Edge of Extinction : The Ark Plan by Laura Martin*

Sky has lived her entire twelve years underground in the North Compound.  For one hundred fifty years cloned dinosaurs have ruled the above ground world.  Now a message from her missing father requires Sky to sneak above ground and deliver a memory card to someone in Lake Michigan.  All of her life she thought no one lived above ground!
To survive above ground, Sky must adjust to a new way of thinking and moving.  The doctrine she has been taught begins prove erroneous and deceitful.
*Highly recommend for upper elementary and junior high (perfect for reluctant readers in this age group).
Very exciting with memorable characters and escapes from vicious dinosaurs.
Warning/potential concerns: Violence: Sky finds out that her mother did not die while giving birth to her but was murdered.  Dinosaur attacks may be scary for younger readers.  The marines use guns to try to harm/kill Sky and her friends.  The one marine leader is evil and hints that Sky's father was murdered.  Evolution theory is treated as fact.


Sequel to this book just came out at the end of May 2017-https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062416254/edge-of-extinction-2-code-name-flood

Wings of Fire #2 The Lost Heir by Tui T. Sutherland*

My ten year old son read this book to himself.  He highly recommends it (*).

This is his review:
"It is very adventurous and exciting.  The dragnets find the Seawing Palace and one of three Sandwing sisters, Blister, comes to meet them there.  There is a daring escape and battle."

Warning:  "There is some violence and killing of dragons.  So far there is always a harsh event at the beginning."

Highly recommend for boys, ages 10-13.

-Borrowed from the library.

Coyote Moon by Maria Gianferrari illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

The illustrations are stunning!
Readers participate with a mother coyote and her hunt at night so she can feed her pups. The setting is in the suburbs!
Excellent word choice (examples: arches, swooping, sentinels, trots, slides, crouches, scuttles, lurks, skittering etc.)
Some figurative language included.
Teaching: I would use this book to model how strong verbs make a huge impact on the quality of writing.
-Borrowed from the library.

Can an Aardvark Bark? by Melissa Stewart illustrated by Steve Jenkins

In a fun question-answer format, readers learn about various animals and the sounds they make and how those specific sounds help them thrive.
A multi-age book .
-Borrowed from the library.

The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson illustrated by Axel Scheffler

A sea snail with an itchy foot longs to see the world.  So a whale graciously allows it to slide onto its tail and gives it a tour of the vast beautiful world.  Fortunately, when the whale becomes beached, the snail is there to find help.
A fun rhyming book!
-Borrowed from the library.

Sidney and Norman-A Tale of Two Pigs by Phil Vischer illustrated by Justin Gerard*

Sidney and Norman live next door to each other but do not know each other's names.  Norman is a rule follower and appears perfect and successful.  Sidney, on the other hand, finds himself in trouble, running late and in general, feels like a failure.  One day both of them receive an invitation from God.  Norman is excited to hear accolades from God while Sidney prepares himself for reprimands.  Both pigs are surprised with God's words to them!
A great book to share when discussing pride.
*Highly recommend.
We own this book.

Blaze and the Forest Fire by C. W. Anderson*

My seven year old son read this book to himself.
He loves this series.
Billy and Blaze spy smoke in the brush and warn others.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (2nd grade)

Blaze Shows the Way by C. W. Anderson*

My seven year old son read this book to himself.
He liked how there were two stories intertwined.
Billy and Blaze try to teach Tommy and Dusty how to jump.  It is, however, during a thunderstorm that Dusty learns to jump!
Guided Reading Level: M (end of 2nd grade/beginning of 3rd grade)
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Wings of Fire-The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland

My ten year old son read this book to himself and protested when I made him stop reading it to complete other tasks!!
Clay, a Mudwing dragon, is destined along with four other dragonets to end the war raging between the dragon tribes.
Very exciting!
Warning: My son says there is a lot of fighting and also violence at parts.
Guided Reading Level: X (grade 6th)
-Borrowed from the library.

Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright*

Award winner-Newbery Honor Book
Portia and her brother Foster spend the summer with their aunt,  uncle and cousin Julian in the country.  On the their first day together, Portia and Julian discover a seemingly abandoned row of homes along a swamp.  Two homes, however, appear maintained.  Soon the two cousins befriend a brother and sister who still reside along the swamp in separate homes.  Mrs. Cheever (the sister) and Mr. Payton (the brother) regale the cousins with stories of their childhood when the swamp was a lake and the resort community homes burst with laughter and chatter from children and their families.
The siblings graciously allow the cousins to fix up an attic in an abandoned home for a club house.  They keep their outings to Gone-Away Lake a secret until a near death occurs.
A wonderful gentle book that celebrates summer, the outdoors and God's creation.  I loved the description of animals, insects, the woods, the swamp and various plants/flowers.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: V (5th/6th grade)
Points to discuss: The words "heck" and "darn" are used throughout the book.  Chewing tobacco is mentioned a couple of times.  DDT is also referenced (most kids might not know what it is).  Portia and Julian keep their outings and friendship with Mrs. Cheever and Mr. Payton a secret from adults-deception.  Mrs. Cheever shares a story of an adult from her childhood who would raise kittens for the summer and then in September have them chloroformed!  Mrs. Cheever and her friend do rescue the kittens summers thereafter.

All by Myself, Alone by Mary Higgins Clark

On its maiden voyage, the Queen Charlotte contains many interesting characters.  Wealthy Lady Em announces to "the world" that she will be wearing her priceless emerald Cleopatra necklace while sailing on the ship.   The "man with a thousand faces" is on board the cruise ship and is plotting how he can swipe the necklace.  Celia Kilbride, a gem and jewelry expert ,  is a guest speaker on the ship and is hiding from a scandal which involves her former husband to be.  When Lady Em is found murdered and the necklace missing, many individuals seem to have a credible motive to be the culprit.
In sweep Willy and Alvirah Meehan, Mrs. Clark's beloved characters from previous novels, to protect Celia from further defaming and even death.
Once again Mrs. Clark has written a suspenseful novel that keeps the reader engaged from the first word until the last word.  She is one author I enjoy reading because I know she will not include anything inappropriate (minus a couple swear words-very minimal amount).
-Borrowed from the library.

Pioneer Church by Carolyn Otto illustrated by Megan Lloyd*

First of all, I love Ms. Lloyd's illustrations in all of her books.
Ms. Otto shares the history of Old Zion, a church originally built in the 1700's.
Fascinating history of the Brickerville, PA.  The story reveals the progression of time and the changes it brings.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton

A boy tries to convince his best friend, Edgar,  that bees are wonderful creatures that he should love.  By elaborating on facts about bees, the boy persuades Edgar in the end that bees are necessary and beneficial.
-Borrowed from the library.

Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds

The main character celebrates his creativity and ability to dream and then encourages the reader to determine what kind of "happy" and "dreamer" he/she is.
A celebration of humanities' uniqueness.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hattie and Hudson by Chris Van Dusen*

This book makes me want to pack my bags and head to a lake in Maine.  Although the main story line is fantastical, the illustrations depict actual Maine wildlife.
I love all of Mr. Van Dusen's books he has written/illustrated.  We own all the Mercy Watson books he illustrated.
One day Hattie is singing in her canoe, when a monster allured by her singing, emerges.  Even though the two become fast friends, other witnesses are appalled and conclude that he is dangerous.  The townspeople hold a meeting to discuss the monster and how to eradicate him.  At night, Hattie and Hudson (for that is the name she gives him) create their own plan to reveal how friendly he is.
An awesome vertical page adds uniqueness to the book.  The book is also bigger in size which reflects the large monster character!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hardy Boys #2 The House on the Cliff by Franklin W. Dixon*

It is thrilling to see one of my sons read the Hardy Boys, a series I loved when I was his age!
My ten year old read this book to himself.
He especially liked the secret passageways and tunnels in the smuggler's cave.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Billy and Blaze series by C. W. Anderson*

My seven year old loves this series.   He says they are exciting.
Billy and his horse, Blaze,  find themselves in many adventures.
Each two-page spread contains a page with words (3-5 sentences) and a full page illustration.  This series is perfect for to help readers build their stamina and will appeal to boys.

