Mr. Chin tracks a hurricane from the time it begins over Africa until it makes landfall at Cape Hatteras. He alternates pages about its progress and how people are preparing for it and then evacuating.
Very informative yet engaging. Lots of diagrams and explanations in the back.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Letter poems from objects with various sizes and purposes The poems remind readers how everything is made up of smaller things. Everything is connected and is necessary!
Great word choice & figurative language usage
Pairings: oak/acorn, bubble/sky, cloud/droplets, pebble/river, brick/school, button/coat, toes/child, sea turtles/ocean
The author then shares how to create one's own letter poems.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Old MacDonald summons Officer Busby to his farm. Odd and ridiculous events are popping up all over his farm-cabbages with painted faces, pizza being delivered to his goats... Can Officer Busby figure out who is behind the mischief on this April Fool's Day?
Fun!
*Highly recommend for its lightheartedness. We need books just for fun!
-Borrowed from the library.
A whimsical, beautiful book about Hans Christian Andersen
Ms. Yolen writes about his life in one long sentence! Although the words are minimal, the reader learns a lot about this unique and lonely writer.
Lovely illustrations
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Two siblings leave their home to experience the precursor of the sights and sounds to a thunderstorm on an island. Holding hands, the two roam the island despite the impending danger. The word choice is superb. The figurative language enhances the book's "atmosphere". Mr. Smith's illustration depict the mood of the different phases of the storm.
A perfect book to read aloud in the spring and summer before a thunderstorm.
The page layouts are purposeful. I like the repeating refrain too.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Mr. Rubin put a lot of thought and research into creating this book (even his explanation of his art and typeset in the fine print is humorous. The typeface reflects the subject matter-one used for scientific publications in the paleotology beginnings). His art and page layouts are engaging and carry significance.
Before the title page, Mr. Rubin is capturing the reader's attention. Mr. Rubin explains how the understanding of science and dinosours has transformed over time by following what different artists and scientists thought the iguanodon looked like.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
The Story of an Unlikely Hero
At an early age Desmond Doss adhered to Seventh-Day Adventist faith. His devotion to God and the Seventh-Day Adventist belief system required him to object to some military requirements. God honored his convictions. Mr. Doss saved many lives during WW II.
This book is written by his second wife. The first two-thirds of the book focus on his childhood, his first marriage, and his service during WWII. The last third section of the book relates how God continued to bless him in his retirement, through health issues and with his second marriage to Frances. As the book progressed it became less interesting.
When my son was studying WWII, I looked into watching the movie Hacksaw Ridge. We thought it would be too violent to watch. Seeing that the movie was based on a real man, I looked to see if there were any books about him and discovered this one!
I am not highly recommending it is not as well-written as most books. I loved the topic & also loved being amazed by this man!
-Borrowed via ILL.
Consideration: Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs
Not being a sports fan (and also not a news junkie), I had not heard of Jonathan Isaac until I read an article about him in World magazine.
Reading his autobiography was an encouraging experience. He shares about his childhood, his distorted views about himself at an early age, his advancement in the basketball, and his complete surrender to Christ. One could easily read this autobiography in one sitting. Writing in a conversational tone, Mr. Isaac engages the reader throughout the entire book. He is a courageous believer. Praise God for men like him in the sports world!
I think junior and high school boys who love basketball would benefit from reading this book. Young men will draw from his courage to obey God no matter how the world may react.
Considerations/discussions: Black Lives Matters agenda is discussed (& not supported by Mr. Isaac), Mr. Isaac hints at his party lifestyle and way with the ladies, but nothing graphic is shared. He even says to "keep this PG". He also admits to using pot in high school and in college. When they were on the road playing games, one teammate would ask him to buy him condoms in the middle of the night and have him slip them under his hotel door (rookie hazing). As Mr. Isaac developed in his faith, he decided to end this "duty". He boldly meets with the teammate and explains how he is trying to follow God and would not continue to purchase condoms for him. Covid/vaccine (he didn't get the vaccine & received heat).
Authors create a poem to instruct how to write a poem. I love how readers can return to it and easily identify the myriad of techniques the authors utilized.
Great book to introduce a poetry unit with elementary students.
-Borrowed from the library.
Through Three Continents in the Twelfth Century
Mr. Shulevitz transforms Benjamin of Tudela's book, Book of Travels, into a picture book for children. Any extra information he added, he carefully researched and kept it authentic to the time period.
