Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

 Award Winner: Newbery Honor Book-2005

On Januray 4, 1935 twelve-year-old Moose moves to Alcatraz with his family, where his dad takes a position as an prison guard. Why? --So his sister Natalie can attend a special school that is supposed to help her to learn to function in society. Moose hates the change. Not only does he not interact with his dad much, he is now required to watch his challenging sister every day after school so his mom can teach piano lessons. As he adjusts to island living, he finds himself in some situations that may cost his dad his job and Natalie"s position in THE school.

This book is at times humorous and other times heart-wrenching. Ms. Choldenko develops her characters well and creates an engaging plot. If I had had the time, I could have finished this book in one sitting.

Natalie is what we would call "autistic" or "on the spectrum"  in today's society. Because Ms. Choldenko's sister, Gina, was autistic, she portrays Natalie in a realistic manner and also Moose, as a sibling trying to be a supportive yet struggling to reconcile the impact her behavior has on him and his family. She also reveals the tenison the parents experience. The mother's reaction to Natalie's condition was superbly achieved. 

Warnings/discussions: autism & its impact on the individual and his/her loved ones, intense moments when Natalie has tantrums,  Moose describes a large woman's chest as watermelons jiggling, when Moose returns after leaving Natalie alone, he discovers her with a convict, holding hands with him-he is afraid something more intimate has happened between them-she is obessessed with him-nothing graphic is stated but the mature reader can infer Moose's fears (nothing did happen), lying, Moose's father gives him a half of a beer when they were both upset

-Borrowed from the library

Through the Wall by Alida Sims Malkus*

 Hansi lives in East Berlin with his parents. When his father is taken away by the secret police, his dying mother insists that he scout out a way to cross into West Berlin. Through Hansi's escape to West Berlin, his life in West Berlin and then eventually America, readers will experience how people suffered and struggled in the 1960s under the communist rule.

I am highly recommending this book because of its unique perspective. Not many children's books explore this period of history in this setting. However, I found the pacing a bit off. Some parts are really exciting and well executed; while other scenarios not as credible and not as well-developed. Ms. Malkus sometimes resorts to a "telling" writing style rather than "showing".

Warnings/discussion points: A young boy is shot trying to escape to West Berlin. Hansi witnesses it. Discussing communism and this time period would be beneficial. Hansi unwillingly participates in a crime with serious consequences. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis*

 My sixteen-year-old and I read this book together over the last couple of months. Each chapter offered many thought-provoking ideas and promoted good discussions. In order for the ideas to become more cemented in my mind, I will need to reread this book several times!

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt by Volker Mehnert illustrated by Claudia Lieb

 This illustrated, over-sized biography reveals Alexander von Humboldt's life-long curiosity and love for nature and science. Because of an inheritance, he was able to travel the world, mostly in South America. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious and admriable. 

I love the endpages. Beautiful two-page illustration spreads   I like the art as much as the words!

Considerations: evolution/old earth view; Aime, his traveling companion, likes wine and women; throughout the book the author inserted information about white oppressors

-Borrowed from the library. 

A Tree for Peter by Kate Seredy*

 Peter and his mother live in Shantytown with many other squatters. The buildings are leaning, dirty, and ugly. People are despondent. Peter, who walks with a limp, fears everything. Then one day King Peter arrives and offers him hope and joy. Because of King Peter's encouraging words, small Peter transforms Shantytown.

A sweet story that reinforces the power of beauty and of hope.

*Highly recommend. . .I am not sure if modern readers will appreciate this story, but it is worth sharing and trying!

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Giraffe That Walked to Paris by Nancy Milton illustrated by Roger Roth**

 What a delightful story! In picture book format Ms. Milton shares a unique tidbit of history. In 1827 the pasha of Egypt, Muhammad Ali, sends a giraffe to the King Charles X of France to amend the strained relationship between their countries. This account relays how the giraffe travels from Egypt to Paris and the challenges its handlers/transporters encounter. It's a joyous story that focuses not on agenda but a fun event in history.

The illustrations are expressive (especially the people's and the giraffe's faces). The author's note provides more historical background. 

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL (but I may purchase it. Purple House Press has republished it.)

