tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86134160137805298742024-03-27T16:53:19.809-07:00Krista's Book Reviewkristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.comBlogger4901125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-69991083411901433822024-03-27T16:23:00.000-07:002024-03-27T16:23:49.935-07:00A Common Life-The Wedding Story by Jan Karon *<p> Audio CD read by John McDonough</p><p>#6 in the Mitford series</p><p>We skipped #3,4, & 5 because chronologically this novel comes after #2. Ms. Karon describes the days approaching Father Tim and Cynthia's wedding. She also includes different character's pespective about the wedding. Ms. Karon knows how to make characters come to life and develops them well. My fourteen-year-old and I laughed often and enjoyed hearing about the special day. We liked the last line in the novel.</p><p><b>Consider: </b>On their honeymoon references to intimacy are made but are subtle. My son did not notice the references. </p><p>*Highly recommend.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HI6zxyEcL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="500" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HI6zxyEcL.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-27014283288954528132024-03-27T11:50:00.000-07:002024-03-27T11:50:44.180-07:00Walt Whitman text set<p> For this month's poetry treat, we are reading Walt Whitman's poems. Below are some resources we used. Be aware that some of his poems are descriptive of attraction and intimacy. It is easy to find ones that do not include these topics. Although I do not include a summary here, I am showing the physical copy of <i>Leaves of Grass </i>so they can appreciate the amount of poems he wrote.</p><p>1. Who Was Walt Whitman?-by Kirsten Anderson -a quick, but thorough overview of his life- Created/written for elementary readers, but junior high and high schoolers can read this in one sitting and have a great insight about his life. *Highly recommend. Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91IatQ2XM5L._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="325" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91IatQ2XM5L._SY466_.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Walt Whitman by Catherine Reef-more in depth biography with a lot of photographs for junior high and older-Borrowed from the library.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41aXeqCosOL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="334" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41aXeqCosOL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Walt Whitman Words for America by Barbara Kerley illustrated by Brian Selznick-I own this one. Highly recommend. Beautifully illustrated biography.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1q7KuaZSML._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="352" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1q7KuaZSML._SY466_.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Poetry for Young People Walt Whitman Edited by Jonthan Levin illustrated by Jim Burke A great poetry series-includes many poems with summaries at the top of each poem with unusual words defined at the bottom of each poem. *Highly recommend. I own this book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r6JqankpS._SX342_SY445_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="342" height="409" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r6JqankpS._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Poetry for Kids Walt Whitman Edited by Karen Karbiener, PhD illustrated by Kate Evans (similar to Poetry for Young People as it features a mixture/excerpts of his poems with unusual words defined on the side/bottom of each poem). -Borrowed from the library.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CHtABYtpL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="342" height="383" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CHtABYtpL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. The Civil War Poems Walt Whitman (Barnes/Noble)-When I was in high school, my best friend gave me this anthology for either a birthday or Christmas gift (I really liked Whitman and studying the Civil War in high school, so it was a thoughtful and creative gift), but I did not keep it. I regret giving it away now!! -Borrowed from the library.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d3525k1ryd2155.cloudfront.net/f/367/190/9781566190367.OL.0.m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="200" height="304" src="https://d3525k1ryd2155.cloudfront.net/f/367/190/9781566190367.OL.0.m.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>7. O Captain, My Captain -Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and the Civil War by Robert Burleigh illustrated by Sterling Hundley Mr. Burleigh takes quotes from Whitman and lines from his poems and uses them as headings/topic sentences to create a highly illustrated and engaging biography. For late elementary through high school.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bj4Mok8lL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="342" height="424" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bj4Mok8lL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>8. The World Below the Brine by Walt Whitman illustrated by James Christopher Carroll Mr. Carroll uses deep colors to illustrate Whitman's poem. *Highly recommend for elementary readers. Borrowed from the library.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91SdhhsTbNL._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="378" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91SdhhsTbNL._SY466_.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-83353832918894033112024-03-27T11:12:00.000-07:002024-03-27T11:12:42.210-07:00Disney-The American Presidents 1945-2010-DVD<p> An entertaining, engaging overview of the presidents. A short presentation of "The Presidency & the Economy" is also included. The slant is more liberal (especially the commenters they sourced out).