The Holly Hedge and Other Christmas Stories by Temple Bailey

 Five short stories that center on the love and hope that Christmas brings

Perfectly delightful stories   The kind of stories I want to read this time of year!  Well-written

  I especially liked the last one, "The Holly Hedge" as the two marriages are juxaposed.

Considerations: the names give to a group of people   This book was published a hundred years ago, so if one considers when it was written, one understands the context.

-Borrowed via ILL (the copy I read was one hundred years old!)

Only photos avaiable are a spine or are too large for this page.

Christmas on Exeter Street by Diana Hendry illustrated by John Lawrence*

 What a fun & delightful story!

The Mistletoe Family welcomes grandparents, uncles, friends, and strangers on the two days before Christmas. Every space is utilized for sleeping arrangements. Readers will chuckle at the creative spots Mrs. Mistletoe finds for her guests. I loved the two page spread that requires the reader to flip the book vertically to view it-a cutaway of the house where everyone is sleeping.

Consideration: Father Christmas arrives to bring gifts to the 18 children!

If  I find this book, I would like to buy it! 

The author & illustrators are British.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Meet Molly-An American Girl 1944 #1

 Molly & her friends are trying to come up with an amazing Halloween costume during a time when money and resources are limited. Molly's mother suggests that they dress as hulu girls with paper flowers and grass skirts made out of newspaper & crepe paper. When Molly & her friends make fun of Ricky for liking a girl, he vows to get revenge. A "war" breaks out between them. Molly, her friends, and Ricky learn some valuable lessons about anger and revenge.

Considerations: lying, Molly likes it when someone is jealous of her, anger & revenge (Molly's mother address this)-all bad behavior is portrayed as bad and consequences occur, Ricky has a crush on Jill's friend, so Molly & friends sing the "K-I-S-S-I-N-G" song to him

-Borrowed from the library.

Like a Diamond in the Sky by Elizabeth Brown illustrated by Becca Stadtlander*

 A beautiful book about the woman, Jane Taylor, who wrote the famous poem "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". It mostly focuses on her unique upbringing and childhood influences plus her sister Ann's and her struggle to be published authors as women. 

*Highly recommend 

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Old Peabody Pew-A Christmas Romance of a Country Church by Kate Douglas Wiggin

 Another delightful Christmas story by Ms. Wiggin!

The orthodox meeting-house in Edgewood, Maine is the center of this story's action. A group of women, the Dorcas Society, determinedly advocate for its upkeep and renovations. During this Christmas, the women decide to carpet certain sections and scrub the pews. Nancy Wentworth volunteers to oversee the Peabody Pew. Secretly, she longs for the young man who used to sit in this pew, Justin Peabody. Ten years ago he vowed if he could earn some money he would return for her. 

I loved escaping to this village during its Christmas season and experiencing reconciliation between two lonely people.

-Borrowed via ILL (my copy was 125 years old . . each page had a beautiful Christmas-themed border. The pages were thick paper! Such a treasure!).

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

 Bill Furlong contemplates life as he continues his daily, seemingly mundane tasks-delivering coal to the people in his Irish village and being a faithful husband and also father to his daughters. During his reflections, readers learn about his unusual upbringing, which factors into his decision that will impact his family's life. 

Ms. Keegan's writing immerses the reader into 1985 Ireland with an ordinary man who realizes that he can make a difference. I really appreciate and like her writing style. Readers who like an action-packed plot will not enjoy this story. On the other hand, those readers who like reflective characters and a contemplative mood/theme, will enjoy this story.

Ms. Keegan bases this story on a Catholic church cover-up about the Magdalen laundries (not closed down until 1996).

-Borrowed from the library.

 

American Girls Collection-Molly's Surprise-A Christmas Story Book Three by Valerie Tripp illustrated by Nick Backes

 I am giving my niece the American Girls Collection-Molly for Christmas this year. I decided to preview a couple of the books in the series.

Molly and her family are missing their father, Dr. McIntire, this Christmas. He is serving as doctor in England during WWII. Without their dad at home, Christmas would not be full of surprises. Their dad loves surprises, especially at Christmas. 

Girl readers will relate to Molly's excitement over Christmas and a big snowfall and her exasperation over her older sister Jill trying to be overly mature. 

A great series for transitional girl readers

I like how in the back the author shares specific facts about Christmas in 1944.

Consideration: The older siblings mention something about Santa that may cause readers to doubt his existence. 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Romance of a Christmas Card by Kate Douglas Wiggin*

 As I read through Glad and Golden Hours by Lanier Ivester a few months ago, I jotted down Christmas book recommendations. This book was one of them. When Mrs. Larabee draws and creates a poem for a Christmas card, she has no idea it would restore two young men to their home town and their loved ones. I loved this simple and sweet Christmas story.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL (my copy was published in 1916!!)

Earl & Worm Snow Problem and Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli**

 I love this series for beginning readers. These entertaining and relatable stories will appeal to even the most reluctant readers.

This book takes place over one day-Earl's birthday. Worm attempts to create a special day for Earl but, of course, encounters hinderances and frustrations. All ends well, though. 

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

All Creation Waits-The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss illustrated by Sharon Spitz

 Children's Edition 

This beautiful book celebrates animals' ways to survive the winter. Two-page spreads feature detailed illustrations and a poetic verse about the animal's unique survival methods. At the end of each day, the repeated phrases are included: "The dark is not an end. It's a door. It's the way a new beginning comes."

The introduction illustration displays each creature except the trout, bees, and fireflies. It would be fun before beginning the book to count and name each of the animals with the child who is listening. December 24 has Christ in the manger with the stable animals surrounding Him. Although this book exhalts animals, I am glad it ends with Christ (BUT it does not focus on His salvation explicitly). 

In the back the author includes more facts about each creature-very interesting facts and questions to ponder.

Considerations: animals are the focus not Christ

Not This Turkey! by Jessica Steinberg illustrated by Amanda Pike

 A humorous story about Jewish immigrants celebrating Thanksgiving 

Papa wins a turkey raffle at work-a live turkey! Mel, the narrator & the son, does not want to eat the turkey for Thanksgiving. To his relief, the butcher offers his insight about the turkey and allows the turkey to live in his animal yard. 

I like how the reader can learn about immigrants through a delightful story. Also, the author based it on an actual family's experience.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

 Pulitzer Prize Winner-1932

As teenagers, my aunts and my mom took care of Pearl Buck's daughter's children. Since she is a "local" author, I wanted to read her Pulitzer Prize novel, The Good Earth. 

Readers experience life in China during the 1920s through the farmer Wang Lung. In the first chapter, Wang Lung enters the big house of the village to marry one of the slaves, O-lan. She is big (big feet), somber, silent, and not pretty. But she proves to beneficial for Wang Lung the farmer. She works beside him for long hours in the field,  (even before and immediately after giving birth), gives him three sons, and manages the house and cooking with efficiency. They face a famine, begging in the city, and rebirth of their fields. After years of dedicated work and careful management of his silver, Wang Lung begins to accumulate wealth. Although his silver provides a life of ease, other stresses enter the house, including Wang Lung's desire for a pretty woman.

This book made me think (how man needs purpose/work, shame can bring either anger or repentence, idleness encourages sin, which woman would I rather be-O-lan who is industrious and beneficial but not a receiver of Wang Lung's desires or Lotus who is pretty and desirable but does not contribute to the household?, the love of wealth and prestige destroy a person). I admired Wang Lung in some circumstances and despised his choices in other situations. Ms. Buck depicts mankind and the Chinese culture well. 

This book plays out the natural consequences of sin over a man's lifetime. This novel captivated me. When a chapter ended, I could not believe it was over!

Warnings: Wang Lung lusts after Lotus, a concubine, and eventually brings her into his home, it mentions throughout the book when Wang Lung has relations with O-lan or Lotus BUT no details are shared, towards the end of his life he has relations with a young girl, only as old as one of his granddaughters-he feels shame and does not continue, his son stays with an ugly whore one night, opium use (Wang Lung actually encourages his evil aunt & uncle to use it. Their addiction eventually kills them.)

*Highly recommend for the literary quality, how it makes you think, and its depiction of mankind and Chinese culture. I would not recommend it to those who would be offended by the sins the characters struggle with.

-Borrowed from the library.

I wanted to learn more about what was historical occurring during this time period in China and more elaboration on the culture, so I used Cliffs Notes.