Henry Climbs a Mountain by D.B. Johnson

 Mr. Johnson extracts a portion of Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience and displays it via a main character, a bear who is jailed because he won't pay his taxes to a state that allows slavery (just like Thoreau). While Henry the Bear is in jail, he draws with crayons on the wall and becomes part of the scene. I found it weird and am not sure how much kids will like it. I have not read Civil Disobedience , so maybe there are more connections to the bear's drawing on the walls than I realize. 

At least two other picture books feature Henry the Bear, depicting parts of Thoreau's life.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Borrowed House by Hilda van Stockum

 After two years of living in Germany with her nurse, twelve-year-old Janna travels to occupied Holland to join her actor parents. The Baron, her mother's friend, has provided a house for them and another family. The former owners, the van Arkels, were forced to leave. Before arriving to Holland, Janna was a member of the Hitler Youth. She soon discovers as she interacts with the household staff and witnesses how the Germans treat the Dutch, she has brainwashed and has been fed lies. As World War II rages, Janna realizes the truth about Hitler and the Jews. By the end of the story her perspective has transformed.

I have not read many World War II books from the perspective of a character who loves Hitler and his beliefs. It was interesting to read what she believed to be truth and how it affected her interactions. The plot captivated me. 

Janna's parents, both actors, maintain an odd relationship throughout the book. I did not find it believable. Janna's mother, Mechtild, loves the Baron and his generosity. They are having an affair (nothing graphic is described). Her father, Otto, knows it is occurring but often just makes a snide comment or looks away. Toward the end Otto and the Baron engage in a fist fight over Mechtild. The resolution results too quickly and shallowly. Also, Janna's parents seem more interested in themselves and their careers than being her parents. Their parenting desires fluctuate throughout the story. By its conclusion, it appears they understand the importance of being together. They just seem shallow and self-centered. This part of the book did not appeal to me and is why I am not "highly recommending" it. Other aspects were superb.

This book is more suited for an older audience, but again, it has the appearance of a book for elementary age readers.

Why it is for older readers: Janna's mother's affair-very apparent throughout the book; WWII violence/cruelty; the other family in the house has a party with SS soldiers-Janna, who is bored, walks into the party. An SS soldier pulls her onto his lap and attempts to kiss her two times; An older boy, who she likes, gives her a goodbye kiss (nothing inappropriate); the German father  of the other family who lives there physically abuses his son

-I own this book.

Little Naturalists-Henry David in the Woods by Kate Coombs illustrated by Seth Lucas

 A board book about Henry David Thoreau going to live in the woods, building a house, and observing nature. Although the words are simple and rhyme, I am not sure if babies and toddlers will clamor for adults to read this aloud.

-Borrowed from the library.

 

The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum*

 I read this book aloud to my sixteen-year-old son during lunch. This exciting novel engaged us and deepened our appreciation for ordinary Dutch citizens who sacrificed their lives for their fellow-countrymen.

Joris and Dirk Jan Verhagen live in a mill with their parents and little sister Trixie. During WW II their family assists many individuals, from a Jewish baby hidden in a garden to members of the Resistance to two little girls whose parents must hide to a English bomber to an escapee (They also assist in many other situations!). Their neighbors, the wealthy Schenderhans, have a son who is a Landwatcher, working for the enemy. His diligent "watching" causes much consternation throughout the book.

I love how this book brings to life the impact of WWII  has on one country, on one small village, and on one family. Although this book is fictional, the accounts are based on what real Dutchmen and women did.  Ms. van Stockum is an excellent storyteller.

This book has the appearance for elementary age readers, but with the descriptions of how the Nazis treated the people, I would recommend it for twelve years & older. High schoolers may label it too young for them, but I think they would enjoy it.

Considerations/things to discuss: war violence, cruelty, mean characters, the Verhagen family is Catholic  Their view of God and their theology will contradict Protestants. Parents may want to discuss the family's theology with younger children who are not solid in their faith. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Walking with Henry-Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau by Thomas Locker

 In  a few days my son will begin to read Walden. In my search for picture books to introduce him to Thoreau, I discovered this one. I love books that Thomas Locker illustrates. This one couples lush paintings with words that immerses the reader into the wilderness that Thoreau experiences as he walks.

-Borrowed from the library.

Star Mother's Youngest Child by Louise Moeri illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Although this Christmas story is quite odd, it is well-written and engaging. 

