I first heard about this book via Tilly Dillehay & Abigail Dodds's recent podcast.
Two puppets, one yellow, one pink, lie side-by-side wondering how they came into existence. This story reveals how absurd the theory of evolution is.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
Directed by Bille August
6.5 hours- 2026-PBS Distribution
My sixteen-year-old recently read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas for English class. I was thrilled when this mini-series was produced and made available right after he finished reading the novel.
According to my son, the mini-series follows the book's storyline pretty well. Our whole family enjoyed it, especially my husband. The acting, the scenery, the music, the filming-everything was superb. The story lends itself to great discussions.
*Highly recommend for high school & older.
Warnings/discuss: revenge, murder, jealousy, two young ladies seem to be in a romantic relationship (one scene they are caught kissing by another character)-my son said this relationship was hinted at in the book but not so explicit.
-Borrowed from the library.
Two children in North Korea share their separate stories of pain, fear, and torment. Their lives are joined when Myungee saves Yunho from doing something that could place his life in peril. Even though they go separate ways that day, they encounter each other in China, from which they eventually escape to the United States.
This graphic novel reveals the horrors of communism, especially in North Korea and also what refugees must endure.
Although God and His love are given as a source of hope, the book focuses mostly on their lives in North Korea, their escape, and integration into the U.S. Some of the people who help them escape are Christians. It appears from a quick online search that the author is a Christian.
The artwork is powerful and expressive.
*Highly recommend for junior high and older. See warnings.
Warnings/discuss: communism, government torture, cruelty, oppression The artist describes herself as trans nonbinary in her biography on the book jacket. None of her lifestyle choices is promoted or displayed in her artwork for this novel.
-Borrowed from the library.
Oswald Robbins, who wants to be called Wally, is a new kid in the Maple Ridge one room schoolhouse, making the total number of students an odd 21. Judging him from his looks and mannerisms, the students label him as odd and suspicious. When a coveted book goes missing from the brand new school library, Wally is the number one suspect. Fortunately, Logan wants to investigate and makes a new a friend.
I liked this story the best out of the five I have read in this series.
Discuss: judging others, welcoming new & different people to a group, jumping to conclusions
-Borrowed from the library.
Voices from the First Night of the American Revolution
Ms. Thomson unveils various other people, several unnamed, who assist Paul Revere and his ride to warn the colonist that The Regulars (NOT the British, the colonist considered themselves British , so Paul Revere would not have used that word to describe them. The colonists called them The Regulars) were planning to attack. Before each poem, she introduces the person and their connection to the evening. She also indicates the approximate time and date when this person's role occurred. Quotes from the person are included. After the main poetical text, she reveals even more information about each narrator.
I liked how Ms. Henderson illustrated in mostly in hues of blue and in a smudgy style to create a mood of night and not being able to see precisely.
A great book to read when studying this event in history.
A teacher could have their students take a point of time in history, research the individuals involved, and then create poems from their points of view to retell the event. It would be a hefty endeavor (& maybe not realistic?).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
A Field Trip Through Color
When was the word "orange" first mentioned? What is the word's origin? These questions and more will be addressed in this oversized picture book.
I thought its organization was lacking. Initially, the author presents orange's etmology. Then she discusses how to mix red/yellow to make orange. Then art featuring the color orange, fruit that has orange pigmentation, birds with orange markings, International Orange suits, structures that include orange. . . and other random facts. I perceive some subtle transitions but overall, I feel the organization is a bit disjointed/random. Maybe more artistic personalities will appreciate this format. My Type-A personality struggles with it. I, however, still enjoyed the book and the unique facts it presents!
-Borrowed from the library.
Even though it is still fall, the Pryce family begins to "winterize", preparing for winter. Tess observes how frantically the squirrels have been gathering and storing nuts lately and predicts winter is coming soon. The oldest brother Drew scoffs at her conclusion. A blizzard does blast into their town while Drew is in the forest finding firewood. Logan utilizes his newfound knowledge of a homemade compass to find him.
I like how in each book Logan is working on something in his Fix-It Shop. This hobby reinforces the importance of being innovative and being creative and also being a problem-solver.