A Christmas Like Helen's by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock illustrated by Mary Azarian*

 I am partial to woodcut illustrations. Ms. Azarian, a Vermont resident, depicts Helen's life in rural Vermont. The author, Ms. Kinsey-Warnock, a Vermont native, bases this story off of her grandmother's childhood. Readers will learn about the time period and Christmases long ago. Although most of the story takes place during Christmas, a few times the reader is transported back to a different season in which the family was preparing/harvesting something that they will use at Christmas.

--Ms. Azarian is the illustrator for Snowflake Bentley.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Good King Wenceslas verses by J.M. Neale illustrated by Jamichael Henterly*

 The illustrations bring this old carol to life. I think the story and its appeal to children is lost in the sophisticated, haughty singing that sometimes accompany it.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

How Many Miles to Bethlehem? by Kevin Crossley-Holland illustrated Peter Malone

 I loved the lavish, rich paintings in this book. This book is truly an art museum in your lap. Different people who are part of Christ's birth share their perspective-from Mary to the innkeeper to an ox to shepherds to wise men (to name a few). Some of the phrasing is poetic.

-Borrowed from the library.

 

Lost Evangeline A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Sophie Blackall

 Slightly reminiscent of Thumbelina & Tom Thumb

A shoemaker finds a teeny girl in the toe of a boot he is repairing. The girl, whom he names Evangeline, sings beautifully and awakens his desire to sail the sea. His wife believes Evangeline has bewitched him and succombs to nefarious deeds to remove her from the home. Although Evangeline is lost, she experiences many adventures.

Once again Ms. DiCamillo has written a captivating story with superb word choice and sentence structure. I thought it ended abruptly. I wasn't quite satisfied with the ending, but more astute readers may appreciate it. 

-Borrowed from the library

The Teacher of Nomad Land -A World War II Story by Daniel Nayeri*

  Babak, age 13, and his sister Sana, age 8, are orphans. When the British and the Soviets invade Iran, the British mistake their father and a group of goatherd as resistant fighters. They shoot at them, causing a rocky ledge to fall, killing them.

For a year the siblings live apart (in the same town) with Babak saving his money in a hole in a wall. After the money is stolen by his caretakers, he and his sister leave, hoping to join the nomadic tribe. Babak tries to convince them he can continue his father's former job teaching their children to read. The tribe's leader, Mr. Hussein, is not impressed with Babak. On their despondent trip back to their home town, they encounter a German spy and a Jewish boy on the run. These two individuals add excitement to the plot, which lasts until the last chapter!

I had not realized that WWII had trickled into Iran. So many books have been written about WWII so reading one about a little known topic (at least to me) was intriguing.

The chapters are short. The plot is well-paced. The characters are likable. I especially like how the first chapter (the main reason for his father's death) foreshadows the plot in the last chapter with opposite results!

God is mentioned often. But is it God or Allah? Probably Allah since Iran is mostly Muslim.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Hansel and Gretel retold by Stephen King illustrated by Maurice Sendak

 Mr. King agreed to retell Hansel and Gretel when he was asked to write a interpretation of Maurice Sendak's set & costume design for the Humperdinck opera. This retelling is captivating and well-written. I did not care for the style of the illustrations (although they depicted the theme and mood well).

-Borrowed from the library.

Praying the Bible by Donald S. Whitney*

 My son is taking a Bible course online via a university. During one of the lecutures, the professor mentioned this book. Since none of my library resources owned this book, I ordered it. It's a very practical, short book about a transforming prayer method. As the title states, Mr. Whitney demonstrates how to use God's Word to pray. He talks directly to the reader and requires them to stop reading and implement the technique.

I felt at some points he was being redundant, but I think he intentionally repeats himself! I like the "Psalm of the Day" chart he includes at the back.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Overwhelming Odds by Susan & Denny O'Leary

 Recently I received an email promoting the in-theater movie, Soul on Fire, based on John O'Leary's life as he recovered from third degrees burns covering 85% of his body. Since our family is experiencing someone recovering from a severe machine accident, this account intrigued me. I borrowed this book by John's parents, which relates the details of the accident and the early stages of his healing process. As I read, I was incredulous that this nine-year-old survived and also how he persevered to function and thrive again. Very inspiring!