An old, lonely woman longs to experience Christmas "just once" in her life. Meanwhile, in the heavens, the exasperated Star Mother, sends one of her star children to earth to experience Christmas "just once". The two spend Christmas day irritating the other one, and yet at the same time, enjoying the special day.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

 Award winner-Newbery Honor-2026

Clare the fox died but is undead. He resides in Deadwood Forest and ushers dead creatures into the Afterlife. The Afterlife reveals to him which place each creature is to enter: Peace, Progress, Pleasure, or Pain. For six years he has maintained a productive mushroom garden, devoured interesting books, cared for his cottage, and of course, ushered souls into their deserved afterlife realm. Then a badger named Gingersnipes knocks on his cottage door, and his predictable life is upheaved. 

This book is well-crafted-characters, plot, setting, word choice. I loved reading it and especially appreciated Clare and Gingersnipes.

Considerations: worldview about the afterlife, Afterlife is treated as a supreme being, most souls are considered "good", karma is mentioned, where creatures go is based on how they have lived/view themselves

The Hand of God by Alistair Begg*

 Finding His Care in All Circumstances

My friend let me borrow this book. When I found that I was itching to underline some sentences, I knew I should purchase my own copy. It is one that I would reread if I would be studying the life of Joseph in a Bible study or at church.

Mr. Begg follows the life of Joseph and his responses to his circumstances to encourage us to trust in the Sovereign God. He offers analogies and examples to which readers can relate.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Water of Life retold by Barbara Rogasky illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

 A Grimm Brothers Tale

A king is dying. His three sons are sad. While the sons are weeping in the castle garden, a little man appears and informs them that he knows of a cure for their father-Water of Life. The oldest son sets off to find this cure. Along the way he scorns a dwarf. The dwarf secretly curses him and causes him to become stuck in a ravine. This interaction and curse are repeated with the second son. Both of these sons have impure motives. They believe if they cure their father, then he will leave the kingdom to them. The youngest son, however, really cares about his dying father with no thought of inheriting the kingdom. He, of course, finds the cure but is treated poorly by his older brothers. Will the truth be discovered?

A captivating tale  I thought the end was a bit rushed.

The illustrations are lavish and intricate.

-Borrowed from the library.

Little Red Riding Hood retold & illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman*

 -a Caldecott Honor Book -1984

I love this retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale becaue of the illustrations! Ms. Hyman's attention to detail whisks the reader into the world she has created. I loved the abundant flowers, cats/kittens slinking and tumbling on the pages, the cozy clutter in the homes, and the borders. Seeing the rumbled rug at Grandmother's front door reinforced how Ms. Hyman's goal seems to be to create realistic scenes.

*Highly recommend.

Considerations: This story is by the Brothers Grimm. . .so there will be some gruesome details- like the wolf eating Grandmother and Little Red Riding, the huntsman killing the wolf with a knife and slicing him open. Children may find it creepy or odd that Grandmother and Little Red step out of the wolf, whole & unharmed. A warning was glued to the front of this library book about wine (Little Red delivers wine to her sick grandmother) and how CA & FL challenged this book because it seem to be promoting alcohol to minors (in 1990).

-Borrowed from the library.

Hitler and the Habsburgs by James Longo*

 A couple years ago my uncle informed me that his granddaugher (my cousin once removed) had researched our family while studying in Europe and discovered that my dad's (maternal-Rittenhouse) family line came from the Habsburg family! This year my son is studying modern history. While reading about Archduke Franz Ferdinand (a Habsburg) and his wife, Sophie, I was intrigued. Their love and marriage was unique for royalty. Their assassination sparked the start of WWI. But what happened to their three children? I searched the library system for a book and found this one!

Mr. Longo simultaneoulsy relays Hitler's childhood and rise to power and Habsburg/Hohenberg family's resilence to death and political upheaval and torture. He writes in an interesting manner. Without bogging the reader down with extraneous historical information, he relates this amazing family's story. Even if one is not a history fan, they will be enthralled with this family's bravery. This family's character in the face of evil inspired me.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Nights and Weekends by Alexis De Boschnek

 I made three recipes from this book. My husband and son enjoyed all of them! (Pasta with Bacon, Peas, Sour Cream, & Dill; Salmon, Potato, & Corn Chowder; and  Pear and Pecan Baked Oatmeal) I appreciate how interchangeable the ingredients are. Also, my son cannot eat/digest dairy. I could substitute nondairy ingredients easily.