Benjamin of Tudela is considered the greatest medieval Jewish traveler. After exploring (enduring drastic weather and circumstances) the "then known world" for fourteen years, he arrived home to northern Spain to share his experiences and new knowledge. He had set out one hundred years before Marco Polo to view the world!
*Highly recommend for older students. Younger ones may find this account not very interesting.
-Borrowed from the library.
A poem from Hieronymous Bosch's housekeeper's point of view. She is weary. Bosch's odd creatures create challenging days. She leaves but can't stay away!
A fictional account but based on Hieronymous Bosch's bizarre paintings. Bosch was a Dutch painter during the 1400s & early 1500s.
A fun addition to any medieval history unit. The Dillon family's talent is magnified in this book.
-Borrowed from the library.
After observing his grandfather write a haiku, Kiyoshi asks him where poems come from. His grandfather, Eto, suggests they take a walk. Through the encounters on this walk, Kiyoshi learns how poems are inspired.
I would use this book when introducing poetry to elemenatary-age students and when learning about haiku.
-Borrowed from the library.
Honor Flight Network sponsors veterans with a day in Washington, DC. Their goal is to honor veterans and to ensure them that they will not be forgotten. Readers join a veteran and his escort and experience this special honor.
Both author & illustrator were privileged guardians/escorts, so they are writing and illustrating as an eyewitnesses.
The notes provide a plethora of information.
A perfect book to read & share on Memorial Day or Veterans Day.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Ms. Sancha researches extensively and thoroughly before she writes her books. After four years of research, she wrote and created this book. Actual documents were the foundation for this account of life in Stanford in the summer of 1274. Stanford, a prosperous trading center along the River Weland, prepares for a visit of a Florentine merchant. The town merchants are hoping that he will purchase a large quantity of wool. Readers are taken into various businesses and interact with a wide range of people. This book immerses the reader into a mediveal town-from the businesses to the religious observations to the politics.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Ms. Sweet illustates Mary Oliver's poem "Goldfinches". The way she separates the lines on singular pages causes the reader to reflect on the words and appreciate Ms. Oliver's word play and word choice.
I love Ms. Sweet's collage art. I own four of her books. I enjoyed reading how she researched for this book. Her correlation between thistles and the timing of goldfinch nesting is interesting (I knew about it prior to reading this book. I am glad she focused on how they mutually benefit each other so a younger audience can be in awe of God.)
Consideration: In the author's note, she mentions Mary's life partner, Molly. Since the book is the poem, their relationship is not highlighted in the main text.
*Highly recommend but see consideration.
-Borrowed from the library.
I heard about this author and this series on a podcast interview with a British comedian. He recommended this series.
1st published in 1922.
William, an eleven year old "scamp", uses his creativity and intellect to cause excitment in his life and his family's life. He disrupts his older siblings's love lives, kidnaps a baby, mountain climbs up his stairs with an alpenstock, invites his class of thirty students to his home for a party when his parents and siblings are away and so much more. I laughed out loud numerous times while reading it.
How his childhood differs from the current generation's--They will be amazed at his freedom & how he must problem-solve!
Warning: the word "assified" is used a few times, William is naughty, selfish, & manipulative. The parents are a bit clueless and helpless.
-Borrowed from the library.
As the author related Mary Oliver's younger years of wonder, my eyes welled up with tears as I recalled my childhood when I delighted in God's creation and relished being outside and being in awe of His creativity and beauty. I could also connect with Mary's love for poetry. As a teen, I loved the poets who celebrated creation (but they called it nature and seemed to worship it, not the Creator. Their poetry, however, caused me to worship the heavenly Father.). The author continues to reveal Mary's pursuit of poetry and wonder as she matured and entered retirement age.
Warning/consideration: Mary had a woman, Molly Malone Cook, as a lifelong partner. A couple of pages are dedicated to their relationship. In the timeline at the end of the book it mentions a book she wrote about her love for and her life with Molly.
-Borrowed via ILL
Inky, a Maori octopus, delighted the zoo keepers and visitors in Aquarium of New Zealand with his antics and personality. One night Inky escapes through a drain and is free again!
A fun book which will deepen readers' appreciation for octopuses The author includes some fantastical thoughts Inky may have had. I especially enjoyed reading the additional notes in the back about Inky and octopuses.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
The Greatest Wonder in Egypt
Although I had already read a biography about Lillian Trasher, this biography for kids shared new information about her ministry. Readers will be amazed how God provided daily food and other provisions for Ms. Trasher and her hundreds of children. This book would be a great read aloud and would promote discussions.