Great books to read to toddlers and preschoolers who are ready for longer books.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library (we own one of the books in the series which my son claims is his favorite of the year!).

Books my seven year old read in one day from this series:
-Billy and Blaze (The first one in the series.)
-Blaze and the Lost Quarry
-Blaze and the Spotted Pony
-Blaze Finds the Trail
-Blaze and the Mountain Lion

Apex Predators by Steve Jenkins*

The World's Deadliest Hunters, Past and Present
Mr. Jenkins manages to inform in an entertaining way in all of his books.
My ten year old loved reading this book.  He especially liked the face off section where Mr. Jenkins has a modern day predator and extinct predator fight each other.
The book is divided up into modern day predators and extinct predators.
Points to discuss: old world viewpoint, evolution
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

One Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova illustrated by Ard Hoyt*

The illustrations are delightful.
Such a fun rhyming read!
A girl and her dog venture out onto the lake in a canoe.  Various animals on and around the lake ask to ride with her.  Despite her protests they join her and her dog.
Warning: The word "darn" is used.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall*

I read this book to myself years ago but my sons and I recently enjoyed this book on audio.
This book had us laughing at the sisters' latest concerns and predicaments.  The biggest problem is that their mother, before she had died, had written their father a letter telling him to begin dating.  The sisters launch a "save daddy plan" so they do not end up with a stepmother.
Meanwhile an astrophysicist moves in to the house next to them.  She has an adorable son Ben who befriends Batty immediately.
Relationships are the focus in this book.  Once again character development is superb.
Ms. Birdsall is master story teller!
We liked this book better than the first one!
I own this book.
*Highly recommend.

Share, Big Bear, Share by Maureen Wright illustrated by Will Hillenbrand*

I love Mr. Hillenbrand's illustrations so when I saw this book displayed at our library, I checked it out (even though my boys are well past the toddler stage!).
Big Bear gathers a huge bucket of blueberries and is about to indulge in their sweetness when the old oak tree reminds him to share.  Each time, however, Big Bear misunderstands what he says.  Big Bear finally hears the old oak tree correctly and willingly shares his blueberries with his forest friends.

Teaching reading idea- The book contains a lot of "r-controlled vowel" words.  Have reader go on a scavenger hunt for them and see how many he/she can find.

Rhyming text and repetitive lines will make this book attractive to toddlers and preschoolers.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Father Brown Reader by Nancy Carpentier Brown illustrated by Ted Schluenderfritz*

Stories from Chesterton
Mrs. Brown takes four of Chesterton's Father Brown Mysteries and makes them accessible to younger readers.
Father Brown, a priest, appears to be clumsy and dull witted but he solves three cases involving the famous Flambeau who eludes the top detectives.  The fourth case he figures out before a famous criminologist.
All the chapters within each story are short.
The second reader by Mrs. Brown contains murder mysteries so I may wait until the boys are older to purchase it.
-I own this book.
*Highly recommend.

Ranger's Apprentice #1 The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Will has dreamed of being a warrior but he is too small.  Instead he possesses the skills of  a Ranger.  He embarks on an adventure where utilizes his skills against Morgarath, the Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night.
My ten year old read this book to himself and really enjoyed it.  He read 1/4 of the second book in the series (The Burning Bridge) but is stopping (see "warning").

-We own book #1.

Guided Reading Level: U (5th-6th grade)

Warning: Towards the end of the book the word "damn" is used frequently.  Its usage bothered my son immensely so he is not going to continue reading the series.  In all fairness the library has the book labeled "Young Adult" so that should have been an indicator it contained some mature content.

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier*

When Peter was an infant, sailors  found him in a basket with his eyes pecked out.  At a port town he was adopted by an evil man, Mr. Seamus who trained him to be a thief.  Peter stole for Mr. Seamus and in return had a place to sleep (in a dank basement) and food to eat (scraps).  One night Peter steals a box which changes his life forever . . . .three pairs of eyes which can transform and transport him.  Peter soon is on an island where the children are slaves and the parents are drugged to serve a malicious king.  Can the children, Peter, Peg, Sir Tode and the ravens overthrow the king and his army (trained apes)?
Very exciting and full of adventures.
-I own this book.
*Highly recommend but read the "warning" below:
Warning: The battle scene is a bit gruesome at the end.  It is disconcerting to have adults almost murder their own children (they don't and they are under the influence of the king's drug which wears off just in time).  This book is not for younger children.
I listened to a podcast with Mr. Auxier and he is a delightful individual.