-Borrowed from the library. 

End of the Spear DVD*

Based on the book End of the Spear 

Rated: PG-13 (violence-spearing-graphic, a Waodani woman looks down young Steve Saint's shorts to confirm he is a boy, see a preteen girl's developing breast-split second, Waodani men wear g-strings)

Viewers will witness the violent, hateful worldview the Waodani tribe in Ecuador and how it affects their reactions to the five missionary men who try to reach them for Christ. The narrator, Steve Saint, Nate Saint's son, shares how it impacted him and also how the tribe (especially his father's killer) is transformed.

The book focuses mostly on Steve and his return to the tribe as an adult to help them in the technology advancing world. The movie spends a few minutes on this aspect of the book. How Steve discovers that Mincaye had killed his father and his reaction to this knowledge is not accurate and dramatized. 

*Highly recommend (It is worth watching, but reading the book provides a much richer experience.)

-Borrowed from the library.

Rock Paper Incisors by Amy Timberlake illustrated by Jon Klassen

 3rd in a series

Skunk and Badger, two "bachelors", have adjusted to being roommates. Skunk creates delicious meals while Badger focuses on "important rock work". Then two orphan rats are thrusted upon them. Chaos ensues. How will Badger finish his article for Rock Hound Weekly when the rats demand constant attention? Then a bear choose to hibernate in front of their door. . . giving birth to three cubs.  Chickens to the rescue! 

Ms. Timberlake creates likable, believable charaters in the rats. They reminded me of  rambunctious, curious preschoolers. 😀 

Warning/considerations: old earth worldview, evolution (all life came from algae, bacteria to abundant life-Cambrian Explosion)

-Borrowed from the library

A Rose in a Ditch by Julie Henning*

 When my aunt discovered that I was interested in Pearl S. Buck, she lend me this book by one of Pearl S. Buck's adoptive daughters. (This copy was my cousin-in-law's, my aunt's daughter-in-law) Some of my family members attend the same church as Julie.

Julie Henning (Sooni Goo) was born in South Korea soon after the Korean war. Her father, whom she never met, was a GI with a wife and family in the United States. Her mother was Korean. Even though Julie was Ameriasian, her Korean mother choose to keep her and raise her. Koreans treated mixed race children with contempt and disdain. Korea would not allow them to claim Korea as their birthplace; America would not either. 

Although Julie endured poverty in Korea with her mother, the tone of the book was joyful and full of gratitude. Her diligence in her studies caused Pearl S. Buck, who was an advocate for Ameriasians, to notice her and eventually "adopt" her. At age fifteen, she enters the United States and experiences an incredible new life with Pearl S. Buck, the Price family, and then her own husband and family. By living with the Prices, she attends a Bible preaching church and then accepts Christ as her Savior.

I loved every minute that I read this book. I found the Korean culture fascinating, Pearl S. Buck's generoisty inspiring, and God's providence amazing. The writing at times is disorganized and not like that of a published writer. It was also repetitive at points. She also talks to her deceased Korean mother and deceased Ms. Buck like they could hear her.

Mrs. Henning speaks often about her experiences and has met numerous famous individuals all over the world. 

*Highly recommend (but see above about my comments on the writing). **If you give this to a high schooler or junior higher, please know that the reader can infer that Julie's Korean mother is a prostitute to GIs to earn money/food. Nothing inappropriate in depicted.**

-Borrowed from my cousin-in-law.

The 13th Day of Christmas written & illustrated by Adam Rex

 Mr. Rex demonstrates via a picture book the results of the 12 Days of Christmas. Although humorous and at times, sweet, this book places the woman as the leader in the relationship. She is the one who gives the gifts and asks him to marry her.

-Borrowed from the library.

End of the Spear by Steve Saint**

 I read aloud this book to my son over our lunch for the past few months. We laughed numerous times. I cried one time. Mr. Saint is an excellent story teller and writer. His story was a delight to read aloud.

He explains the backstory of his dad, Nate, and fellow missionary men being speared to death by the Waodani and the aftermath. He then takes the reader to the time when he and his family lived again with the Waodani and the impact the time had on him and the Waodani. 

A movie was created based on this book. We will be watching it soon.

**Highly, highly recommend.

I own this book.