Discuss: Lillian's ministry was started and was sustained by faith. She promised payment for food, building materials, and other necessities before she had the money! The Assemblies of God church eventually supported her and was her affiliation.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
How Hans Christian Andersen Became a Swan
Ms. Nickel escorts the reader through Hans Christian Andersen's life as he struggles to utilize his interests and gifts, which differ drastically from society's. This biography focuses on Andersen's perseverance despite being the object of society's ridicule. In her author's note, Ms. Nickel points out that Andersen probably was on the autism spectrum and also may have had Marfan syndrome.
This biography does not focus on his published works. The author and illustrator allude to them. Their focus was on how he endured being different and eventually found hope and success.
The illustrations, low-relief sculptures, are incredible. They enhance the story and express what Andersen may have felt. I think the illustrations are even more powerful than the words!
Although this is a picture book, I think older elementary through high school students would appreciate Andersen's story best.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
A Chinese tall tale based on a real Chinese immigrant
Ah Bing travels from China to work in the U.S. An orchard owner, Seth Lewelling, eagerly hires Ah Bing because of his height. Over time Ah Bing's skills cause the orchard to thrive. When people try to attack Ah Bing and his fellow Chinese friends because of their race, Ah Bing is sad. Planting some cherry seeds, he cries. A giant tear lands on one of the seeds. This seed grows into a Bing cherry tree.
The author's & illustrator's notes about the inspiration for their story and also information about the real Ah Bing are very interesting.
Recipes included.
-Borrowed from the library.
A dog is given a strawberry. This imaginative dog decides he and this strawberry are going to race. Throughout the story the dog narrates his progress vs the strawberry's progress. A surprise and funny ending.
Kids will love hearing this story. A fun read-aloud (especially if the narrator assumes the voice of a broadcaster)
Sort of a fractured Tortoise & the Hare tale
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Based on a true story
To enhance my son's study of the Holocaust, I had our family watch this movie.
During War World II, Stefania, a seventeen-year-old Polish Roman Catholic, hides Jews in two different homes. Not only does she hide them, but she also risks her life by leading them out of the Polish Ghetto, gathers food to feed them, and also secures a job to pay to support all of them. Towards the end of the war, the Nazis take over her home to serve as a house for nurses. As a result, the Jews hide in the attic, right above the Nazis!! Incredible.
My son wasn't overly thrilled with the movie . . .in the first third of it, he commented, "Mom, this isn't a very good movie." When I reminded him it was to expose him to the horrors of the Holocaust and what they endured, he settled down & changed his perspective. By end he said it was good in the sense that it brought this era of history to life.
Warning: The Nazi nurses slept with soldiers-some scenes of intimacy were included-you can easily fast forward these parts. Of course, war violence & senseless cruelty to the Jews.
-Borrowed from the library.
A novel based on Stefania's story has been published: The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron.
I bought this guide to assist discussions with my tenth grader as he read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. It is a great resource. The author includes scripture to study with each chapter.
-I own this book.
I could have read this book in one sitting if I had that leisure. Ms. Evans has created a compelling, interesting, and well-written novel about the life of Sybil Van Antwerp. By reading her letters & emails to various individuals (& some replies) over an eight year period, readers are immersed into her life. Now in her seventies, Sybil lays out the triumphs, tragedies, regrets, pleasures from her life via her correspondences. One letter is continuous throughout the whole book, which she resumes randomly throughout the years. My favorite character was her sweet neighbor, Theodore Lubeck.
This was a bestseller so I should not be surprised to find some aspects of it that do not agree with my beliefs--
Considerations: her brother, Felix, is gay and lives with/marries another man, Stewart-they break up for a period of time because Stewart had formed a friendship with another guy; Sybil moves in with a man at the end of her years; the series, The Outlander is mentioned & that it includes lots of sex & some sexual violence; some/minimal swearing; the author's political leanings are made clear --why can't I find modern novels that support conservative politics?!
For the above reasons I am not "highly recommending" it. The literary value is superb.
-Borrowed from the library.
