When Logan's father travels to the city of Sherman, Logan is chosen to come along and spend the day with his cousins. Initially, he is enamoured with the city's energy and sights. However, as the day progresses, he realizes the rural life might be better.
A great chapter book for transitional readers who are developing stamina for chapter books
Consideration: one of the characters says "gosh"
-Borrowed from the library.
I own Tomie dePaola's version of this legend.
The giant Finn MacCoul lives with his wife Oonagh on Knockmany Hill. As a chieftan of the Fianna, the Irish people respect him. While building a bridge to Scotland, Finn encounters a fierce Scots giant, Cucullin. Cucullin's plan is to "make paste of" Finn. Thankfully, Oonagh creates a clever plan to subdue Cucullin.
I love the big vibrant the illustrations.
Read also Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie dePaola to compare.
Consideration: Fairies and magic are the source of strength and aid in this story.
-Borrowed from the library.
Junior and his family sell their farm after a devastating flood to live in the city where more reliable jobs are available. As Junior adjusts to city life, his new friends introduce him to a library in the woods where Blacks are welcome.
A great book to share with kids while studying the segregated South in the 1950s & 1960s.
This fictional story is based on a real library in Roxboro, NC, that the author frequented during his childhood. I found the author's note especially interesting.
Discussion: segregation, illiteracy
-Borrowed from the library.
Logan's teacher of Maple Ridge's one-room schoolhouse asks each student to contribute to the building fund so they can repair many issues that are popping up. Unfortunately, Logan lies to his family by saying he is going to contribute from the money he has saved in his piggy bank. He has no money. So when he finds a broken wheel along the road, he decides to repair it to sell it and give the money to the school. Eventually he confesses to his father that he had lied.
This book is perfect for new readers who are transitioning into chapter books & building stamina. Plenty of illustrations per page. I like that it features a boy main character within the historical fiction genre. So many historical fiction books for kids feature girls.
Considerations: Logan lies. But his father reprimands him. Lying is not condoned. Readers see the consequences of this sin through Logan. Throughout the book the word "lucky" is mentioned. "lucky wheel", "lucky day". Logan seems to think luck is what brings good events into his life.
Part of a series-more reviews of the other books forthcoming.
-Borrowed from the library.
I am currently reading aloud to my teen son a biography about John Newton. One of the co-authors is Craig Borlase. I liked his writing style so much I looked up other books he wrote. This memoir is one of his books.
Esther invites the reader to experience her life as devote follower of Islam. In her attempts to achieve eternal security through Islam, she finds Christ. Even though she experiences physical and mental abuse from her family, she pursues Christ and His truth, trying to share His eternal salvation with them & many others.
A very exciting yet thought-provoking book It made me evaluate ways I lack faith and am apathetic in my devotion to Christ.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL (this book is on my list to buy)
It all began with kittens. Lucas, an orphan who resides in an abbey in German-occupied Lamorlaye, France, rescues kittens before two boys can drown them. Sequestering them in an abandoned stable, Lucas resolves to feed them & keep them alive. Then Alice barges into his secret. She has a secret too- A horse the Nazis think is dead. As the two form a friendship, they do not realize that soon they would be rescusing a baby boy who was "bred" to be a Nazi.
A fascinating, fast-paced novel about WWII I had not remembered or known about the Germans setting up Lebensborns, institutions that housed pregnant women who were about to give birth to "racially valuable" babies. As a mom, I did not like where Lucas goes at the end.
I liked how Ms. Pennypacker clearly stated what was fictional and what was actual after the novel ended.
Considerations: Although this book is caterogized as "middle grade", I would recommend it for junior high or older because of the nature of Lebensborns. Violence during Nazi raids, bullies, Nazis & WWII, God's name used in vain a few times
A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear, Who Invented Nonsense
An interesting picture book biography Mr. Hill reveals Lear's unique childhood (#20 child in his family!, raised by his oldest sister, his bouts of epilepsy) and how he later connects with children and writes his nonsense verses.
I did not care for the illustrations. I, however, loved Lear's illustrations of animals. He was an amazing artist.
Considerations: It mentions he wanted to marry but felt "traditional marriage seemed like ill-fitting shoes: 'Far too tight" & that some of his poems are about unconventional unions. Lear's companion for sixteen years ended up being a cat named Foss. Six months after Foss dies, Lear passes away.
