Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman*

 Award-winner- Newbery Honor Book-1955

My mom mentioned the other week how she  read this book in high school and enjoyed it.  

Rudi Matt's father, Josef Matt, died while trying to climb the Citadel in the Alps.  Although his mother and his uncle are determined to keep him safe, Rudi occasionally sneaks off the mountains to climb.  Then one day a British climber, John Winter, enters the town seeking an Alpine guide to climb to the Citadel's summit.  Since Josef Matt's death, the town's guides are full of superstitution and fear.  As a result,  they refuse to escort him.  Then Rudi discovers Winter has hired another guide, Saxo, from a nearby town. He joins them to climb the Citadel and to honor his father.

Mr. Ullman based the book on the first climbing of the Matterhorn, "drawing on fact for the making of fiction". (from the Author's Note)

Beautiful descriptions of the Alps and the art of climbing.  Mr. Ullman was a member of the the first American expedition to Mount Everst.   His detailed writing displays he was a climber/mountaineer himself.

Warning: occasional swearing-d***, Rudi lies to adults several times.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

How to Be a High School Superstar by Cal Newport*

 Although this book is ten years old, it contains valuable insights about how a high schooler can be accepted into "reach" colleges without overloading one's schedule with AP courses and extracurricular activites.  With examples from real students' lives, Mr. Newport demonstrates that high schoolers can be admitted into top-notch universities and still enjoy their high school years.  He offers numerous explanations and analogies to support his findings.  

He shares three basic laws-The Law of Underscheduling, The Law of Focus, and The Law of Innovation.  After he explains the laws,  he offers a "playbook" section where he offers practical ways to implement the laws.

Very easy to read and understand.  A must read for all high school students!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Warning:  A few swear words

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levin illustrated by Kadir Nelson*

*Award winner-Caldecott Honor Book 

My boys learned about Henry "Box" Brown in their first chapter in history this year.  To enhance their understanding of this courageous gentlemen, they read this picture book.

The text reveals how life was like for slaves who were in a family unit.  

The illustrations by Mr. Nelson are powerful and expressive.  

The author's note explains a little bit about his life after he escaped to freedom.

*Highly recommend for any student learning about slavery and its effects.

-Borrowed from the library.

Delish cookbooks*

 Delish -Insane Sweets

Delish-Eat Like Every Day's the Weekend

Almost every picture in both of these books made me want to make it immediately!  The recipes are not heart healthy nor good for those wanting to lose weight!

I liked how most of the ingredients are ones you probably have in your pantry or are easy to find.  Unfortunately we could not renew these books to try more recipes.  

Warning: In the dessert book, there were some names for recipes which were PG-13/R (slutty, oreogasm). 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Because of Thursday by Patricia Polacco

 Annie Fetlock loves Thursdays.  She was born on a Thursday.  She met Mario, her husband, on a Thursday.  They married on a Thursday.  Both of their children were born on a Thursday.  She and Mario open a restaurant where she makes her famous Poke Salad.  When Mario becomes ill and dies, Annie loses her zest for life.  In waltzes a kitten (she names it "Thursday", of course!) and it transforms her sad life.

Sweet story!  Recipe for "Ugly Pasta" is included.

-Borrowed from the library.

Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers*

 Ms. Sayers's mysteries are well-written and well-devolped.  Because her writing has more depth than modern mysteries, I will be more inclined to reread them.  I also have to concentrate more and "work" a bit more as I read, a challenge which I welcome and enjoy.

Witty characters and plot twists.

Lord Peter Wimsey's brother, Gerald, is accused of murdering his future brother-in-law.  Gerald denies it but refuses to explain where he was during the time of the murder.  Clues abound, but answers do not as Lord Wimsey and his trust-worthy friend/man, Bunter piece together different accounts and discover secrets.  

French phrases throughout the book hampered my comprehension at times.  

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library

Warnings: language/swearing, adultery/affair-no explicit details 

Leave It to Abigail! by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley

 I loved the counted cross-stictch on the  end pages and throughout  the book!

Beginning as a newborn, Abigail defied the norms!  The common phrase to describe her at every age was, "Leave it to Abigail!".  Readers will admire the gumption, innovation and intellect she possessed throughout her life.  

This is definitely a pro-girl book.  The last page displays other women who were revolutionary during different eras.  I do not admire or agree with the politics of  most of the women featured.

Prairie Boy by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

 Frank Lloyd Wright Turns the Heartland into a Home

A biography that reveals how Frank Lloyd Wright's childhood influenced his view of architecture and his home designs.  

-Borrowed from the library.

Emma (2020) -DVD

 We watched the newest Emma movie (2020).  Although I enjoyed it, my husband and one son liked the 2009 version better that we watched a couple of months ago.  Romola Garai who portrayed Emma in the 2009 version was more likable and light-hearted.  In this version Emma is snottier and more serious.  Also, the 2009 version is four hours long while this one is a little over two hours.

Warning: In the very beginning Mr. Knightly undresses for a bath.  The viewers see his naked backside.  Totally unnecessary-- don't know why it was included!!

The acting is superb and the scenery is beautiful in this production.  However, if I ever rewatch it, I will choose the 2009 version.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Prairie Thief by Melissa Wiley*

The Brody's neighbors, the Smirches, accuse Louisa Brody's father of thievery.  Although he cannot explain why their missing items are in his old dug-out house, he knows he is innocent.  Pa is hauled off to town, which is thirteen miles away, to sit in jail until his trial.  Meanwhile, Louisa must stay with the Smirches since they are the only family close by.  Thankfully the Smirches are also taking care of a niece, Jessamine.  When the girls explore the hazelnut grove, they discover something beyond their imaginations.

Can Louisa prove her father's innocence yet preserve her new-found secret?

Well-written and an enticing, solid plot.  I loved the mixture of historical fiction and fantasy.  

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The MisAdventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson by Glenn McCarty illustrated by Joe Sutphin*

My ten-year-old and I loved this humorous book!  My thirteen-year-old even listened most of the time (on his own accord!).  

Eugene Appleton lives in Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado in 1876.  During his free time, he reads lots of Dead-Eye Dan novels, which stir a desire for adventure within him.  When Tumbleweed and his pa drive into town selling a "fix all" tonic, Eugene's boring summer zooms into adventure.  The boys stumble upon members of the Clean Shave Gang and their plot to rob a train.  When Eugene's friend Wendell is accused of murder, the boys and their friend Charlotte piece together a plan for justice.  

Full of humor, interesting characters and an exciting plot, this book will engage readers of all ages.

The tone, plot and characters remind me of a mix of Mark Twain books and Louis L'Amour books.

How I hope Mr. McCarty writes more wholesome, exciting books like this one!!

It is encouraging to find a book with strong male characters.  It seems like so many books promoted in review columns for children's literature feature strong female protagonists.  

-We own this book.

Washington, D.C. Our Nation's Capital from A-Z by Alan Schroeder illustrated by John O'Brien

Tons of interesting facts about our nations capital!

Each letter contains multiple facts beginning with it.  

I would definitely incorporate this book when studying D.C. or before visiting.

The end pages display a street map of D.C. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Almost Time by Gary D. Schmidt & Elizabeth Stickney illustrated by G. Brian Karas

I recently watched a video of Gary Schmidt on Read Aloud Revival, which piqued my curiosity about him as a person.  His late wife's pen name was Elizabeth Stickney.  

Ethan realizes it will soon be sugaring time when he eats his breakfast without maple syrup.  Impatiently he awaits the big day, watching for the signs his father mentions.  

A sweet story

I liked how it featured a father and son.  

Mr. Karas's illustrations also offer hints to the approaching sugaring time.

The beginning and the ending connect nicely (could use for mentor text ).

-Borrowed from the library.

Six by M.M. Vaughan*

Parker, his sister Emma and their father communicate through wrist inserts that allow them to hear each other's thoughts.  Emma, who is deaf, can read them on special glasses.  This British family recently moved to the United States because of their father's job.  Parker hates his new school . . . plus they live near where his mother died three years ago.  

When his father is kidnapped, Parker must rely on his new wealthy best friend Michael, his chauffeur Brendan, a conspiracy theorist and a pyschiatric patient.    Uncovering more secrets, Parker is thrust into incomprehensible situations.  

I do not like science fiction, but Ms. Vaughan's plot development and her likable characters kept me reading late into the night.  The ending was not very satisfying and seemed to indicate there would be a sequel. I hope so.  

It was encouraging to read a book that portrays a traditional family and wholesome characters.

This book raises a lot of questions and will provide opportunities for discussion.

Warning/points to discuss: Michael can hack into computers.  The boys consider changing their art grades but do not.  They, however, skip school and Michael hacks in to mark that they are attending.  An important character dies.  

*Highly recommend (except for "puttering out" ending).

-Borrowed from the library.

Stella Endictot and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen**

I love Kate DiCamillo's books.

I love Chris Van Dusen's illustrations.

This author-illustration pairing continues to bring me such delight!!

The latest story from the characters on Deckawoo Drive-#5 . . .

Stella is in second grade and loves her teacher Miss Liliana.  The only dark cloud looming in the classroom is Horace Broom.  He is intelligent but smug.  When he and Stella are sent to the principal's office because they argue loudly in the classroom, they end up locked in a jantorial closet and the two unexpectantly bond becoming friends.

How does Ms. DiCamillo create such memorable characters?!!  A few minor characters only have a few lines or appear briefly, but will be remembered by the reader.  Her books bring joy and hope!

I love that readers will understand what a metaphor is by the end of the book (& learn a few new interesting words!). 

**Highly, highly recommend. 

Perfect for transitional readers; for building stamina; for reading aloud to toddlers/preschoolers to build their listening stamina.

-Borrowed from the library.

Understanding the Yearling by Jennifer Keeley

Recently on a podcast a mother mentioned how she loved The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings as a child and is now reading it aloud to her own children.  Instead of reading it, I read this book which explains the plot, offers character depictions and shares biographical information about Ms. Rawlings.  

It provided a comprehensive overview and has built some schema for when I read the actual novel.

-Borrowed from the library.

-Easy enough for junior high or high school to read.

Hike by Pete Oswald*

A wordless picture book

 My ten-year old and I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed illustratons as we asked questions and made predictions and inferences.  

A boy and his father arise early in the morning for a hike.  As the reader studies the pages, he will discover that the hike is very special with a family history attached to it.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Strategies: asking questions, making predictions, making inferences

The Bravest Man in the World by Patricia Polacco

A story inspired by Wallace Hartley and the Titanic

Jonathan Harker, an Irish orphan trying to make some money by playing his fiddle in the streets, accidentally becomes a stowaway on a boat when hiding from bullies.  To his surprise he finds himself on the Titantic.  Fortunately, kind musician Wallace Hartley and Mrs. Weeks, a maid/server, "adopt" him during the voyage.

When the ship begins to sink, Jonathan witnesses the definition of self-sacrifice put into action by Wallace Hartley.

A brief biography about Wallace Hartley is included in the back.

This book offers additional perspective on the sinking of Titanic and would be worthwhile reading during a study of the Titanic.

Warning: one swear word-d***- Up until this point I cannot recall ever reading a swear word in  any of Ms. Polacco's book!

-Borrowed from the library.