The author, Ms. Tracy, was a volunteer gardener at Alcatraz. In this handbook she shares fascinating information about the island and its inhabitants. Some chapter titles-"How Did Alcatraz Get Its Name?", "Who Were the Most Famous Prisoners on Alcatraz?", "Did Anyone Ever Escape by Raft?" and many more.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Twelve-year-old Peter and his friends seize the opportunity to remove the Norwegian village's, Riswyk, gold. On their sleds, the children haul down thousands of pounds of gold bullion to board a ship bound for the USA. The German soldiers conclude the kids are just having fun in the snow-sledding and building snowmen. Then the Nazi Commandant almost uncovers the last bit of gold hidden under the snow. Thinking quickly, Peter throws a snowball at the Commandant, which distracts him and saves the gold from being discovered. Peter is taken into Nazi custody. Will he be put to death?
A very exciting book based on true events
*Highly recommend. If I were teaching a WWII unit to 8-14 year-olds, I have them read this book and The Winged Watchman. Boys will especially enjoy both of these books.
-Borrowed from the library.
An adorable series by a beloved author!
Ginger, Piper, & Tom are mice who run a bakery in a little town on Littleton St. Whenever customers request specific orders, the three siblings oblige. At a moment's notice they accomplish incredible feats- baking for 216 rabbit children, pound cakes for an elephant's birthday party, sticky buns for a porcupine's wedding and tarts for owlets who won't sleep.
Perfect length and repetition for beginning readers who are building fluency, stamina, and confidence.
*Highly recommend.
Coming on May 5,2026-Picnic for Giraffes!
Dust is vital to habitats and people all over the world. Starting in Chad, Africa, it travels over the ocean, falls into the ocean, filters down into the Amazon Rainforest, contributing to the vitality of these locations.
Fascinating!
Consideration: mentions global warming in the author's note
Readers will experience through Emily's narration & scrapbook how a mail-order home is built in 1927. It reveals the contrast between a pre-modern way of living to modern.
Very interesting picture book to read when studying this time period.
-Borrowed from the library.
Lavishly illustrated, this version of The Snow Queen will capture the reader's imagination and attention. Kai & Gerda are next door neighbors and best friends. When a piece of an evil troll's powerful mirror enters Kai's eye and heart, he transforms into a selfish, mean boy. Out sledding with the other children, he ventures further and attaches himself to the Snow Queen's sled. She keeps him captive. Everyone in the village concludes he has drowned in the river. Meanwhile, Gerda misses her friend and refuses to believe he has died. Bravely she searches the world until she finds him and restores him to former self.
*Higly recommend. I love the detailed, rich illustrations.
-Borrowed from the library.
As a young lady, Lillian traveled to Atlanta to pursue a job utilizing her ability to draw. When a miscommunication occurs and the job is given to someone else, she follows God's leading to assist a woman at an orphange in North Carolina. Months later she is about to marry a wonderful, godly man. But hearing a presentation about missions, she believes she is being called to be a missionary in Africa. She breaks the engagement and eventually travels to Egypt, with no support from her family (except her sister) or a church. Through complete dependence on the Lord, she starts and runs an orphange (she actually purchases land & builds numerous buildings on it through God's miraculous provision) in Assouit, Egypt. She saves thousands of children! The church that eventually supports her is Assemblies of God.
I was not always impressed with the author's writing & her ogranization. BUT Lillian's incredible story allowed me to adjust and overlook the writing.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
Purple House Press (where I first read about it) has republished this book. What an amazing story and man!
At age fifteen, George became legally blind with a rare form of blindness, fundus flavimaculatus. It destroys the person's central vision. Even with his blindness, he pursued running (set world record for the mile by a blind runner-4:28!) and painting. His vision causes him to view explosive colors, which he paints. This book contains his paintings.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL but I ordered it to own I liked it so much!
I just read online that a screenplay is being developed based on his life.
This past fall I answered a question Janie Cheaney posted at the end of her email newsletter and won this book! She even signed it. 😉😊
These authors write reviews on their blog, Redeemed Reader. Most of their reviews consist of recently published books. It's the place to visit for parents who cannot keep up with their kids' reading (which is all of us, most likely!). Here is a link to their site: Redeemed Reader
This book discusses how to evaluate books via Truth and Story as the foundation. (Truth-found in God's Word, Story-relates to the human condition & how Christ rescues) Focusing on many challenging and compelling topics, the authors require the reader to contemplate their own heart as they read and form opinions about today's books. Organized in five sections (imagination, classics, contemporary issues, ages/stages/genres, & practical application), the book covers a diverse and interesting range of topics. My thinking & views were challenged and also confirmed.
A thoughtfully written book-much needed for this generation of parents
Book lists at the end of each chapter A mega list with titles they recommend concludes the book.
*Highly recommend.
-I happily own this book!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