</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/YM0AAOSwp8xku7xe/s-l960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="345" height="500" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/YM0AAOSwp8xku7xe/s-l960.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-26046828513335496172024-03-27T11:04:00.000-07:002024-03-27T11:04:58.753-07:00The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesteron*<p> My eighth grader read this anthology of short stories for literature and enjoyed them. I read quite a few of them and anticipated the twists and unusual solutions. Although the twelve short stories can be read in any order, if the reader wants to understand the character development of Flambeau, he/she should read the first four in order. I would label these short stories as "literary mysteries". The sentence structure, the word choice, the allusions, and historical inclusions require the reader to be intellectually engaged. </p><p>*Highly recommend (for junior high and older-murder and graphic descriptions of some murders).</p><p>-We own this book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PGVzAZOZL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="287" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PGVzAZOZL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-56854750940625871602024-03-23T13:21:00.000-07:002024-03-23T13:21:39.799-07:00Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry illustrated by Annie Won<p> A mother shares the story of the miracle of her son's birth along with the story of Christ's birth. Although I love how the story celebrates human life and retells Christ's birth, I did not enjoy the dual storylines.For younger readers/listeners, it may be challenging to keep the two stories separate. Ms. Berry does change the font to make each story distinct. The illustrations also have the three wisemen coming to visit the modern baby boy . . .humorous yet not at the same time. On the other hand, I love that a book recently published celebrates the miracle of human life and what a joy it is to have children! Of course, having Christ's birth retold is wonderful too.</p><p>The illustrations are luscious and bold. </p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BxwJhwSsL._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="404" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BxwJhwSsL._SY466_.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-16230630001344000232024-03-23T10:32:00.000-07:002024-03-23T10:32:00.403-07:00The Voice that Won the Vote by Elisa Boxer illustrated by Vivian Mildenberger*<p> A few weeks ago in history we learned how a TN representative broke the tie and brought women's right to vote into law by listening to his mother! This picture book expounds on the culture at the time, the law making process, his mother, and the ramifications of his vote.</p><p><b>Point to discuss: </b>In the author's note her language denotes a secular worldview-"by trusting <b>their </b>truth", "find similar courage to express what's in your heart and trust your inner voice . . ."</p><p>*Highly recommend but see above point to discuss.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510DSM34-qL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="342" height="416" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510DSM34-qL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-598914266713709132024-03-23T09:19:00.000-07:002024-03-23T09:19:03.975-07:00Splash! Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change by Elisa Boxer illustrated Elizabeth Baddeley*<p> After being stricken with polio, Ethelda follows her doctor's orders and learns to swim. In the water she feels strong and alive. Swimming transforms her life. Not only is she the first woman in the world to win all of the swimming events in one Olympic game, she is the woman who challenged the law requiring woman to wear socks. Her fiesty nature also prompts NYC to build its first public swimming pool. </p><p>Ethelda was compassionate too. As a nurse, she devoted her life to teaching children with polio and cerebral palsy how to swim. She passed away in 1978.</p><p>*Highly recommend.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91zf3tQ254L._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="383" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91zf3tQ254L._SY466_.jpg" width="383" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-82445791158640039972024-03-23T08:09:00.000-07:002024-03-23T08:12:03.275-07:00Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel illustrated by Barbara McClintock**<p> Both Sarah Mackenzie from Read Aloud Revival and <i>World </i>magazine recommend this book. Oh my. It is stunning and delightful. Both author and illustrator capture Randolph Caldecott's energetic personality and weave in his life's story which will appeal to the audience. I appreciated the annotations, which make this book for an audience for a wide age range<i>. </i>The two-page illustrated spread on pp 28-29 is fun for bibliophiles-try to guess which Caldecott Award winner the people are holding!</p><p>This book should have won the Caldecott this past year! Ms. McClintock is a favorite illustrator.</p><p>**Highly, highly recommend.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library (but would love to buy it).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Ns3yxnn-L._SY466_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="423" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Ns3yxnn-L._SY466_.jpg" width="423" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-90765471791288738432024-03-22T17:26:00.000-07:002024-03-22T17:26:58.950-07:00Ferris by Kate DiCamillo**<p> I loved every minute reading Kate DiCamillo's latest book, <i>Ferris. </i>Ferris describes her summer before fifth grade. She and her eccentric family love each other through challenges. The characters are unique and memorable. I love Ferris's special relationship with her grandmother, Charisse. With her precise word choice and beautiful writing style, Kate DiCamillo creates delightful and engaging novels.</p><p>**Highly, highly recommend.</p><p><b>Points to discuss/warnings: </b>A ghost visits Charisse with a request. It is not scary, but some families may stay clear of ghosts and the like. Ferris's uncle, Uncle Ted leaves Aunt Shirley, his wife, to live in Ferris's basement to paint a history of the world (they reunite by the end of the novel). A few characters have lost family members to death. A main character dies by the end . . .but it is not a surprise nor soul-wretching sad.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81CGIgb7LeL._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="328" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81CGIgb7LeL._SY466_.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-11576480362837742852024-03-20T13:22:00.000-07:002024-03-20T13:22:25.883-07:00The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain**<p> If your seventeen-year-old plans when he will eat lunch to ensure that you will have time to read aloud, you know that the book you are reading is a winner! My two teenage boys looked forward to lunch each day when I was reading aloud <i>The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. </i>Mark Twain's humor and perfect plot pacing create a delightful story. Tom's numerous adventures will appeal to boys.</p><p>Now my fourteen-year-old is reading <i>The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn </i>to himself! (we listened to it on audio a few years ago) Goal: to stimulate a love for an author and for literature--- accomplished!!</p><p><b>Warning: </b>Racial slurs towards blacks and Native Am. . .although, Twain was not prejudice. He was portraying the cultural and the times. A couple of swear words. The boys learn to smoke pipes. Some characters drink and become drunk. The boys lie. Church is not regarded as a wonderful event.</p><p>-I own this book-the one with Norman Rockwell paintings and illustrations!</p><p>**Highly, highly recommend but see warnings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ekozSOSaL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="299" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ekozSOSaL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-89405909035060699762024-03-19T15:52:00.000-07:002024-03-19T15:54:54.791-07:00Ruby Bridges text set<p> We will be studying the 1960s soon in American history. I am having my youngest son do a deeper study of Ruby Bridges. The following books he could use for his study-</p><p>1. <i>The Story of Ruby Bridges </i>by Robert Coles-narrative picture book for grades 2nd-6th, junior high It includes the prayer Ruby prayed over the angry mob. Her prayer made me emotional. *Highly recommend. I own this book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eKo4zeVfL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="342" height="428" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eKo4zeVfL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br /><p>2. <i>Ruby Bridges Goes to School My True Story </i>by Ruby Bridges -Scholastic Reader Level 2-perfect for beginning & transitional readers, full of photographs *Highly recommend. -Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g+BINX4nL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="291" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g+BINX4nL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. <i>This Is Your Time </i>by Ruby Bridges Written in 2020, Ms. Bridges encourages children of this era to stand vs racism She recounts her school integration, exalts her father, shares about her sons, and points out modern racial issues. Lots of photographs-some show the hatred people had toward blacks & integration. She mentions Black Lives Matters & includes several photographs of their demonstrations. One photo has a preschooler wearing a t-shirt that states, "lightly melanated hella black". Ms. Bridges does NOT focus on how racial relationships have improved since 1961. She does place hope in this younger generation to break prejudice. This book should provide opportunity for an interesting discussion with my son. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Suited for grades 4 and older. Borrowed from the library.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71wdL1e1ciL._SY466_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="331" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71wdL1e1ciL._SY466_.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. <i>Through My Eyes </i>by Ruby Bridges </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">published 1999 This longer narrative shares how Ruby Bridges participates in the civil rights struggle. Tons of photographs. The photographs do expose the hatred people had towards blacks and integration. *Highly recommend. For readers in 5th grade & older. -Borrowed from the library.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61GjnRLoVXL._SY466_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="406" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61GjnRLoVXL._SY466_.jpg" width="406" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*I just read on-line that Barbara Henry, Ruby's teacher, is still alive (91 years old)!!</div>A book should be written about her!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-64285388463479355952024-03-17T11:28:00.000-07:002024-03-17T11:28:59.546-07:00Outdated by Jonathan "JP" Pokluda with Kevin McConaghy**<p> <i>Find Love That Lasts When Dating Has Changed</i></p><p>I heard about this book on a podcast (<a href="https://monicaswanson.com/podcast/" target="_blank">https://monicaswanson.com/podcast/</a>) and was pleasantly surprised that the library owned a copy. Wow. What a Biblically sound book. JP addresses culture lies about dating with God's truths (some examples-Lie: the purpose of dating is to have fun; Truth: it's a lot more fun when you date with the right purpose, Lie: being single is a waiting period for something better; Truth: something better is waiting for you right now, Lie: you should follow your heart; Truth: you should tell your heart what to follow). The book is divided into three parts: Part 1: Why We Date, Part 2: Who We Date, & Part 3: How We Date.</p><p>**Highly, highly recommend.</p><p><b>Warning: B</b>efore handing this book to young teens, parents should read it first. No matter your teens age, I would read it along with them & discuss it with them. JP is open about his sexual past. He was addicted to sex. He dedicates entire chapter to sex and also addresses porngraphy & masturbation. </p><p>-Borrowed from the library but plan to buy it so my sons can read it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91wgnElvmaL._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="302" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91wgnElvmaL._SY466_.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-55953693756069399832024-03-16T17:22:00.000-07:002024-03-16T17:22:51.459-07:00Hidden Hope How a Toy & a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust by Elisa Boxer illustrated Amy June Bates*<p> Ms. Boxer's relates how Jacqueline, a teenage "social worker", participates in the French Resistance during WWII. With a wooden duck tucked in her satchel, she transports false identities & papers for hidden French Jews. She saves more two hundred lives! Surprisingly, Jacqueline isn't her real name. She is really Judith Geller and is a Jew! </p><p>The author's note and the illustrator's note share more amazing facts about Judith Geller and her fight vs. the Nazis.</p><p>*Highly recommend.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ZLh4lIjkL._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="383" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ZLh4lIjkL._SY466_.jpg" width="383" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-88369833185276022682024-03-16T16:52:00.000-07:002024-03-16T16:52:10.316-07:00The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination by Brad Montague pictures by Brad & Kristi Montague<p> <i>World </i>magazine published reviews for the best picture books from 2023. This book was a picture book runner-up.</p><p>The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination invites readers to join the ranks. Readers follow Sparky, a figment mail carrier. When Sparky notices that The Cave of Untold Stories is about to explode, he realizes he is part of the problem. He doesn't share his poetry with others. He and Brenda, the dragon in charge of the cave, encourage humans to use their imaginations and to share their creative works.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cJ1s0uk0L._SX342_SY445_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="342" height="438" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cJ1s0uk0L._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-18318046380845058722024-03-16T16:17:00.000-07:002024-03-16T16:17:27.950-07:00Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins*<p> <i>World </i>magazine recently reviewed the best books from 2023 (like the ALA does each year in January). <i>Hope in the Valley </i>was selected as fiction runner-up. (Winner was <i>The Labors of Hercules Beal </i>by Gary Schmidt<i>-</i>I agree with this choice!! I loved and reviewed this book.) Two other runners-up which I have reviewed are <i>The Many Assassinations of Samir, Seller of Dreams </i>by Daniel Nayeri & <i>Enemies in the Orchard </i>by Dana Vanderlugt.</p><p>I loved seventh grader Pandita Paul, the main character in <i>Hope in the Valley. </i>She is a credible and likable character. To Pandita's horror, the town is tearing down the old manison next to her house. On that porch, she and her now deceased mother would sit and talk. Since her mother's death, Pandita has continued to escape to the porch and write letters to her. Pandita hates change. Change pops up throughout the summer-being forced to join the summer drama group, being friends with a (very cute and talented) new boy, and is her father DATING?!!</p><p>A plethora of novels that focus on race are being published. Initially I was a bit turned off by this book because of it seemed to focus on how prejudice whites are. Ms. Perkins, however, handles it honestly and in context of the 1920s & the 1980s. </p><p>*Highly recommend for junior high and older.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xBpWkxC9L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xBpWkxC9L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-43783520142666034882024-03-16T15:54:00.000-07:002024-03-16T15:54:23.951-07:00A Light in the Window by Jan Karon*<p> #2 in the Mitford Years Read by John McDonough (a superb reader!!)</p><p>After Father Tim asks his neighbor, Cynthia, to go steady, she leaves for NYC to focus on a new book contract. The two learn, somewhat awkwardly, how to maintain a long distance relationship. Meanwhile, Edith Mallory, a widow, is in hot pursuit of Father Tim. She manages to coecre him into questionable situations. Add to his demands-a surly project manager of Hope House, an Irish cousin Meg who moves into his guest bedroom to research potato famine immigrants in the area BUT rarely emerges from her room, Dooley smoking and getting suspended -and Father Tim barely has the energy to write or call his beloved Cynthia. </p><p>My fourteen-year-old son and I listened to this second book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms. Karon develops characters and settings so well. Mitford seems like a real place with real people!</p><p>My son says he is learning how NOT to date a girl and how NOT to propose to his future wife from Father Tim!!</p><p><b>Points to discuss: </b>I would not share this book with elementary students. Approriate for junior high and older. Edith Mallory is coy and seductive. She places her hand on Father Tim's leg a couple of times and wears a low-cut blouse. Nothing inappropriate occurs. Other concerns if sharing with junior high/high school-Buck Leeper is an alcoholic and goes into drunken rage; Dooley smokes and is suspensed; kissing between Father Tim & Cynthina (nothing inappropriate); a couple of times it is mentioned that Cynthia has great legs.</p><p>*Highly recommend (but see age recommendation).</p><p>-Borrowed the audio CD from the library but own the hard copy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TcZE5DevL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="500" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TcZE5DevL.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-90036528963624695822024-03-08T09:37:00.000-08:002024-03-08T09:37:23.816-08:00The Great Good Thing by Andrew Klavan*<p> Just a couple of months ago I had never heard of Andrew Klavan. After reading a book review about one of his books in <i>World </i>magazine, I started reading his Cameron Winters series. Reading how he was once a secular Jew who came to Christ, I wanted to hear his story. This memoir shares with the reader his life from childhood to his baptism. As the reader journeys with him, they witness his deep, pyschological struggles and how God and His love was guiding him to Himself. God is a personal god. He pursues and woos us in intimate and unique ways. He is patient. </p><p>I see similarities between Cameron Winters and Mr. Klavan. I will appreciate the third Cameron Winters book all the more now. </p><p>*Highly recommend for adults. </p><p>-Borrowed via inter-lib loan.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WqDtebJ3L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="292" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WqDtebJ3L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-20456238341351075722024-03-05T10:48:00.000-08:002024-03-05T10:48:59.303-08:00All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor*<p> The Sydney Taylor award offered each year by the ALA is named after this author.</p><p>I loved this late elementary chapter book! Readers meet a family with five girls-Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie, who live in the Lower East Side in NYC in the early 1900s. Their unique, feisty personalities and mild adventures will delight readers. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Jewish customs and "living" with a Jewish family for a few hours. The series is based on the author's life.</p><p>*Highly recommend. Five books in the series -- This is book #1.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51T2P1QQ52L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="303" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51T2P1QQ52L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-87462431365021758422024-03-02T18:20:00.000-08:002024-03-02T18:20:57.126-08:00Dunkirk DVD<p> PG-13 (intense war "experience" & language)</p><p>My sons and I just finished studying WWII in American History. Our history textbook mentioned Dunkirk with a few sentences. I wanted them to understand more deeply how amazing the Dunkirk rescue was. </p><p>Viewers will be thrust into the desperation the English and French soldiers felt when the Germans trap them on the beaches of Dunkirk. The enemy attacks them by air. Civilian boats leave the English coast to bring their men home. So inspiring how regular civilians risked their lives as their military men had already done so. </p><p>The movie is organized by three separate timelines (& three separate stories)-one week at the beach, one day on the boat, and one hour in the air (RAF). The producer, Christopher Nolan, brings the three time periods together by the end. It was rather confusing. We did not care for this method. My youngest thought it was unnecesary for a teen civilian to die by a stupid accident ( killed accidently by a rescued soldier) on a rescue boat. He said that was one character you could connect to and become attached to, and then he dies! Not much dialogue, which some viewers may not like. </p><p>Since it occurs mostly at sea, a lot of drowning scenes were included. I could not watch them.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51LIpBNUM8L._SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="247" height="300" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51LIpBNUM8L._SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-64925907318204902622024-02-29T13:06:00.000-08:002024-02-29T13:06:30.913-08:00The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis**<p> 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. </p><p>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. </p><p>**Highly, highly recommend.</p><p>-I own two copies of this book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81iGfP5-GNL._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="310" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81iGfP5-GNL._SY466_.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-11098247512708562362024-02-29T10:02:00.000-08:002024-02-29T10:02:34.135-08:00Evergreen by Matthew Cordell**<p> 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?</p><p>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!</p><p>**Highly, highly recommend.</p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1kBScpLG+L._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="384" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1kBScpLG+L._SY466_.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-22130716122867707502024-02-28T10:39:00.000-08:002024-02-28T10:39:50.223-08:00The Great Gatsby text set<p> To prepare for my son's next American Lit. assignment, I have utilized the following resources. All resources are borrowed from the library.</p><p>1. <i>SparkNotes-</i>The character analysis and quotation explanations were helpful. The three pages of "key facts" was concise. </p><p>2. <i>Cliffnotes-</i>An extensive biography about Fitzgerald is included. At the end of each chapter summary & commentary, words are defined in a mini glossary.</p><p>3. <i>Understanding The Great Gatsby </i>by Dalton Gross & MaryJean Gross-I read the first chapter about what makes <i>The Great Gatsby </i>great. This book would be useful for someone who is interested about the context of the novel. </p><p>4. <i>The Literature Book-Big Ideas Simply Explained-</i>very comprehensive but concise. A good overview of the theme, plot, context, and character relationships.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://prodimage.images-bn.com/lf?set=key%5Bresolve.pixelRatio%5D,value%5B1%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.width%5D,value%5B300%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.height%5D,value%5B10000%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.imageFit%5D,value%5Bcontainerwidth%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.allowImageUpscaling%5D,value%5B0%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.format%5D,value%5Bwebp%5D&source=url%5Bhttps://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781411471634_p0_v1_s600x595.jpg%5D&scale=options%5Blimit%5D,size%5B300x10000%5D&sink=format%5Bwebp%5D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="300" height="466" src="https://prodimage.images-bn.com/lf?set=key%5Bresolve.pixelRatio%5D,value%5B1%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.width%5D,value%5B300%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.height%5D,value%5B10000%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.imageFit%5D,value%5Bcontainerwidth%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.allowImageUpscaling%5D,value%5B0%5D&set=key%5Bresolve.format%5D,value%5Bwebp%5D&source=url%5Bhttps://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781411471634_p0_v1_s600x595.jpg%5D&scale=options%5Blimit%5D,size%5B300x10000%5D&sink=format%5Bwebp%5D" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.booksense.com/images/019/586/9780764586019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="254" height="400" src="https://images.booksense.com/images/019/586/9780764586019.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/71YktXlTHAL._SY466_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="308" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/71YktXlTHAL._SY466_.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1JsKEFOVcL._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="392" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1JsKEFOVcL._SY466_.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-9714979651058641412024-02-28T10:33:00.000-08:002024-02-28T10:33:52.282-08:00Paul Laurence Dunbar text set<p> 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.</p><p>The poems we shared with each other were mostly from this book-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31+z9Fe+YPL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31+z9Fe+YPL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-borrowed from the library</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used this book to share a bit of background about him and to show photographs of him, his family, and his residence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61CXAvaKGrL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="325" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61CXAvaKGrL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-borrowed from the library</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Enjoy-the-Poems-Dunbar-h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="654" height="366" src="https://simplycharlottemason.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Enjoy-the-Poems-Dunbar-h.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61R4KSQ5EAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="475" height="456" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61R4KSQ5EAL.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-18923244085269084562024-02-27T06:57:00.000-08:002024-02-27T06:57:15.003-08:00Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble<p> 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! </p><p>A very fast paced novel A bit "Hallmarkish"</p><p>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!</p><p> God and prayer are mentioned but are not major components to the characters' lives. </p><p>-Borrowed from the library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5170M7b-fML._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="292" height="445" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5170M7b-fML._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613416013780529874.post-31247028378281888622024-02-26T11:48:00.000-08:002024-02-26T11:48:35.320-08:00The Little Ships by Louise Borden illustrated by Michael Foreman*<p> <i>The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War II</i></p><p>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. </p><p>Ms. Borden's word choice and sentence composition are beautiful and full of imagery.</p><p>I wish more children's books existed about this historical event. </p><p>*Highly recommend.</p><p>-I own this book.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71kCAxl1nFL._SY466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="605" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71kCAxl1nFL._SY466_.jpg" width="605" /></a></div><br /><p></p>kristathereviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03812259026285021788noreply@blogger.com0