phelan*

 A papa bear encourages his cubs to put on their sweaters so they can enjoy the beautiful fall day. First the sweaters need to go on . . .minimal words but lots of humor and illustrations that tell so much more of the story.

Parents will connect to this the papa bear!

A child learning to read could learn to read this book.

Very clever, fun, relatable.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Under the Lilacs by E.B. Goodale

 How many of us as kids threatened to run away? I chuckled as I read this book. The author exactly captured my emotions as a young elementary kid . After a younger sister runs away to the lilac bushes, she begins to build a house. As her time away progresses, she adds on rooms for her family members.

-Borrowed from the library.

South Korea-NF books

 Within my extended family someone is hosting a student from South Korea. I borrowed these two books to have a beginning of understanding of the country and its culture-

Countries of the World-South Korea by Bryan Langdo (good for earlier elementray-not much text, lots of photographs):

Country Profiles-South Korea by Alicia Z. Klepeis-for mid-older elementary/junior high/even an easy read/quick reference for high school-more text & information: