The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

 Two different years- 2017 & 2019

Two different characters-Mukesh, an elderly widower who grieves over his wife constantly, and Aleisha, a seventeen-year-old who feels trapped in her own home with her mentally-ill mother

What joins these two characters together? A library and books 

Aleisha works at the local library in Wembly, London. She dreads her job until she finds The List. Someone had taken the time to write a list of books to read with the welcoming introduction, "Just in case you need it . . ." As Aleisha reads through these novels, she finds peace and companionship. She also develops friendship with Mukesh as she suggests these books to him and then follows up with discussion. An unlikely friendship develops.

This story was compelling and realistic. I found reading about a main character with an African Hindu background interesting. I also liked the ending. I reread the prologue after I finished. It made more sense then. My favorite character was Mukesh. One character left me feeling so sad and wishing he could have been saved from his turmoil.

What was on "The Reading List"? To Kill a Mockingbird, Rebecca, The Kite Runner, Life of Pi, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Beloved, and A Suitable Boy.

Considerations: some swearing (including "f"), Aleisha gives someone the middle finger, underage drinking & drug use, a main character's family member commits suicide during the story, mental-illness

I would like to read Ms. Adams's newest novel, The Twilight Garden. It seems like another novel that focuses on relationships.

-Borrowed from the library.

Birdlore The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey by Jess Keating illustrated by Devon Holzwarth*

World magazine reviewed this book in their latest issue, which prompted me to borrow and read this book. 

Ms. Keating reveals how Florence Merriam Bailey's love for birds developed from her childhood through adulthood and how she dedicated her life to sharing this passion with others. Her impact has not been noticed or celebrated. She created the first known field guide to American birds in 1889!

*Highly recommend. I love how at the end of the book Ms. Holzwarth created a spread of all of the birds incorporated in the illustrations and requested the readers to search for them throughout the book.

-Borrowed from the library.

Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise*

 Knight Owl is fabulous at his job as Night Knight Owl. When an admirer lands in his rooms chirping away with comments and questions as he is about to drift off to sleep, Owl's compentency is compromised. How can he maintain his reputation when he is exhausted by his annoying new "friend", Early Bird? Eventually he explodes in frustration and sends her away. Can the relationship be restored?

*Highly recommend this sequel to Knight Owl.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes illustrated by Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney**

 A boy grieves his father's death. A week after his funeral he opens an envelope from his dad, which contains a treasure map through the woods they would explore together.  As the boy follows the map, he encounters many creatures he and his dad would admire. The treasure is so, so special. 

Ironically, Jerry Pinkney, the illustrator, died before he completed the illustrations. His son, Brian, finished the illustrations. Once you read the story, you will understand the irony.

I loved this book. The writing, the story . ..and also it features African Americans in a regular setting with a normal plot.

**Highly, highly recommend.

Discuss/consideration: The boy senses his father next to him and feels his hand on his shoulder even though his father is no longer alive. The author portrays that our loved ones communicate with us even after they die.

-Borrowed from the library.

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise*

Award-winner-Caldecott Honor 

Owl dreams of becoming a knight. When knights mysteriously disappear, the kingdom is desperate for new men to train for the knighthood. Owl is accepted into knight school! Can this teeny knight owl protect the kingdom? 

A fun book! I especially loved the lush illustrations.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley

 When I started reading The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton to my teen sons, I noted that he dedicated the book to E.C. Bentley. Their friendship began in their childhood and continued into adulthood. A few years ago I introduced my boys to E.C. Bentley and his clerihew poetry. He also wrote novels...like this one which he dedicated to Chesterton! He felt like he owed Chesterton a dedication and novel. 

 Trent, a clever journalist, is called upon to help Scotland Yard to solve a murder case of a ruthless American financier. As Trent unravels the dynamics between Sigsbee Manderson and his beautiful young wife, the solution seems simple. Yet when he closes the case, he realizes that he was wrong. Bentley keeps the reader guessing and in suspense until the last page (like Agatha Christie!). This novel was published before Agatha Christie wrote her novels.

*Highly recommend for those who like classic detective mystery novels.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

 I read this classic aloud to my teen sons. We thoroughly enjoyed it (the writing, the excitement) but not sure if we totally "get it"!! 

Syme, a Scotland Yard detective, infiltrates an anarchist group. As he interacts with the mysterious members, he discovers who they truly are. The group tranverses England and France in a mad, erratic dash. 

-I own this book.

Reading this book led me to my next review---

Pauline Baynes text set

 I had never heard of illustrator Pauline Baynes until Waxwing Books announced its latest publication, Painting Wonder, How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien. Upon looking at our set of Narnia books, I discovered that we owned books illustrated by her. I am glad Ms. Katie Wray Schon choose to investigate this illustrator's life and celebrate her contributions to the literature and art world. Of course I wanted to read more books Ms. Baynes illustrated and borrowed all that our library system owned. I think I like the illustrations Ms. Baynes created in the Narnia series and for J.R.R. Tolkien best. The illustrations in the picture books were not in a style that I found appealing.

Below are the three I read (plus Ms. Schon's biography)-

1. Painting Wonder by Katie Wray Schon-available April 1, 2025 (I preordered so my copy was shipped a few days early!) Whimsical illustrations with unusual and clever layouts *Highly recommend.

2. The Coat of Many Colors by Jenny Koralek illustrated by Pauline Baynes

A retelling of Joseph-some events told in the Bible are not mentioned  Borrowed from the library.

3. The Cobweb Curtain A Christmas Story by Jenny Koralek illustrated by Pauline Baynes -Based on a legend by William Barclay--When sharing with your child, make sure they understand it is a legend. Not much of this account is found in the Bible. It may be confusing for young children to discern what is true and what is not when hearing this legend. Borrowed from the library.

4. The Smith of Wootton Major by J.R.R. Tolkien (illustrated by Pauline Baynes; a short story)

An immersive short story (sixty-one pages) about a boy who swallows a star from Faery and how it affected his life. *Highly recommend. Borrowed from the library.

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends by Theresa Breslin illustrated by Kate Leiper*

 Thirteen legends about Scotland's famous castles   Delightfully written-perfect for sharing via reading aloud  The illustrations are stunning.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk & Fairy Tales by Theresa Breslin illustrated by Kate Leiper*

 A perfect read aloud of folk & fairy tales  My sons would have loved hearing me read these tales aloud when they were younger. Many of them were similar to Grimm's fairy tales. Some stories may be disturbing to sensitive readers.

The illustrations are exquisite. Even the page numbers have art surrounding them!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry illustrated by Wesley Dennis*

 *Award-winning-Newbery Honor Book (1946)

I am amazed at how many excellent books I have NOT read! This book is an example of one that prompts me to think, "How did I miss this one?".

Ms. Henry relates the story behind the Morgan horse breed. In 1791 a school teacher (Justin Morgan) and his pupil, Joel Goss, walk a distance one summer to collect a debt from a farmer. To pay his debt, he gives Justin Morgan two colts. The littlest colt, Little Bub, seems like he will grow into an insignficant horse. Joel, however, perceives his potential and takes time to "gentle" him. 

A story full of hope that reinforces the importance of hard work and perseverance.

In the back Ms. Henry lists her primary sources that enabled her to write an accurate story.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 8 by Beth Brower**

 This series is one of my favorites. While reading this volume, I was staying in the hospital with a loved one who needed intense care for a few days. Even though the days were exhausting and challenging, this novel still made me laugh out loud and smile. Ms. Brower is amazing author who creates such credible characters. 

Emma spends most of May obeying her aunt's bidding and showcasing her cousin Arabella's beauty and desirous state. Relief arrives in June when Emma, Niall, Hawkes, and the Duke of Islington escape to the Duke's beloved country estate, Stonecrop. While there Emma discovers how the Duke suffered heartache in his youth and also encounters Niall's dysfunctional family and how it has affected him.

Full of wit and humor yet addresses heart issues and the fall of man and its consequences.

**Highly, highly recommend. (but before handing to a teen-Niall becomes drunk, physical abuse/child abuse, some swearing, Niall does not desire to have a relationship with God, Emma cares more about the poetry Hawkes reads during his sermons than God's Word, Niall and Emma kiss a few times but it is not graphic/descriptive or sensual)

-Borrowed from the library.

Thomas Jefferson Letters from a Philadelphia Bookworm by Jennifer Armstrong

 Twelve-year-old Amelia Hornsby exchanges letters with Thomas Jefferson during his presidency and his purchase of the Louisana Territory. Amelia and the letters are fictitious. Readers will learn about the time period and its major events. 

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Heroic Symphony by Anna Harwell Celenza illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel*

 My ninth grader will be studying Beethoven for the next few weeks by reading picture books, anthologies, and chapter books about him and also listening to his music.

This picture book begins when Beethoven begins losing his hearing and how he redirected his focus on composing vs performing. Majority of the content then describes his inspiration for the piece Eroica Symphony.

Very interesting   Ms. Celenza shares information in a concise yet engaging manner.

A bonus-A CD with Heroic Symphony & "Overture to Goethe's tragedy Egmont"

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes*

 Redeemed Reader reviewed this book and gave it a starred review.

Even though the Emancipation Proclamation freed Will's family, they still do not own their land as they spend their days as sharecroppers. When Will's father brings home a pamphlet announcing the opportunity for free land in OK, the family decides to leave Texas for Oklahoma. During the arduous journey, Will's relationship with his reticent father transforms. Fending off thieves, facing  racism, fending off rattlesnakes, eduring long, boring days and befriending a former Union soldier (Caesar), Will becomes a young man with his own identity.

An exciting coming-of-age story  This engaging historical fiction novel brings the Oklahoma Land Rush to life. Highly recommend having your children read it when studying this period of history

Finally, a historical fiction with a male main character which will appeal to boys. So many historical fiction books target girls!

Warnings/discussion for sensitive readers or younger readers: racism, violence-Western fist fights and gun battles, When Will stakes out his family's land, he encounters a group of men who want to steal his plot from him. Will threatens to kill them with Caesar's Colt and realizes that he is capable of killing another man, which goes against his father's principles. He grapples with this person he is becoming.

*Highly recommend for grades 4 and older.

-Borrowed from the library.

Brooklyn Bridge text set*

 After reading Secret Engineer, I wanted to learn more about this exciting engineering feat. I borrowed the following books from the library about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. If you have a child who is fascinated by bridges or is considering engineering as his/her educational pursuit, these books will appeal to them.

1. This first one is my favorite from the trio-The Brooklyn Bridge by Elizabeth Mann illustrated by Alan Witschonke. For grades 2nd and older.

It shares the story of the Roebling family (John, Washington, and Washington's wife Emily) and details of the entire bridge construction. The illustrations/drawings are meticulous. A couple of pages fold out, expanding the illustration.

**Highly, highly recommend.

2. Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing by April Jones Prince illustrated by Francois Roca

A week after its opening, a rumor raged through New York that bridge was about to collapse. To dispel the people from their fears, P.T. Barnum announced that he would allow his twenty-one elephants to parade across the bridge to prove it was safe. I love the alliteration and figurative language utilized this one. 

*Highly recommend.

3. How Emily Saved the Bridge by Frieda Wishinsky illustrated by Natalie Nelson

This book focuses on Emily and how vital she was in the bridge's construction. If she had not been as intelligent and ambitious as she was, the bridge would not have been built in that time period. Focuses on women's rights

Francesco Tirelli's Ice Cream Shop by Tamar Meir illustrated by Yael Albert*

 Italian Francesco Tirelli loves ice cream. When he moves to Budapest, Hungry, he is disappointed at the lack of ice cream shops. He opens up his own shop and befriends many customers. One of them is Peter, who is a Jew. In 1944, when the Nazis invade Hungary, Francesco decides to hide Peter and his family plus other Jews in his ice cream shop. 

The author is Francesco's daughter-in-law.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Narwhal The Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming illustrated Deena So'oteh*

 A fascinating book about narwhals and how they survive in the Arctic    The language is poetic. A unique second person narration

The illustrations are stunning. The hues, the page layouts & designs (one page you unfold and view it vertically!), and perspectives reveal artistic talent.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro illustrated by Teagan White*

 Lucy, a mouse, loves winter. It invirgorates her. Meanwhile, her friends scoff at her love for the cold. When she discovers a way to ice skate, she lures her friends outdoors and transforms their view of winter. 

I love the illustrations-especially the displays of cheese in their storerooms.

*Highly recommend.

Bear Hugs by Karma Wilson illustrated by Suzanne Watts

 Humorous love poems featuring animals   Lots of puns and word play 

A fun book to read around Valentine's Day

I did not care for the last poem, "People Are Animals Too".

-Borrowed from the library.

The 39 Apartments of Ludwig van Beethoven**

 This humorous picture book relates how complicated it was when Beethoven would move into a different apartment. The movers lugged five legless pianos from place to place. I chuckled as I read this book. The author's note clarifies which tidbits of information have been verified.

The endpapers are copies of his working score for the piano transcription, "Grosse Fuge".

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

 Sam (Samantha) has experienced homelessness, abuse, and betrayal. As an orphan, she seeks solace in the classics and hiding behind the characters (especially Jane Austen's characters). When an anonymous benefactor offers to pay her tuition to attend Northwestern Univerisity's Medill School of Journalism, she seizes the opportunity. The benefactor requires her to write letters to him with updates on her progress. He will not reply. 

Through these letters, readers learn about Sam's past, the walls she has built, and how she slowly removes her sturdy wall, brick by brick. 

Minor characters who influence her seem to have a relationship with God. During the novel Sam does not accept Christ as her Savior, but the reader knows she is beginning her search for Him. 

Within the last year I had read Daddy-Long- Legs by Jean Webster (which inspried Ms. Reay's plot for this book). I could predict the plot from page one.  Although the plot was very predictable, I enjoyed immersing myself in Sam's life and almost read this book in one sitting. It is easy reading (like a "beach read"). I loved the references to the classics.

I liked this book better than Ms. Reay's The Printed Letter Bookshop. 

Before sharing with a teen: Sam was abused by her parents and a foster family, her dad was going pimp her out but she runs away (a man feels her up and other men check her out), her boyfriend Josh pressures her to be intimate with him (the word "sex" is never mentioned but inferred)-she doesn't give into the pressure, her younger friend is abused by his foster parents

-Borrowed via ILL.

Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz

 Caldecott Medal winner-2025

I borrowed and read this book since it won the Caldecott.

Sissy's two-year-old brother, Chooch, loves to "help" everyone in their Native American community. As she observes his disastrous help, Sissy becomes frustrated and irritated until she loses her temper with him and gets into trouble. Chooch helps. This time he really does help! 

A realistic and sweet portrayal of family life  I liked how the author included the pronunciation for the Cherokee words she incorporated into the text. The glossary in the back defines them.

The author and illustrator are both citizens of the Cherokee Nation. The author's and the artist's notes are interesting. Directions how to create a pinch pot are included.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Ark by Margot Benary-Isbert*

 My friend, a former librarian and an avid reader, recommended this book and its sequel. I am so glad she did!

The Lechow family struggles to survive in post-war Germany. Mother and her four children live in two rooms with a reluctant host. Overtime the two oldest children find employment which creates a more hopeful situation for the family. 

Each of the children have unique and endearing personalities. Readers will be exposed to a point of view not often depicted in historical fiction books-the devastation in Germany and the hardships the German people experienced as they tried to rebuild their lives. 

The author lived in Germany during this exact time period. Some of the events in the book are based on her experiences.

*Highly recommend (its sequel, Rowan Farm).

Discuss w/ more sensitive readers: Before the story begins, Margret's twin brother was shot (and their  dog, a Great Dane). Margret relates the incident to the reader. Although his death affects her tremendously, it is not a focal point of the story.

-I own this book.