The book transitions abruptly from John's life right afte the accident to his wedding day. The chapters are very short. It is an easy book to read as far as sentence structure is concerned (BUT NOT easy to read the content- about his accident and his pain as he recovered). I *highly recommend it * for the inspiring story but not for its literary value. I also did not agree with some of their theology. God is praised and given the glory for John's recovery. Some other beliefs did not align with mine. It's just a difference of Catholic vs. Protestant.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The World Entire by Elizabeth Brown illustrated by Melissa Castrillon*

 Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a diplomat for Portugal, with an office in Bordeaux, France. With Hitler and his armies creeping across Europe, many Jews sought visas for Portugal. The prime minister denied Mendes permission or did not reply to his requests. Although he knew it would affect him and his family negatively, Mendes disobeyed the prime minister and signed thousands of visas from January 1, 1940 into June, 1940. When the Nazis invaded France, many Jewish refugees tried to escape to Portugal. He decided to issue visas and signed thousands over twenty-three days. He also led the refugees on back roads to avoid the check points and forged passports for Jewish refugees. These actions eventually cost him his career, his home, and his family's status.

A couple of famous people who owe their lives to him: Salvador Dali, Marget Rey & H.A. Rey. 

*Highly recommend. I would even share this book with high schoolers even though it would be an easy read for them. Mendes is an inspiring person. 

-Borrowed via ILL.

Little Good Wolf by Janet Stevens & Susan Stevens Crummel

 His parents are embarassed by Little Good Wolf's kind, respectful behavior. What can they do to thwart his continual good choices? They send him to Big Bad School. Will he be transformed into a big, bad wolf, or will he transform his mentors? The ending will cause discussion and inferences!

Being familiar with the tale of the three little pigs before reading this book would enhance the experience.

I like Tops & Bottoms better, but this one will entertain and delight readers too.

-Borrowed from the library.

Family Feast! by Carole Boston Weatherford illustrated by Frank Morrison*

 Rollicking with rhythm and rhyme, this festive picture book will cause readers to smile as they connect their family feasting gatherings to the book. I love the rhyme, the humor, and the rhythm. I also love how this book celebrates families and their desire to congregate. The refrain will appeal to younger readers who like patterns and repetition.

*Highly recommend.  Perfect for Thanksgiving!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Nine Moons of Han Yu & Luli by Karina Yan Glaser*

 Ms. Glaser interwines two character's stories across the centuries-Han Yu in Ancient China (731 AD) travels the Silk Roads to find a cure for his family who is suffering from tuberculosis & Luli sets out to save her family's livelihood in Chinatown, NYC in 1931

Both children accept the challenges and utilize their creativity to help their families. I loved discovering how Han Yu's life impacted Luli centuries later. Having a male main character  and a girl main charater will allow a wide audience to enjoy it. Although some of the solutions seemed a bit "too perfect" (especially with Luli), I loved this book. The plot was compelling and interesting. I liked this novel better than A Duet for Home and the later Vanderbeeker books.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Traveling Taco by Mia Menjen illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong*

 Favorite foods' origins are presented and also how they evolved over time. Each page has the same format: a rhyming introduction, a description of what it is, where it came from, an interesting fact, and then how it has changed. 

Foods featured: al pastor taco, pasta, ceviche, cheesecake, pavlova, french fries, fish & chips, ice cream, jerk chicken, rice pudding, pizza, churros

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli*

 Susan, the duck, is not having a good day. After each incident, she exclaims how she is unlucky. Then a wolf rings a doorbell and tells her she has won a soup pot. Throughout the day, he continues to drop in with more items that she has "won". The reader will be cringing at the duck's naivety! Just when the reader thinks he has predicted Susan's fate, the day really does transform into her lucky day!

Pair with My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza (I like My Lucky Day better.)

*Highly recommend.

Perfect for beginning/transitional readers.

-Borrowed from the library.

Flora and the Jazzers by Astrid Sheckels*

 Flora, the scullery maid at a grand hotel, dreams of attending a concert. While she scrubs dishes and floors, she hums and allows the music in her heart to swell. Then her favorite band, The Jazzers, arrive to perform at the hotel. Just maybe she can huddle in the corner and listen? The hotel manager soon dismisses that idea with a rebuke. Then she becomes a solution to a huge problem. Her life transforms beyond her comprehension!

I love the illustrations. The dressed up animals are adorable. It's a picture book I would return to to enjoy numerous times because of the illustrations. I especially love the cut-away of the hotel. The end of the story is a bit underdeveloped and predictable. I would buy this book  just for the illustrations (if I was a mom of young girls).