Consideration/discuss: When Logan's mom asks where Drew is, Logan lies because he doesn't want to ruin Drew's surprise of bringing in a lot of fireword. Drew's job is to find trees, chop them for firewood, and haul the wood back to the house. He had found a huge tree and was excited to surprise the parents with a huge load of firewood. He had told Logan not to tell because he wanted to surprise the family. So once again, lying seems to be almost justified. Good topic to discuss with children-is this wrong? What could Logan had done differently? Logan does not get into trouble for lying in the previous book nor in this book.
-Borrowed from the library.
Ms. Larsen explains that according to the ancient Norse story, our world was created from the enormous frost giant, Ymir, the father of all trolls. Even though trolls are extinct, she claims that you can find parts of them in creation. The bulk of the book is dedicated in sharing how one can trick a troll through old Nordic tales retellings.
Kids will love hearing these short, clever stories. My oldest son would have loved this book as a preschooler/early elementary student!
Considerations/discussions: How was the world truly created, Did trolls ever exist?
-Borrowed from the library.
A Princess, spoiled by her doting father, thinks only of herself and demands that her every desire be fulfilled. Men look at her and fall immediately in love with her. She views no one worthy of herself, of course! One day a Prince proposes to her and lays a casket of pearls at her feet. She overturns the casket, causing pearls to spill all over the floor. The only way she will marry this Prince is if he brings her the Singing Ringing Tree. He travels many miles and discovers the tree. An ugly Dwarf guards the tree. He allows the Prince to take the tree. But if the Princess refuses to marry him, they must return to him under his power and in whatever form he selects. The Princess refuses. . . .
I did not enjoy the style of the illustrations.
This legend has its roots in Germany & Slavic folk and fairy tales.
-Borrowed via ILL.
After skipping stones across Juniper Creek with his sister Tess and best friend Anthony, Logan calls his dog Skeeter to come home as the sun sets. Skeeter, however, remains in the dark woods. The three children enter it to convince Skeeter to obey. He is sitting at the base of a tree and peering upwards. A flash of white at the treetops causes the leaves to shake. Instantly, whatever it was disappears. The children think it is a ghost. Over the next couple of days the children hear about the ghost legend of Juniper Creek. Logan decides to create and to set a ghost trap.
A second storyline is included. An astute thinker will perceive quickly how these two storylines mesh.
I think the illustrations in this series are adorable. This book's ending is humorous.
Considerations/discuss: ghosts The conclusion is that they are not real. When Logan's little sister, Annie, asks what he is making, he lies. He doesn't want her to know it is a ghost trap and be scared. The author calls it a "fib", almost making it seem benign. Good discussion-is it ok to lie like this?
-Borrowed from the library.
When Logan's father travels to the city of Sherman, Logan is chosen to come along and spend the day with his cousins. Initially, he is enamoured with the city's energy and sights. However, as the day progresses, he realizes the rural life might be better.
A great chapter book for transitional readers who are developing stamina for chapter books
Consideration: one of the characters says "gosh"
-Borrowed from the library.
I own Tomie dePaola's version of this legend.
The giant Finn MacCoul lives with his wife Oonagh on Knockmany Hill. As a chieftan of the Fianna, the Irish people respect him. While building a bridge to Scotland, Finn encounters a fierce Scots giant, Cucullin. Cucullin's plan is to "make paste of" Finn. Thankfully, Oonagh creates a clever plan to subdue Cucullin.
I love the big vibrant the illustrations.
Read also Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie dePaola to compare.
Consideration: Fairies and magic are the source of strength and aid in this story.
-Borrowed from the library.
Junior and his family sell their farm after a devastating flood to live in the city where more reliable jobs are available. As Junior adjusts to city life, his new friends introduce him to a library in the woods where Blacks are welcome.
A great book to share with kids while studying the segregated South in the 1950s & 1960s.
This fictional story is based on a real library in Roxboro, NC, that the author frequented during his childhood. I found the author's note especially interesting.
Discussion: segregation, illiteracy
-Borrowed from the library.
Logan's teacher of Maple Ridge's one-room schoolhouse asks each student to contribute to the building fund so they can repair many issues that are popping up. Unfortunately, Logan lies to his family by saying he is going to contribute from the money he has saved in his piggy bank. He has no money. So when he finds a broken wheel along the road, he decides to repair it to sell it and give the money to the school. Eventually he confesses to his father that he had lied.