The Chronicles of Prydain The High King #5 by Lloyd Alexander*

*Award Winner-The Newbery Medal.
My fourth grader loved this series.  I am so glad I stumbled upon this series to recommend it to him!
Prince Gwydion and Taran take on the evil Arawn when he seizes the most powerful weapon in Prydain.
My son says, "It was great because there were a lot of adventures and Arawn was finally defeated."
*Highly recommend.
-We own this series.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall*

Award winner
Before I began this blog, I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Recently my boys and I listened to it on CD while commuting to and from school.
We all laughed and relished in the humorous behavior of the four distinct personalities of the Penderwick sisters.
Mr. Penderwick takes his four daughters to a cottage on an estate for three weeks in the summer.  Soon Skye, the second oldest, encounters Jeffery, the son of the estate owner and an exciting friendship begins.  Jeffrey's mother has his entire life planned out, but unfortunately, Jeffrey has no interest in attending military school.  His adventures with the sisters bring the conflict to a head and resolution soon follows.
Ms. Birdsall is a superb writer developing each of the sister's characters very well.
*Highly, highly recommend.
-I own this book.  We borrowed the audio from the library.
Point to discuss/Warning: Throughout the book the girls say  "will kill me" or so and so "would murder her" to reveal how strongly they feel about something.  These phrases make me cringe.  Rosalind also develops a crush on an eighteen year old boy.  Nothing inappropriate occurs between them.

Words to Dream on by Diane Stortz illustrated by Diane Le Feyer *

A perfect Bible Story collection to read to toddlers and preschoolers.
Each entry has a focused verse, a main story from chapters in the Bible, a prayer and a key point.
Sweet illustrations.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin*

I love Mr. Chin's habitat books.  In each book he features a young person with a vivid imagination.
In this book a young girl and a male adult hike the Grand Canyon, seeing the different levels and the wildlife in each ecosystem.
Beautiful illustrations.
Mr. Chin promotes evolution and an old world view (billions of years old) so it provides a great opportunity to discuss the different viewpoints on evolution/creation and how old the world is.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen illustrated by Bob Marstall

Told in first person
A boy walks with his dog to a pond where the wildlife and serene atmosphere are disrupted by a wide variety of ducks coasting onto its surface.
The rhyming, simple text make it appealing to younger listeners.
My sons and I enjoyed finding the variety of wildlife in each illustration.
The back of the book contains a few pages of additional facts about pond habitats, the different ducks featured in the book, and the wildlife in and around the pond.
Apparently this book is a sequel to a book this team wrote/illustrated called On Bird Hill.  I will need to borrow, read and review it.
-Borrowed from the library.

My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis by Paul Meisel

In journal format, P. Mantis shares her development from  birth to death (although the words "death", "die" are not used).
A great way to introduce younger readers/listeners to the praying mantis.  The end pages contain lengthier facts.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hercules by Robert Burleigh illustrated by Raul Colon

This book features Hercules' last task he had to complete for Hera.
Hercules must go to the underworld and bring out Cerberus.
It would have been more interesting if the book included all of his twelve tasks (it briefly reviewed a few of them).
-Borrowed from the library.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery*

My boys and I listened to this book on CD while driving to and from school each day.  Ever since I was ten years old I have adored Anne of Green Gables and have read all of the books in the series.  The boys have seen the movies so they knew what to expect!
The story made us laugh and shake our heads at Anne's logorrhea and antics!
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Thunder Underground by Jane Yolen illustrated by Josee Masse

Ms. Yolen cleverly composes poems about activities and sights that are underground.  In the back are additional notes which deepen appreciation for the poem and the subject matter.
A book that integrates poetry, language and science.
-Borrowed from the library.