A 1920s Cinderella story

*Highly recommend for the illustrations.

-Borrowed from the library.

Earl & Worm series by Greg Pizzoli**

 I love this series! They are perfect for beginning &/or transitional readers (fluency, stamina, building confidence). 

Even though Earl & Worm are great friends, when they first met, Worm did not like Earl's disposition. Grumpy Worm eventually softens to Earl's friendliness. Together they navigate writing poetry, house cleaning, the affect of an unlucky penny, and watching a sunrise.

I am waiting for #3 to be published (Nov. 11, 2025). 

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Secrets of Ormdale, Book 4-City of Serpents by Christina Baehr*

I never thought I would love a series that features dragons! Mrs. Baehr has created a enticing world with likable characters who live in England. 

In this novel, Edith attempts to discover an antivenin made by an evil London-based scientist, Farley, so she can rescue Simon, the man she loves, who is held captive in Wales. As she wrangles with Farley, she soon realizes that he may outwit her. With the assistance and wisdom of her friends and relatives, she escapes from his laboratory. This story does not end perfectly. Book five is where Mrs. Baehr brings everything to a conclusion.

I don't like how the woman is trying to rescue the man.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Warning: allusion to Oscar Wilde-that he was sentenced to hard labor-they don't say why but any reader can look it up, we find out that a character who is not a character's father is the father (no details included)

I would only allow older high school to read this series.

Louisa May Alcott's Christmas Treasury-The Complete Christmas Collection edited by Stephen W. Hines illustrated by C. Michael Dudash

 RAR is featuring one of these stories in their Christmas School 2025 for high schoolers/teenagers.

I read the first two stories and enjoyed them. The endings may be too perfect for some readers, but at Christmas, don't we long for happy conclusions? Reading the introduction, I understood why the stories feature orphans, convalescing soldiers etc. Louisa's mother was one of the first paid social workers in America. She instilled compassion for the less fortunate in her daughters.

I am not officially highly recommending it since I did not read the entire collection. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Marshmallow Clouds by Ted Kooser & Connie Wanek illustrated by Richard Jones*

 This anthology contains clever poems that utilize figurative speech. Poems are categorized by the four classical elements of nature: earth, water, air, & fire.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Claude Monet 1840-1926 by Charles F. Stuckey*

 My son's history book had a section dedicated to the Impressionist movement. I borrowed this book for him to look at some of Monet's painting. I am recording this book so I can utilize it in the future because it contains many plates of his paintings. I like books about artists that feature full pages and many pages of their work. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Shoes for Everyone A Story About Jan Matzeliger by Barbara Mitchell illustrated by Hetty Mitchell*

 Jan Matzeliger was born in Dutch Guiana (modern day Suriname) where he worked at a government machine shop at the age of ten! (His father was the supervisor.) His father was a Dutchman while his mother was a black Surinamese. When he was nineteen, he left Paramaribo to be a seaman for the Dutch East Indies Company and then eventually to become a machinist in North America. This biography focuses on his struggles, his determination and eventual success in North America in the late 1800s as a machinist and inventor despite prejudice and poverty. Reading how his faith was a foundation to his life was encouraging.

A rich biography that elementary students can read and appreciate.

My history curriculum recommends this book (Modern Era).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL

E. Nesbit picture books*

 After reading and loving The Railway Children, I wanted to read more by E. Nesbit. These two delightful picture books will captivate the reader with the story, the writing, and the word choice. I highly recommend both books. Both books were borrowed from the library.

1. Jack and the Beanstalk-the illustrations by Matt Tavares are immersive. Younger children may be a bit frightened by the giant illustrations! This is now one of my favorite Jack & the Beanstalk rendition. If I see it in a bookstore, I will buy it.

2. Melisande illustrated by P.J. Lynch (another favorite illustrator!)-Melisande's parents hope to avoid forgetting to invite a fairy to her christening party, so they don't invite any of the fairies. Instead of circumventing the situation, the parents offend all of the fairies!!  Her curse? She will be bald.  The king remembers how a fairy gave him a wish for a wedding present. He asks the fairy to give it to her daughter when she is old enough to wish "wisely". Years of tribulation ensue. Will Melisande ever be free of a curse?

A wonderfully enthralling tale! I am buying this book.