Dear Duck, Please Come! by Sarah Mackenzie illustrated by Charles Santoso**

 Rabbit informs his friend Duck via a letter that he has lost his tooth and asks Duck to come. Duck immediately begins searching for Rabbit's tooth. As he progresses to Rabbit's house, he includes more Piney Glen creatures in the search. The friends become more and more distressed. Where is Rabbit's tooth?!

Out of the books Sarah Mackenzie has written (and published), this one is my favorite! The word choice depicts the personalities of the creatures well, the plot progression is perfect, and it celebrates friendship and joy. The illustrations are adorable. The page layouts are clever. I love the endpages-the first spread is a map of Piney Glen, depicting the homes of all the creatures. The back spread adds the route the creatures take from Duck's house to Rabbits and all the places they searched for the tooth.

I read this aloud to my niece. She enjoyed it! We had fun predicting what kind of critter lived in which home before we read the book and then confirming our predictions. She liked tracing the route they took after we read it the book. A perfect book to read to a child who has lost his first tooth (no tooth fairy is mentioned).

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde H. Swift illustrated by Lynd Ward*

 The little red lighthouse is proud. It performs important work, warning boats which pass by on the Hudson River of the rocks.  Then a great gray bridge is built OVER the little red lighthouse. The great gray bridge's light shines brightly from the top. Is the little red lighthouse obsolete?

I loved how Mr. Ward subtly incorporated faces and expressions on the lighthouse and the boats. Whimsy and realism married nicely!

Based on a lighthouse overshadowed by the George Washington Bridge

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Crinkle, Crackle, Crack It's Spring! by Marion Dane Bauer illustrated by John Shelley*

 Unusual narrator: 2nd person (you)

A child enters the late winter night with a bear. The bear says, "It's time." As the child follows the bear, more creatures join their stroll, saying, "It's time." Time for what? The child and reader will be surprised by what bursts out of a huge egg.

I loved the word choice (just a few examples-lumbering, curving claw, pokes, mud sucks at your feet), figurative language, and onomatopoeia. I am not sure if younger readers will understand what pops out the egg-it may require parent discussion. It is a metaphor.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Bear in Love by Daniel Pinkwater illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

 Someone is leaving Bear wonderful treats on a rock outside his cave. So, he returns the favor by leaving his favorite treats for this someone and finds a friend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

 Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel each find a love letter (the same one, unbeknownst to them!) on the ground. The kind words encourage them to be more (respectivefully) cheerful, helpful, and carefree. This sweet story reinforces the power of feeling loved.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Q by Beth Brower*

 Beth Brower is one of my favorite authors. She creates credible characters and enchanting settings.

Quincy St. Claire runs her great-uncle's publication, The Q, with efficiency and with cutting-edge ideas. She loves The Q. It is her life. When her uncle passes away, he leaves a list of tasks with The Q's newly hired (by her uncle) solicitor for Quincy to complete in order to keep The Q. The problem is-she doesn't know what is on the list! 

As Quincy expands her business to Paris and then London, she cannot imagine losing The Q. During this challenging year, Quincy learns a lot about her self and the importance of relationships.

I loved this book and losing myself in Rhysdon. The minor characters add quirks and delight to the story. James Arch was my favorite character (although Quincy is endearing). James's father and sister Mary are also wonderful, admirable characters. 

Thank you to Ms. Brower for writing well-written stories that are CLEAN!

Considerations if sharing with younger teens: some swearing (minimal), four men jump and badly beat a main character, slowly developing romance but nothing inappropriate (they share a kiss)

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Secrets of Ormdale, Book 2-Drake Hall by Christina Baehr*

 I love this series!

Edith adjusts to her new role as the family dragon keeper in the Yorkshire Dales. She also encounters a dragon poacher and uncovers a family secret. Her relationship with Helena, a fellow Marsi, deepens along with some tension as they differ in views. Most unsettling, however, are her feelings toward to Simon, Helena's son. 

This second book focuses a bit more on Edith's feelings towards Simon. Edith also has to discuss a couple of "secrets" with a couple of family members, but events always prevents her from divulging. This suspsense techinque frustrated me! 