This book is perfect for new readers who are transitioning into chapter books & building stamina. Plenty of illustrations per page. I like that it features a boy main character within the historical fiction genre. So many historical fiction books for kids feature girls.
Considerations: Logan lies. But his father reprimands him. Lying is not condoned. Readers see the consequences of this sin through Logan. Throughout the book the word "lucky" is mentioned. "lucky wheel", "lucky day". Logan seems to think luck is what brings good events into his life.
Part of a series-more reviews of the other books forthcoming.
-Borrowed from the library.
I am currently reading aloud to my teen son a biography about John Newton. One of the co-authors is Craig Borlase. I liked his writing style so much I looked up other books he wrote. This memoir is one of his books.
Esther invites the reader to experience her life as devote follower of Islam. In her attempts to achieve eternal security through Islam, she finds Christ. Even though she experiences physical and mental abuse from her family, she pursues Christ and His truth, trying to share His eternal salvation with them & many others.
A very exciting yet thought-provoking book It made me evaluate ways I lack faith and am apathetic in my devotion to Christ.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL (this book is on my list to buy)
It all began with kittens. Lucas, an orphan who resides in an abbey in German-occupied Lamorlaye, France, rescues kittens before two boys can drown them. Sequestering them in an abandoned stable, Lucas resolves to feed them & keep them alive. Then Alice barges into his secret. She has a secret too- A horse the Nazis think is dead. As the two form a friendship, they do not realize that soon they would be rescusing a baby boy who was "bred" to be a Nazi.
A fascinating, fast-paced novel about WWII I had not remembered or known about the Germans setting up Lebensborns, institutions that housed pregnant women who were about to give birth to "racially valuable" babies. As a mom, I did not like where Lucas goes at the end.
I liked how Ms. Pennypacker clearly stated what was fictional and what was actual after the novel ended.
Considerations: Although this book is caterogized as "middle grade", I would recommend it for junior high or older because of the nature of Lebensborns. Violence during Nazi raids, bullies, Nazis & WWII, God's name used in vain a few times
A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear, Who Invented Nonsense
An interesting picture book biography Mr. Hill reveals Lear's unique childhood (#20 child in his family!, raised by his oldest sister, his bouts of epilepsy) and how he later connects with children and writes his nonsense verses.
I did not care for the illustrations. I, however, loved Lear's illustrations of animals. He was an amazing artist.
Considerations: It mentions he wanted to marry but felt "traditional marriage seemed like ill-fitting shoes: 'Far too tight" & that some of his poems are about unconventional unions. Lear's companion for sixteen years ended up being a cat named Foss. Six months after Foss dies, Lear passes away.
Another great anthology of short biographies about amazing men: Martin Luther, George Whitefield, George Washington Carver, General William Booth, Sergeant Alvin York, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and Billy Graham. Although the purpose of the book is to focus on their faith and their extraordinary lives, Mr. Metaxas also points out their failures and shortcomings.
A perfect book to share with a teen and young adult
Considerations: Luther said some nasty things about Jews, Muslims, and Anabaptists, Booth's wife believed women could preach, which Mr. Booth supported.
*Highly recommend.
-I borrowed this book from the library but ended buying it because I wantedto share these stories with my sons and friends. I own the two previous books he wrote in this "series".
In the Scottish village, Kirkcudbright, artists thrive. One artist, Campbell instigates arguements. Many residents would not mind if he died. When he is found dead, five male artists are the prime suspects. Lord Peter Wimsey assists the local police in establishing a time line and probable events. As he interviews the artists, he figures out which one is not the red herring.
I read this aloud to my sixteen-year-old. He did not like it. I agree with him. I did not like it as much as Sayer's other novels. It was too complicated for a read aloud (lots of train tables). Maybe it would be better to read independently??
Since we had stayed in Scotland for over week, I thought it would be fun to revisit Scotland via a book.
Consideration: swearing (easy to skip when reading aloud), heated agruments about a possible affair-an affair was not occurring, drinking-some of the men become drunk
-I own this book but may not keep it.
Naima is the best alpana creator in her village in Bangladesh. When she ruins her father's rickshaw, she seeks out a way to earn money to repair it. Problem is, girls and women do not have many opportunities to be employed. Is she willing to challenge tradition and custom?
Ms. Perkins's parents are from Bangladesh. I loved this story because of its culturally-rich experience. A short chapter book
-Borrowed from the library.
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!