The Jumping-Off Place by Marian Hurd McNeely*

Award-winner: Newbery Honor Book 

Becky, Dick, Phil, and Joan head to their uncle's quarter section in Tripp County, South Dakota in the early 1900s after he dies. Even though Becky and Dick are teenagers, they reach adulthood quickly as they navigate the unforgiving Dakota plains, surly neighbors, and unpredictable weather. Readers will  process their story in awe as these kids face unimaginable obstacles and succeed!

Mrs. McNeely bases this story on her own experience homesteading (as an adult) in the exact same territory. She actually had this book published before Laura Ingalls Wilder's series! Readers who have "out-grown" the Little House books will enjoy this novel as it focuses on Becky, who is a teenager.

My history curriculum recommended this novel. It brought "history to life".

Discuss: A couple of times there are negative references to being black. One time they say "work like n--".

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington -DVD*

 For one of his civics projects, my son had to watch this 1939 movie. We invited grandparents and aunt/uncle/cousins to watch it with us to make it a festive event. 

Jefferson Smith, head of the Boy Rangers, finds himself appointed a senator for his state after the elected senator dies. Full of idealism, Mr. Smith is determined to make a difference and also grant land to the Boy Rangers. The seasoned politicians are hoping to manipulate and control him. Mr. Smith's tenacity and integrity prevail and provide a refreshing change to the corrupt system.

We loved this movie. We were not expecting to enjoy it! My son has commented a couple times after watching how "good that movie was". He was also able to view many civics concepts exemplified throughout the movie.

*Highly recommend.

Based on a scandal during the Harding administration.

Warning for smaller audience: drinking, some characters get drunk, smoking, at the end, one main character tries to commit suicide (nothing is shown-viewers just hear a gun shot) but other senators stop him

-Borrowed from the library.

Red & Lulu by Matt Tavares*

 A pair of cardinals love their Norway spruce tree in a small backyard. Red, the male cardinal, and Lulu, the female cardinal, especially love Christmas. The house owners decorate their tree with lights. People gather at the front door to sing a song about the tree.  One day a group of people chop it down and haul it into the city. Red follows the truck because he hears his beloved Lulu singing from inside the tree! This Christmas is one they will never forget!

The illustrations are stunning.

RAR is featuring this book during one of their Christmas School weeks this December.

If the readers have been to NYC, they will have fun identifying sites in NYC.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library. 

If I Built a Town by Chris Van Dusen

 I love Chris Van Dusen's books! He, however, included two dads in the illustrations throughout the book.

Jack relays to Mayor McKay how he would build a town. Very imaginative (& modern-lots of robots doing the work of humans!).

Warning/ points to discuss: two dads (not mentioned that they are two dads in the text-just in the illustrations- walking together with a girl in between them), vs fossil fuels, robots doing most jobs, "everything is free" concept! 😉

-Borrowed from the library

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

 Rumi is a new student. The other students do not protest when Asher, a bully, is mean to him. When Asher throws a rock, and it scrapes Rumi's knee, other students finally gather their courage and befriend Rumi. 

A didactic story  Based on the author's son experience

-Borrowed from the library.

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit**

 I loved every moment I was reading this book. It is delightful and enchanting! I am bummed that I did not read this book aloud to my sons when they were younger. 

Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis experience an idealistic life in Edgecombe Villa, where Mother creates delightful stories and humorous poems to share with them over tea after school. Then one day men come for Father and take him away. The children have no idea where he has gone. Mother moves them to the country, near a railway. Although they are poor, and Mother has to write stories so they can eat, the children adjust to the life in the country along the rails.  Adventures and friendships await them. 

I loved how the children would spend most of their days outside without adult supervision, problem-solving and risk-taking. Readers will relate to each of the children even though they lived in 1905.

 A timeless novel

Discuss: British slang/words, British customs, a father being taken away

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (I would like to buy this one.)

The Peddler and the President by Ann Diament Koffsky illustrated by Pedro Rodriguez*

 Harry Truman and Eddie Jacobson are quite different from each other-seven years apart, Christian vs Jewish. But both of them had stopped attending school to work to support their families. During this time their friendship forms. They part ways but resume their friendship during WW I where they train at the same base in Oklahoma. Over the years their friendship endures challenging times (a failed business, the Great Depression, a wife that doesn't like Jews).  Eventually, Harry becomes president of the United States! Eddie is welcomed to visit President Truman at the White House whenever he wants. He, however, is careful not to take advantage of the friendship and ask for favors. But when President Truman is trying to discern if he should support an independent Jewish state/nation, Eddie knows he must speak up and convince his friend to support his people.