Consideration/discussion: prejudice vs Jews, Edith's uncle had an affair with one of his young servants (very young), who became pregnant and gave birth to a boy who works at the abbey

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Year of the Horseless Carriage 1801 by Genevieve Foster*

 I bought Music Study with the Masters by Sonya Shafer (Simply Charlotte Mason) to support my son's study of Beethoven. The booklet included a list of books for "further study". This book was on the list.

Ms. Foster connects many influential individuals during this time period and through narrative, points out how they impacted the world and interacted with each other. Children who love relationships and finding connections will appreciate this method of relating history. I recommend reading it in one sitting or over a couple of consecutive days. I read a half of it and then resumed reading it a couple of weeks later. As a result, I had forgotten some of the connections.

People whose stories are told: Richard Trevithick, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte, Toussaint L'ouverture, Robert Fulton, Lewis & Clark, James Madison, George Stephenson

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers*

 Harriet Vane, the woman Lord Peter Wimsey wants to marry, is lunching on a beach when she notices a body on a rock. The man is dead. Being a detective novelist, she analyzes the situation and takes photographs. By the time she finds the authorities, the tide has washed the body away. Based on her photographs and the information they can gather, the police conclude it was suicide. Case-closed. Lord Peter Wimsey arrives and does not believe the case is that simple. Convoluted days ensue as Lord Peter, Harriet, and the local police uncover facts,times, and alibis that do not line up.

I read this aloud to by sons (ages 15 and 18) at lunch on our school days. My youngest son figured it and thought it was too easy-just like Strong Poison (He liked The Nine Tailors best). My other son liked this one best because the characters interact more, and the story takes place over a few weeks  (In The Nine Tailors Lord Peter returns almost a year later to finally solve the case). Ciphers were included in this book and described step-by-step how Peter and Harriet solve them. I skipped these sections and just summarized their findings to my sons. The ciphers would be more fun to solve while reading the novel to yourself.

*Highly recommend for high school and older. See considerations.

Warnings/consideration: Since I read this novel aloud, I skipped these concerns-some swearing, some innuendos, Mr. Weldon is a lady's man and makes a grab at Harriet, murder-description of the crime scene, discussions about suicide and why the victim did it-Peter even goes into detail why he would do it-narrating why/why not. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Wintergarden by Janet Fox illustrated by Jasu Hu

RAR recommends this book. 

A girl and her mama plant seeds to grow on their windowsill in their city apartment during the winter. The similes are apt and descriptive. The illustrations are surreal and a bit too abstract for the age group who would listen to this book. After the story, the author offers tips on growing one's own wintergarden plus a great list of other gardening picture books.

-Borrowed from the library.

Secret Engineer How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge by Rachel Doughtery*

 Even though most girls during her time period rarely pursued a higher education, Emily loved science and math and was able to attend a school where these subjects were taught. She married an engineer, whose family built bridges. Soon Emily's husband is building the Brooklyn Bridge, incorporating new technology. Unfortantely, he becomes ill. Thankfully, Emily is intelligent and an eager learner. Although she does not receive credit, she is the one who oversaw the building of the Brooklyn Bridge!

An amazing story!  I liked this story so much that I requested two other picture books about her!

Kids who love to build, who want to understand how things work, and who have an engineer mindset will love this book.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

This Beautiful Truth by Sarah Clarkson*

 Sarah Clarkson reveals how OCD has impacted her life and how God's goodness and beauty breaks through it, giving her hope and joy. Sarah's writing is concise yet stunningly beautiful. The manner she relates stories and truths is through imagery and apt word choice. Weaving in quotes, depictions, and  narratives, Sarah has created a memorable book that will give the reader hope.

A deeper read requiring concentration and comtemplation.

Consideration: She is Anglican, so her style of worship is liturgical. She, however, clearly states salvation is found through believing in Christ as the Savior and how His death and resurrection was necessary to connect us, sinners in need of a Savior,  again to the Father. She does not state that salvation is found in good works or in that style of worship. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Pizza for the Queen by Nancy Castaldo illustrated by Melisande Potter

 Raffaele, the pizza chef of Napoli, loves making pizza for his town. Queen Margherita wants to taste this pizza! Raffaele gathers up fine ingredients and tries to imagine what kind of pizza she would enjoy. 

