Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

 Elaine of Ascolat, known as The Lady of Shallot, has grown up with Arthur and his fighting men. She sews their clothes and mends their wounds. The only other woman in the camp is Morgan, who teaches her how to gather plants, flowers, herbs to create healing salves. Two events disturb Elaine's normal rhythms-Arthur becomes lead warrior and decides to attack the Saxons (they have only defended their home, were not ever on the offense) and another woman, Gwynivere, joins the group. Will her father and brothers die in this attack? Although Gwynivere is pledged to marry Arthur, she and Lancelot seem to be pursuing each other. Elaine is heart-broken---she loves Lancelot.

Labeled as "YA"

A novel in verse, which I read in one afternoon   

An exciting tale & perspective during the time of Arthur and his loyal men   I love Elaine's tom-boy nature & her relationship with her father & brothers.

Considerations: girl-power perspective (but the author does NOT degrade men or minimize their gifts), men check out Elaine's figure (not graphic-she can tell they are looking at her developing/changing figure), she & another young man become a romantic couple at the end-very sweet-they share a kiss-they had been friends for years (I like the author's emphasis on the importance of developing a friendship first before romance.), violence -Saxons kidnap the girls & are cruel/violent 

-Borrowed from the library

The Big One by Dashka Slater illustrated by Myo Yim**

 The Big One has been spotted. The villagers are packing their gear to catch The Big One. Nana, the oldest elder, and Mina, the smallest villager, form a team to catch it. Do they have the grit and gumption to be successful?

I loved this book-the word choice, the figurative language, the detailed illustrations (many different perspectives). The end pages are creative/clever. I learned something too-- I had never heard of sea-wolves! 

*Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

 

The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner

 Finn kicked over a gravestone. He is failing seventh grade. Instead of having to pay for the headstone, the daughter of the deceased, requires Finn to hike the 46 Adirondack peaks with the deceased's dog. To pass seventh grade, he must compose poems about a hero.

As he hikes and writes poems to describe the hikes and his dad, a local hero who died, Finn discovers more about himself and his father.

A family member recently made it his goal to hike the 46 peaks in the Adirondacks. As a result, I was especially curious to read about the different peaks. Ms. Messner is a 46er, so she writes with authority about the hikes.

Discuss- alcoholism, death, lying, vandalism, 9/11, covid

-Borrowed from the library.

The Lost Package by Richard Ho illustrated by Jessica Lanan*

 A package is packed with love and care. Along the way, it flies out of the mail transport truck and lies on the city street. Will the recipient ever view its contents? 

A sweet book about traditional mail and a brief look into the postal service. 

Mr. Ho unashamedly exalts the USPS (his author's note is very interesting!).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Escape Across the Wide Sea by Katherine Kirkpatrick

 In 1686 Daniel and his parents flee France. As French Huguenots, they are in danger of death if they do not convert to Catholicism. Not able to secure a boat to England, they find themselves on a slave ship, sailing from France to Africa to the Caribbean, and then finally to New York. Along the way, Daniel develops his views about slavery, endures many difficult situations, and discovers how to impact others' lives.

I like how the readers will begin to comprehend the depth of people's faith by reading this book. Daniel's parents would not compromise their faith. Explicit details how to come to Christ are not included. In the author's note she explains a bit about Calvinism.

Ms. Kirkpatrick immerses the reader into this time period. Readers will understand the Triangular Trade very well after reading this book. Not many historical fiction books have been written about the French Huguenots. I would recommend including this one when studying the 1600-1800s. The chapters are short and exciting-perfect for reluctant readers.

A couple of glossaries are included.

Consider/discuss: the cruelty of slavery is shown in detail

Project Hail Mary-movie*

 My oldest son watched this film in the theater while at college. He mentioned that he would like us to watch it. So we had a rare movie night (we typically only watch one show at a time when we watch together) and all enjoyed this movie.

Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher, becomes involved with the top scientists in the world to save planet Earth. With his degree in microbiology & a paper he wrote years ago, they consider him an asset and the one who can find the "cure" to stop the sun from being eaten. One major problem-the people who are launched into space to find the "cure", will not return to earth. They will die. Dr. Grace does not go willingly. Waking up from an induced coma, he discovers he is the only one on the team alive. Will he be able to survive & save Earth's inhabitants?

Ryan Gosling, who plays Dr. Grace, is incredible. The viewer likes his character immediately. I loved the humor & the likable/admirable characters. My youngest son loved this movie because it was slower paced, and it valued story/plot development & did not depend on non-stop action.

*Highly recommend.

Based on the book by Andy Weir.

We watched via Prime.

Seeking Persephone-miniseries**

 My friend told me about this 4-episode miniseries. My husband, oldest son, & I watched it on Roku (the commericals for the 1st three episodes were so annoying!! We aren't used to commericals!). This mini series is probably one of my favorites of all time! 

Persephone, the eldest child of the Lancaster family, has been holding the family together since she was twelve-years-old and her mother died. The brothers join the military to support the floundering family finances. When the Duke of Kielder writes a letter asking to marry her and also stating that he will support the family, her father consents. At her wedding, Persephone discovers her husband is a recluse and a bitter man. Will he ever come to love her?

I love the characters-so admirable & well-developed, the story line was engaging & well-paced, the romance was sweet & showed nothing inappropriate.  

Based on the book by Sarah Eden (she has written a series about all the Lancaster siblings-- Persephone is the 1st book.) The story incorporates elements from Beauty & the Beast and the Greek myth about Hades & Persephone.

**Highly, highly recommend. I cannot wait to read the book! I requested it via ILL.

Consideration: Sarah Eden, the author of this series, is Mormon. No religion is preached or woven into this film. The only connection it has to the Mormon community is that it is a clean romance.