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

Escape Across the Wide Sea by Katherine Kirkpatrick

 In 1686 Daniel and his parents flee France. As French Huguenots, they are in danger of death if they do not convert to Catholicism. Not able to secure a boat to England, they find themselves on a slave ship, sailing from France to Africa to the Caribbean, and then finally to New York. Along the way, Daniel develops his views about slavery, endures many difficult situations, and discovers how to impact others' lives.

I like how the readers will begin to comprehend the depth of people's faith by reading this book. Daniel's parents would not compromise their faith. Explicit details how to come to Christ are not included. In the author's note she explains a bit about Calvinism.

Ms. Kirkpatrick immerses the reader into this time period. Readers will understand the Triangular Trade very well after reading this book. Not many historical fiction books have been written about the French Huguenots. I would recommend including this one when studying the 1600-1800s. The chapters are short and exciting-perfect for reluctant readers.

A couple of glossaries are included.

Consider/discuss: the cruelty of slavery is shown in detail

Project Hail Mary-movie*

 My oldest son watched this film in the theater while at college. He mentioned that he would like us to watch it. So we had a rare movie night (we typically only watch one show at a time when we watch together) and all enjoyed this movie.

Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher, becomes involved with the top scientists in the world to save planet Earth. With his degree in microbiology & a paper he wrote years ago, they consider him an asset and the one who can find the "cure" to stop the sun from being eaten. One major problem-the people who are launched into space to find the "cure", will not return to earth. They will die. Dr. Grace does not go willingly. Waking up from an induced coma, he discovers he is the only one on the team alive. Will he be able to survive & save Earth's inhabitants?

Ryan Gosling, who plays Dr. Grace, is incredible. The viewer likes his character immediately. I loved the humor & the likable/admirable characters. My youngest son loved this movie because it was slower paced, and it valued story/plot development & did not depend on non-stop action.

*Highly recommend.

Based on the book by Andy Weir.

We watched via Prime.

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.

A Book of Giants by Ruth Manning-Sanders illustrated by Robin Jacques

 This collection of short stories about giants would have entralled my oldest son when he was in elementary school. Most of the stories center on an unlikely male who outwits terrifying giants. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these clever stories.

Warning: violent, graphic killings-chopping off heads, gouging eyes etc

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Blue Hill Meadows by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Ellen Beier**

 What a lovely collection of stories about the Meadow Family-Sullivan, Eva, Ray, and Willie who live in Blue Hill, VA with their dogs, Lady & Sam. The four stories, one for each season, focus on Willie, a third grader. Over the course of a year, Willie gains two dogs, goes fishing for the day with his father, gets stuck in a blizzard at his teacher's house, and gives his mother the best Mother's Day gift ever.

The illustrations suit the tone of the stories perfectly!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

7 More Men and the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas with Anne Morse*

 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". 

Why I Stand by Jonathan Isaac with AJ Gregory*

 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).

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.

Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan illustrated by Mary Reardon*

 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.

Through the Wall by Alida Sims Malkus*

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

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

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

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Wilder Good #1: The Elk Hunt by S.J. Dahlstrom illustrated by Cliff Wilke

 Wilder Good, twelve years old, eagerly awaits the "old man", Gale Loving, to pick him up for an elk hunt in public land near their hometown,  Cottonwood, Colorado. He begged to take off from school for this hunt and even bragged to his "secret girlfriend" about missing school. Will he bag an elk?

  This book is perfect for reluctant male readers who rather be hunting and enjoying the outdoors than reading. The chapters are short and exciting.

Warnings/discussions: The Bible/church are mentioned briefly. They are not the center of the book's purpose. Wilder swears (the word is not mentioned-just "He swore."). Gale frowns about it. It also mentions Gale swearing silently in his thoughts. Wilder has a crush on Sunny, whom he has "adored" since kindergarten. He loves watching her blonde hair swirl about and how she laughs. He wants to marry her someday! Violence-hunting, killing and butchering the elk-very descriptive-I felt like I was right next to them and smelling it!!

I read about a later book in this series via a World magazine review and was curious. More books like this are needed for reluctant, outdoorsy, junior high boys!

-Borrowed via ILL.