Pride & Prejudice -DVD

 Over the Christmas break I was in the mood to watch a movie based on Jane Austen novel. We own a Pride & Prejudice dvd starring Keira Knightley (Before we had kids, we would buy a DVD at Walmart for date night at home--this DVD is one of those purchases.). During covid I borrowed the 1995 TV series starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. When we watched the Knightley DVD, we were disappointed. It moved too quickly and did not develop the characters compared to the 1995 TV series. Its catchy quotes are not based on the book! 

-I own the Knightley DVD.

NCIS Origins**DVDS

 This series reveals how Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Mike Franks form a friendship  when NCIS was just NIS in the 1990s. The 1st episode begins with elderly Gibbs reflecting on his early years as a marine and how he joined NIS. He narrates and then the "younger versions" of himself and his team come into focus and unfold the story. 

We love this series. With depth and character development, the show is a rarity "these days". Although each episode focuses on a naval murder case, it has flashbacks providing the backstory of the team members. I cannot really express how well-written and well-produced this show is. The acting is superb also. This show displays flawed humanity and its desire to find meaning in life and to find justice.

Viewers who like constant action with little character development may not appreciate this show.

**Highly, highly recommend for older teens & adults.

Warnings/considerations: violence-war, murder-sometimes graphic, snippers/revenge, Gibbs's wife & daughter are murdered, murdering is portrayed/reasoned as ok in some situations; Tish, Franks's girlfriend was raped-it is alluded to-not depicted; Franks & Tish live together, unmarried; Franks smokes a lot; drinking to unwind; death of beloved people; cursing; during the last episode the viewer can infer Wheeler is participating in a homosexual relationship w/ a FBI agent-he vows to stop, restore his marriage, & not lie anymore

Giant by Judith McQuoid

 Sarah Mackenzie interviewed Mrs. McQuoid on RAR about her debut book, Giant. It was one of my favorite author interviews ever! Redeemed Reader also reviewed it this past summer (2025). 

Mrs. McQuoid offers readers a sample of C.S. Lewis's childhood when he lived in Belfast. The main character, however, is Davy, a boy from a working-class family. Davy's mother works for the Lewis family as a housekeeper. When she brings Davy along to work in hopes he can work small jobs for the Lewis family, Davy forms a friendship with C.S. Lewis. Their friendship bolsters both of them-Davy to pursue his love for art and reading and Lewis to persevere during his mother's illness, her eventual death, and then a horrible boarding school situation. 

I loved the book and would have read it in one sitting if time allowed. Will middle grade readers like this gentle story? If they value friendships, character-driven stories, and a love for C.S. Lewis, they will appreciate it. More plot-driven readers may not see the point to it. 

I love that Mrs. McQuoid includes in the back a list of books mentioned throughout the novel.

-I own it.

The Sword -Magnus and the Mystery of Romans by Marty Machowski illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino**

 Through three different stories, parents and their children can study the book of Romans together. The story opens with a brother & sister discovering a sword and an ancient book in an off-limit trunk in the family home. With their father, they read the story of Magnus and his encounter with Paul, the writer of Romans. Each chapter begins with the fictional story about Magnus & his eventual conversion to Christ. Then Mr. Machowski provides specific passages (chronological) from Romans to read and pages with further explanations and analogies. Each chapter also includes a section connectiong the Old Testament with the New Testament.

Currently, the pastor at my church his preaching through Romans. If I had younger children, this book would be a perfect choice to study Romans as a family.

World magazine selected as their Children's Book of the Year (2025).

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my church's library. 😊

Give Me This Mountain by Dr. Helen Roseveare*

 Dr. Helen Roseveare shares her surrender to Christ and then her experiences in the Congo in the 1950s & 1960s as a doctor and missionary. 

Although she divulges many tales about her time in Africa, she does not elaborate on details. Her writing style is mostly telling, not showing. Surprisingly, I liked her style and pacing. It seems to me that the purpose of this book was to reinforce and/or reveal how missionaries are not perfect nor are they the Christians "who have arrived". She is candid about her sin nature and spiritual struggles. As a result, God receives more glory. Also, because of her vulnerability, I could connect to her. I found it interesting how the African Christians and European Christians struggle with unity after a time. . .but, they resolve their differences and reconcile. 

If I owned this book, I would have been highlighting often and jotting comments in the margin.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my church library.