The Crystal Tree by Jennie D. Lindquist illustrated by Mary Chalmers

 This book is #3 in a trilogy. I had to read it before #1 & #2 because of its ILL due date.

Nancy anticipates moving into the little silver house with her parents in May. The book, however, begins in February. From February through May, Nancy, her friends, and adults in her community assist her in discovering more information about the little silver house and its previous owners. Mysteries abound. Through letter writing and inquiring of adults in the area, Nancy and her friends discover interesting stories and piece together the tidbits for a delightful story.

Some inclusions that I liked-Alex can't walk and is confined to a wheelchair. He is not defined by his handicap. Nancy & Alex are homeschooled-before this method of schooling was popular.

I loved learning about the Swedish culture through the grandmother. 

As I read this book, I pondered if children living now would appreciate this book. It does not address serious issues (except Alex has a back surgery, from which he could die.). Everything works out perfectly/predictably. Everyone is kind and good. The character development is somewhat flat. I enjoyed the story but am not sure how children born in this era will respond to it. Stories have changed. Our expectations have been trained to what is being published now. 

This book is  priced at $999.99 or $498 on Amazon! 

-Borrowed via ILL

The Sky Was My Blanket by Uri Shulevitz*

 Mr. Shulevitz shares his uncle's story as he travels across Europe before and during WWII. At the age of fifteen and a half, he leaves his home in Poland and traverses many countries, living with other Jews, working, and learning. Readers will be amazed how he endured difficulties beyond our modern comprehension. 

The chapters are short. The sentences are short and to the point also. 

This book was Mr. Shulevitz's last one.

*Highly recommend.

Discuss: What was Yehiel Szulewicz's worldview? What did he believe about God? 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Princess and the Grain of Rice by Tina Cho illustrated by Honee Jang

 Jeongsoon dreams of becoming a princess so she can offer food to the hungry children in her village. When she is invited to compete in the Princess Challenge, she dashes off to the palace. The girls must participate in three challenges-Manners Test, Wisdom Test, & the Sleep Test. Although Jeongsoon is nervous and fumbles through some portions of the test, she passes all of them and becomes the next princess of Korea.

The author based the princess on an actual Korean princess and incorporated Korean Joseon culture.

I loved the vivid illustrations and how the reader will be exposed to Korean culture and history. The story was a bit simplistic (but very sweet).

-Borrowed from the library.

The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation by Kevin DeYoung**

 Our children's ministry pastor gave this booklet to all of his volunteers to read. It's a simple yet powerful book. Although it took me less than twenty minutes to read, it has given me hours of wisdom to ponder and given me a guide that will last a lifetime.

To reach the next generation, Mr. DeYoung advises to : grab them with passion, win them with love, hold them with holiness, challenge them with truth, and amaze them with God. He fleshes out each of these points, challenging the reader to evaluate his/her life based on their love & pursuit of God.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-I own this booklet.

Tales from Maple Ridge #1 Logan Pryce Makes a Mess by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown*

 I read the first book in this series last! (because of its availability via the library) I like this one the best.

Because their family farm is failing, Logan's father is searching for work. Before he interviews in the city of Sherman, he agrees to help the Mayberrys at their general store. To Logan's delight, his father & Mrs. Mayberry agree to allow him to help unpack orders. He will earn a dollar! When he shelves someone's order by accident, he fears he will cause his father to lose his job.

I love how Logan has a "Fix-It" shop where he invents and also love how the family is supportive of each other.

Perfect for beginning/transitional readers who are building stamina in their reading---short chapters with lots of picture support.

Consideration: Logan's friend Anthony says "Gosh".

*Highly recommend (I don't "highly recommend" all the books in the series. But even those are good books-just up to parent about some topics I mention).

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

 I don't know how I feel about this book.

I was looking for suspenseful, engaging classics. After searching online, this one caught my attention. I had never heard of it.

 Ms. Lindsay certainly kept me engaged until the last word. I also appreciated her style of writing. I am not sure if I liked the ending . . . none of the questions are answered. It makes me wonder what was the point of of some the details and the paths to inferences. 

On February 14, 1900 a group of girls from an Australian boarding school head off to Hanging Rock for a picnic. The girls are anticipating a day without restrictions. Four girls decide to hike into the bush. A teacher follows them. One girl who was with them returns- running and screaming but unable to utter what she witnessed. Days later one of the missing girls is found unconscious. After she recovers, she does not remember what occurred on that fateful day. The other two girls and the teacher never return or are ever found. What happened to them? More deaths ensue.

Very intriguing and suspenseful.

The author had written a last chapter revealing what happened to the girls. Her publisher, however, told her to remove it. The "missing" last chapter is available to purchase.

Considerations/Discuss: anger, deaths, suicide, murder

 

Night of the Moonjellies by Mark Shasha*

 Another book recommended by Abigail Dodds on the Home Fires podcast

Mark recounts a summer day helping his grandmother and extended family at their seaside food stand. After they close the stand for the day, his grandmother takes him on night boat ride for an encounter with moonjellies.

Based on a true event from the author's childhood

I love the depiction of a family working hard together. The word choice & incorporation of the senses immerse the reader into this seaside, summer day. 

I would have loved more pages/words spent on the moonjelly encounter. When I started reading the book, I thought I would be experiencing an extended interaction with Mark and the moonjellies. Instead it was one page.

The pastel illustrations are not my preference.

*Highly recommend for the robust depiction of family working together and celebration of the ordinary.

-Borrowed via ILL. However, initially no libraries in my state were fulfilling my request. So I pre-ordered it (Purple House Press is republishing it). The day I pre-ordered it, I found out a library had shipped it to my library. So I read a library copy. After June 1st I will own it.

Yellow & Pink by William Steig*

 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.

PBS-Masterpiece-The Count of Monte Cristo*

 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.

The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho illustrated by Deb JJ Lee*

 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.

Tales from Maple Ridge #6 The New Kid by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown

 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.

When Paul Revere Rode by Sarah L. Thomson illustrated by Nik Henderson*

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.

This Is Orange by Rachel Poliquin illustrated Julie Morstad

 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.

Tales from Maple Ridge #5 Lost in the Blizzard by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown

 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.

Seven Ways to Trick a Troll by Lise Lunge-Larsen illustrated by Kari Vick

 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.

The Singing Ringing Tree retold by Selina Hastings illustrated by Louise Brierley

 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.

Tales from Maple Ridge #4 The Ghost of Juniper Creek by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown

 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.

Tales from Maple Ridge #3 The Big City

 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.

Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife A Giant Tale of a Tale from Ireland by Robert Byrd

 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.

The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

 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.

Tales from Maple Ridge No. 2 The Lucky Wheel by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown

 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.

Defying Jihad by Esther Ahmad with Craig Borlase**

 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)