Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman

 After her parents died, Matilda is a ward of Lord Randall's manor where Father Leufredus mentors her and educates her. Father Leufredus, however, drops her off with Peg the Bonesetter when he leaves for London. Matilda does not belong here in the filth and with uneducated people. She knows Latin. She knows how to pray. She knows the saints and their accomplishments. She does not know how to start a fire. She does not know how to shop for fish. She does not know how to make breakfast. 

Readers learn with Matilda the role of a Bonesetter, medicine and medical beliefs, and how the common class fared in the medieval era.

An engaging story   A great one to include when studying medieval era. 

Discuss: Matilda prays to the saints often. She believes that is how she receives spiritual answers. 

The Forgotten War by Candace Fleming*

 Ms. Fleming's father served as a litter-bearer during WW II on the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.With reluctance, he divulged bits of information to Ms. Fleming about his time in service. He died when she was fourteen-years-old. Decades later she pieces together his tidbits with research to share this narrative about WW II that was fought on American soil.

I liked how she incorporated views from the Japanese who were fighting against the Americans on these islands. Although this account is nonfiction, it is very engaging and reads like a narrative. I cannot comprehend how these men endured--the fog, the cold, the isolation. Read to find out why the public did not even know about these battles!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Cadmus Henry by Walter D. Edmonds*

 I have not read many books about the Civil War from the south's perspective, so I enjoyed reading this book. Although, by the end of the book, the reader can infer Cadmus might be swayed by the north's viewpoint.

Cadmus longs to join Peninsular Campaign with General John Bankhead Magruder against General George B. McClellan. Because he is too young, he serves as a volunteer aide- a clerk. After weeks of sitting at a desk, when an opportunity arises to scout and map out the north's position, he seizes it, not realizing he will be scouting from a hot air balloon! Adventures ensue!

I really liked reading about the Civil War from a young man's perspective. The author highlights many issues and points but in an engaging narrative.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Caminar by Skila Brown

 Carlos lives in Guatemala during the 1980s where the government army is attacking villages to prevent them from joining the rebels/guerillas. As the army creeps closer to his village, he believes he is old enough to defend his mother and village. His mother, however, tells him to hide in the jungle. He is obedient. He climbs a tree and clings there all night. The next morning he hears the rebels traversing the jungle. When he approaches them, he discovers that his village has been wiped out by the army. Guilt weighs his soul. Then a chance to redeem himself arises.

A novel in verse

I read this book in one sitting. I did not learn much about the actual civil war in Guatemala but more about how the country people must felt enduring this turmoil. I loved the variety of poems Ms. Brown incorporated.

-Borrowed via ILL

The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner

 Finn kicked over a gravestone. He is failing seventh grade. Instead of having to pay for the headstone, the daughter of the deceased, requires Finn to hike the 46 Adirondack peaks with the deceased's dog. To pass seventh grade, he must compose poems about a hero.

As he hikes and writes poems to describe the hikes and his dad, a local hero who died, Finn discovers more about himself and his father.

A family member recently made it his goal to hike the 46 peaks in the Adirondacks. As a result, I was especially curious to read about the different peaks. Ms. Messner is a 46er, so she writes with authority about the hikes.

Discuss- alcoholism, death, lying, vandalism, 9/11, covid

-Borrowed from the library.

Book #1-The Roman Britain Trilogy The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff*

 After Marcus is injured & can no longer serve in the Roman military, he travels to northern Scotland to seek out what happened to the Ninth Legion, the one his father led. The Ninth Legion, four thousand men, simply disappeared. Marcus also hopes to recover the eagle standard. With his former slave Esca, he enters the unknown and experiences an adventure of a lifetime!

Ms. Sutcliff immerses the reader into this time period and bonds them with Marcus, Esca, and Marcus's uncle, Aquila. I like her writing style and word choice.

Some facts were not correct-Romans giving "thumbs up" & "thumbs down" in the manner we do today & salting the fields in Britain. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book plus the other two in this series.

The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela by Uri Shulevitz*

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.

Walter Dragun's Town-Crafts & Trade in the Middle Ages by Sheila Sancha*

 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.

Just William by Richmal Crompton illustrated by Thomas Henry

 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.

The True Ugly Duckling by Sandra Nickel illustrated by Calvin Nicholls*

 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.

Lady on a Donkey by Beth Prim Howell*

 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.

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.

Impossible Creatures Book Two: The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie*

 To his delight, Christopher Forrester is summoned back to Glimouria Archipelago. Dragons are dying. He is needed to determine the cause.

Anya Arden, the princess of Dousha, is devastated when her grandfather dies. When her father is accused of murdering him, Anya begins to investigate. Soon she is banished from the castle.

She and Christopher join forces to decipher how to prevent the evil and the hatred seeping into the archipelago. Unusual creatures assist them ( The Guardian's Bestiary in the book is very helpful!).

An exciting fantasy book-the chapters are short. A reader could devour this book in one sitting! I like how Anya deals with her hatred and her desire for revenge (she realizes how detrimental they are)

*Highly recommend for 5th grade and older.

Considerations: feelings of hatred and desires to avenge, violence-some descriptive, the girl has center-stage for being fierce; the boy is more the supportive role, a man and woman share a kiss (very sweet)

-Borrowed from the library.

Snails & Monkey Tails by Michael Arndt*

 A Visual Guide to Punctuation & Symbols

My friend had this title on her recommended book list. I thought it looked intriguing.

It is fascinating! The author orients the reader to each punctuation's history/origins and how to use it properly. The graphics are stunning. Unfortunately, because I read this right before falling asleep, I did not retain any of the information. This book would be fun to incorporate into late elementary through high school grammar lessons.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Olivetti by Allie Millington

 Our main narrator is Olivetti, a typewriter. He holds all of Beatrice's memories, which she typed years ago before Everything That Happened. The other narrator, Ernest, is one of Beatrice's children. 