An easy to read biography with a lot of substance and also with a lot of ideas to discuss.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (I asked my library's director to buy it for my library. She did!)

Three by the Sea by Edward Marshall illustrated by James Marshall*

 Lolly, Spider, and Sam are enjoying a day at the beach. After eating they are too full to resume any activities. To pass the time, Lolly reads aloud to them from her reader. They declare the story too boring and create their own stories.

Fun and humorous! Perfect for reluctant and transitional readers

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Persuasion by Jane Austen*

 Disclaimer: I started reading this book over a month ago while staying in the hospital with a loved one who had a complex surgery. Hospitals are not the best place to focus! 

Almost a decade ago, Anne was persuaded by a mentor to break off an engagement. In the meantime, Captain Frederick Wentworth, her former finace,  has become quite successful. Now at age twenty-seven, she is resigned to a life without a husband or family. The years have dulled her countenance. Although she is often overlooked within her own family, when any of them has an issue, they turn to Anne for a resolution or for support. When her prideful, foolish father realizes he cannot afford their estate, Kellynch, he rents it out to Admiral Croft and his wife Sophia Croft. Sophia is Frederick Wentworth's sister. Will Anne encounter her former finace on a routine basis now? Will he still care for her?

  It took me awhile to organize and remember all of the characters and also how they were connected. I should have a created a character map! At first I thought this novel was inferior to Pride and Prejudice. I love the witty dialogue, the humor, and the fast pace in Pride and Prejudice. Persuasion is more contemplative and serious. The reader is privy to Anne's thoughts. After talking about it with a friend who loves this novel, I concluded that I will remember this novel better than Pride and Prejudice. I admire Anne as a character whereas Elizabeth was fun but not as memorable. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule by Harriette Gillem Robinet*

Award winner-Scott O'Dell

 At first I was not connecting with the characters in this story. As the story progressed, the history behind it intrigued me and caused me to "highly recommend" it.

Pascal and his brother Gideon set out to claim their forty acres and mule that is promised to freed slaves. Along the way other freed slaves join them. They form a resourceful family. Despite night riders and other dangers, the group claims forty acres and begins to cultivate a beautiful farm. When President Lincoln is assassinated, laws change, which impacts their dream

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Pascal ponders the entire novel, "what is freedom". 

Readers will experience a vivid account of the Reconstruction and the issues people faced.

Discuss: prejudice, Civil War and the Reconstruction era, violence/cruelty, hints at what slave masters did with slave girls, the novel ends somewhat sad  (it was what actually occurred)-but the characters seem optimistic.

*Highly recommend, especially for those studying the Reconstruction era

-Borrowed via ILL

Rube Goldberg text set*

 My friend introduced me to the 1st book shown below. In museums I have seen fun machines built upon his examples.

Perfect books for an elementary physics unit and for kids who love machines and creating them. Highly recommend both books. Both of them are borrowed from the library.

Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll! The Inventive Rube Goldberg by Catherine Thimmesh illustrated by Shanda McCloskey   -Explanations of how the six simple machines work and biographical snippets about Goldberg, ideas how to create own Goldberg machine

Just Like Rube Goldberg by Sarah Aronson illustrated by Robert Neubecker

A biography about Goldberg   Highlights his determination, work ethic, perseverance

Saturday Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones illustrated by Ken Daley

 A young boy's mom drops him off at the local barber shop while she works. Here in this environment, Black culture is celebrated. The boy revels in the shop's energy, people, and culture.

A joyful book!

-Borrowed from the library.

Alice Across America: The Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Road Trip by Sarah Glenn Marsh illustrated by Gilbert Ford

 Alice Ramsey loves driving, not something women pursue in 1909! The Maxwell-Briscoe Company asks her to drive across the United States to promote its cars. She and her companions, Hermine and  sisters-in-law-Nettie and Maggie, begin in New York City in June and drive, with many challenges, to San Fransico by August. 

Author's note includes more information about Alice and also Rt. 66.

An inspiring story!

-Borrowed via ILL.