A recipe for Pizza Margherita and the history of the real story is is included in the back.

A great book to read on International Pizza Day, Feb. 9th.

-Borrowed from the library.

Rags Hero Dog of WWI A True Story by Margot Theis Raven illustrated by Petra Brown

 Many WW II books exist. WWI ones for kids are challenging to discover. This WWI picture book relates how Rags, a stray dog, becomes an invaluable asset for the First Division U.S. Army. Private James Donovan finds him in an empty doorway in Paris. Donovan brings him back to the base, where Rags quickly learns how to perform a myriad of tasks on behalf of Donovan.

A sweet story about loyalty.

Discuss: Donovan lies to a French policeman. Donovan dies at the end of the story.

-Borrowed from the library.

The MAD Scientists' Club by Bertrand R. Brinley illustrated by Charles Geer*

 I read about this series via Purple House Press's email newsletter.

What a fun read! A group of intelligent, adventurous boys form a club where they use science, math, and intellect to get into and out of scrapes. 

Consideration: the boys think one girl is good looking and has great legs

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Foyle's War -TV series

 During WWII Detective Foyle remains at home solving crime. This first season includes four episodes (each about 100 minutes long)-The German Woman, The White Feather, A Lesson in Murder, & Eagle Day.

Because of the content (war, murder, some relational problems), I recommend it for mature high schoolers-with parents watching with them-and adults.

I watched the first two episodes and really enjoyed them. My husband, however, did not like them. They were too slow for him. Since I mostly watch movies/shows with my husband and/or sons and not independently (I would rather read or complete a project!!), I am not watching the rest of this season. Maybe I will borrow them again when I am sick or when am home alone for a few days (which rarely occurs!!).

The characters appeal to me-Foyle seems to be a man of integrity, his driver is a bubbly, courageous young lady, and his son seems like a quality young man.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Parade for George Washington by David A. Adler illustrated by John O'Brien*

 I do not remember reading or learning about all the parades and celebrations towns gave George Washington as he traveled from Mount Vernon to New York City to take an oath to be the nation's first president. Mr. Adler takes the reader from town to town and describes how each one celebrated him. I liked the inserted maps on the pages that display his route. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Ready to Read-Tails from History-A Racoon at the White House by Rachel Dougherty illustrated by Rachel Sanson*

 Ready to Read Level Two

With words and sentence structures perfect for beginning and/or transitional readers, Ms. Dougherty relates how a raccoon named Rebecca lived at the White House with President Coolidge and First Lady Grace. Additonal facts about raccoons and the White House are included (for parents to read aloud to their beginning reader).

*Highly recommend for stimulating historical interest, for fluency, and for building stamina.

-Borrowed from the library.

Our Hymn Writers and Their Hymns by Faith Cook*

 I only read the chapter on William Cowper (researching for our monthly poetry treat at lunch). It, however,  will be a book I return to if I want to learn extensively about a hymn writer. Ms. Cook offers a comprehensive biography in a narrative form. She also includes (at least in Cowper's chapter) other biographers' conclusions that may not be accurate and refutes them. The first chapter and the last two chapters include shorter blurbs about many hymn writers. Chapters two through fourteen focus on one writer (Isacc Watts, Philip Doddridge, Charles Wesley, William Williams, Joseph Hart, Augustus M. Toplady, John Newton, William Cowper, James Montgomery, Henry Francis Lyte, Horatius Bonar, Francis Ridley Havergal,and Franny J. Crosby).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my church library.

Bat, Cat & Rat #1-The Cozy Home by Ame Dyckman illustrated by Mark Teague*

 Bat, Cat, & Rat move into a home. As they settled into sharing life together, they enjoy teasing each other and, of course, reading together.

A perfect series for beginning readers.

It looks like book #3, The Beach Day, will be published on April 29, 2025, and #4, A Great Fall, will be published on July 15, 2025.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.