One morning Beatrice goes missing. The family has already endured a trial (it isn't revealed until the middle-to the end of the book). Can the disjointed family unit to find their mother? It may take a talking typewriter, dumpster-diving new friend, Quinn, a maintainence man, and a librarian to connect the family and rescue Beatrice.

A book full of heavy topics  A mom running away from her family did not sit well with me. A talking typewriter adds some levity. I liked that the main charater is a boy. A rare occurrence these days in middle grade novels! I also loved how before she was sick Beatrice used to encourage reading, writing, and imagination (& going to the library!).

Consider/discuss: parent abandonment, Spoiler alert- cancer (Beatrice endured three years of treatment. The cancer has returned. It is why she ran away), Was she trying to commit suicide on the rock? I don't think so, but it may make some readers infer that or bring up a discussion about suicide, Ernest lies, skips school, and steals

Isn't the cover beautiful?!-

Radar and the Raft by Jeff Lantos*

 World magazine listed this book as an honorable mention in children's nonfiction for their "books of the year". 

What an incredible book. Mr. Lantos must be very intelligent man and a tenacious researcher and writer.

In alternating chapters, Mr. Lantos gives the history of radar, starting with Luigi Galvani in the 1700s, and then the story of missionary Mrs. Bell and her two children surviving on a raft after their ship had been torpedoed in 1942. Children who are fascinated by how things work will be enthralled as they read the "scientific" chapters. I was a bit out of my element reading them!! 

An inspiring story how people's ingenuity and hard work affects generations to come. 

Mr. Lantos treats Mrs. Bell's faith with respect. As a Christian, I felt like he presented her in a favorable manner.

Considerations/Discuss: some swearing (sailors), evolution given credit to shark's built-in signal detector, peril at sea/on the raft/selfishness

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh*

 Since her dad is a Marine, Jody has lived in several places. Relocating to Pearl Harbor in 1940 was just another move, wasn't it? Then why is her mom reluctant to transfer and seems to live in fear? Thankfully, Jody has Happy, her mixed breed huge dog, to help her adjust and find "happiness" despite the uneasiness at home. Then her mom's fears are realized when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. Jody, her mom, and her sister are evacuated to the mainland. Their mom sinks into depression. Her older sister is assaulted. Can Jody be the leader her dad asks her to be in his absence?

I liked learning about Pearl Harbor from a survivor's point of view.

Some chapters are from Happy's point of view. Although a Christian publisher (Zonderkidz) published this book, God is not mentioned. I think the phrase "after church" was mentioned and a "Oh, thank, Jesus" was included.

Considerations/Discuss: WWII, Pearl Harbor, Japanese American camps, mental illness, parent abandonment, Jody's older sister is assaulted by a man 

Based on the memoir, The Children of Battleship Row, by Joan Zuber Earle.  

*Highly recommend for 5th grader and older. (although the cover makes it seem like it is for a younger crowd)

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie*

 Two places where I find book recommendations (Read Aloud Revival and Redeemed Reader) "spoke" highly about this book in their reviews. Fantasy is not my favorite genre, so I would not have selected this book to read. While I was reading it, our latest World magazine arrived, which also recommended it!

It is a book about friendship, love, hope, and sacrifice. Although I did not relish the fantastical creatures and world, I loved the characters and how they chose to live.

Christopher Forrester is to spend the holiday with his grandfather in Scotland, a man he has not seen in years. His grandfather gives him permission to explore his land except he is not to go near the top of the hill. Christopher goes to the top of the hill.  Soon he finds himself transported to a magical world, The Archipelago. He discovers he is The Guardian between the two worlds.

Mal lives with her aunt. A cloak given to her enables her to fly. When a man enters their home and murders her aunt, Mal flees and encounters Christopther. Together they diagnosis the sickness invading The Archipelago and sail the seas to cure it, no matter the sacrifice.

Although this book is tense, Ms. Rundell throws in humor just when it is needed.

Abundant black and white illustrations (not my taste in art, though). The Guardian's Bestiary is included in the back, referencing all creatures mentioned throughout the story.

*Highly recommend.

**On September 11, 2025 book #2 will be available!

-Borrowed from the library.

Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte*

Award-winner 

1805 Martha's Vineyard-

Mary Lambert is deaf. She is comfortable within her community on Martha's Vineyard, where many people are deaf. Those who are not deaf speak with signs too. Then a young man from Boston arrives to discover the "cause" of the community's prevalent deafness. As Mary watches him, she realizes he views their deafness as an illness and treats them as lesser individuals. Mary reads his notes/letters and discovers he will be bringing dirt and water samples from the island plus a live specimen. She wonders what a live specimen is. Unfortunately, she finds out! A life of horror and confusion awaits her.

A fascinating piece of history I had never encountered before reading this book. 

Book #1 of a trilogy

The author's biography has a misspelling, which annoyed me.

*Highly recommend but  discuss----

Points to Discuss: deafness, treatment of Wampanoag and freedmen, prejudices,  kidnapping, physical abuse, Mary's hearing brother died (before this book takes place) and her mother is treating Mary unkindly in response to it (Mary thinks his death is her fault)

-Borrowed from the library

What Makes a Bruegel a Bruegel? by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Richard Muhlberger**

 A short biography about Pieter Bruegle the Elder begins this informative, interesting book. The rest of the pages feature several of his paintings, analyzing them and sharing their back stories.

**Highly, highly recommend. Other artists are included in this series.

-Borrowed from the library.