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. 

Big Enough by Regina Linke**

 When Ah-Fu's grandfather asks him to bring the ox home, Ah-Fu's confidence dwindles as various creatures instruct what he should not do as he bring the ox home. The ox is a gentle creature and assists Ah-Fu to gain confidence.

A feast for the eyes-the reader will linger on each page. The artwork is beautiful and offers unique perspectives. 

A book that celebrates imagination

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

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.

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.

The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker art by Jon Klassen*

 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

Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins illustrated by Jamie Hogan

 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.

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

 Award winner-Newbery Honor-2026

Clare the fox died but is undead. He resides in Deadwood Forest and ushers dead creatures into the Afterlife. The Afterlife reveals to him which place each creature is to enter: Peace, Progress, Pleasure, or Pain. For six years he has maintained a productive mushroom garden, devoured interesting books, cared for his cottage, and of course, ushered souls into their deserved afterlife realm. Then a badger named Gingersnipes knocks on his cottage door, and his predictable life is upheaved. 

This book is well-crafted-characters, plot, setting, word choice. I loved reading it and especially appreciated Clare and Gingersnipes.

Considerations: worldview about the afterlife, Afterlife is treated as a supreme being, most souls are considered "good", karma is mentioned, where creatures go is based on how they have lived/view themselves

NCIS Origins**DVDS

 This series reveals how Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Mike Franks form a friendship  when NCIS was just NIS in the 1990s. The 1st episode begins with elderly Gibbs reflecting on his early years as a marine and how he joined NIS. He narrates and then the "younger versions" of himself and his team come into focus and unfold the story. 

We love this series. With depth and character development, the show is a rarity "these days". Although each episode focuses on a naval murder case, it has flashbacks providing the backstory of the team members. I cannot really express how well-written and well-produced this show is. The acting is superb also. This show displays flawed humanity and its desire to find meaning in life and to find justice.

Viewers who like constant action with little character development may not appreciate this show.

**Highly, highly recommend for older teens & adults.

Warnings/considerations: violence-war, murder-sometimes graphic, snippers/revenge, Gibbs's wife & daughter are murdered, murdering is portrayed/reasoned as ok in some situations; Tish, Franks's girlfriend was raped-it is alluded to-not depicted; Franks & Tish live together, unmarried; Franks smokes a lot; drinking to unwind; death of beloved people; cursing; during the last episode the viewer can infer Wheeler is participating in a homosexual relationship w/ a FBI agent-he vows to stop, restore his marriage, & not lie anymore

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever-DVD**

 My sister-in-law recommended this movie to me (the 2024 one).

When my boys were younger, I would read aloud this short book to them at Christmas. This movie production adheres to the story and even enhances and illuminates the theme. 

The acting, the music, and scenery is superb.

I loved how the producers share what each Herdman is "currently doing" during the credits. Very creative! Lauren Graham, from Gilmore Girls, is the adult Beth narrating as she remembers this specific pageant.

Considerations: If you have read the story, you know that the Herdmans are awful-fight, cuss, smoke cigars. No swear words are uttered. Taking God's name in vain is audible. 

**Highly, highly recommend. It caused me to focus on Christ and how He came for us all-while we were yet sinners. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin illustrated by Barbara McClintock*

 In her book Glad and Golden Hours Lanier Ivester mentions books by Kate Douglas Wiggin several times. I then realized that I had never read this classic by her (nor any books by her)!

This book is a delight. Spinster aunts, Miranda and Jane Sawyer, agree to host one of their sister's children. They are hoping for Hannah. Rebecca, however, arrives at their doorstep with an imagination and a zest for life. Soon the town embraces her. Aunt Miranda continues to be harsh and strict. Despite this treatment, Rebecca flourishes and becomes a source of pride. 

This book was published before Anne of Green Gables but does not receive as much recognition. I still like Anne better but this book is at the top of my "favorite classic list". Anne contains more drama, a meatier plot, and more flowery writing. I feel like by the end of these novels, readers know Anne better than they know Rebecca (plus there are more books about Anne than Rebecca). 

I especially like this edition with illustrations by Barbara McClintock (one of my favorite illustrators). If I ever see this edition in a bookstore, I will most likely want to buy it!

*Highly recommend. I think every preteen and teen girl would benefit from reading this novel! 😉

-Borrowed from the library.

Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger

 A cranky bird, Otto, could care less about life and often mutters, "What's the point?".  When he drops a seed on his dirty floor, a tree begins to grow. Each day he tells the tree a story about his marvelous adventures in his younger years. A transformation begins-in Otto and in his home.

I did not find the illustrations appealing.

-Borrowed from the library.

Miss Prim Goes Wild by Katy Rose illustrated by Thai My Phuong*

 Miss Prim is an organized, serious, predictable --well. ..  a prim lady. She especially looks for problems in nature and properly trims or disposes of them. When she hurts her back, she gains perspective on life and changes her opinion about nature.

I loved witnessing the character transformation as the book progressed. Alliteration and excellent word choice abound. The illustrations tell just as much of Miss Prim's story as the words. 

Pair with A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie & Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Old School by Gordon Korman

 I loved reading about Dexter Foreman, homeschooled by his grandmother and her elderly friends at The Pines retirement village. Because she has not filed any paperwork all of these years, a truancy officer arrives and requires Dexter to attend Wolf's Eye Middle School as a seventh grader. Initially Dexter hates it there. The building is falling apart (He cannot resist fixing things, even a collapsed step.); the kids' education is inferior. Then his wish comes-he is expelled from the school. Suddenly he is a celebrity. The kids, who prior would not interact with him, demand he returns. Chaos abounds at Wolf's Eye Middle School. Will Dexter choose to stay home or return to public school?

I loved Dexter's elderly friends and how they taught him with excellence. I also loved how the author forms friendships with unlikely ages-the elderly and the middle schoolers.  The author points out the quality education Dexter received at "home" but also emphasizes the importance of Dexter being with kids his own age. 

The chapters are told from many different perspectives. The perspectives are repeated throughout the story.

Considerations: middle school drama, catty, petty middle school behavior/friendships,  Dexter's only friend from his childhood who is his age, shows up, looking very pretty-he notices, discuss homeschool vs. public school,an elderly friend passes away, the ending is a bit dramatic and not quite credible

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

 Two different years- 2017 & 2019

Two different characters-Mukesh, an elderly widower who grieves over his wife constantly, and Aleisha, a seventeen-year-old who feels trapped in her own home with her mentally-ill mother

What joins these two characters together? A library and books 

Aleisha works at the local library in Wembly, London. She dreads her job until she finds The List. Someone had taken the time to write a list of books to read with the welcoming introduction, "Just in case you need it . . ." As Aleisha reads through these novels, she finds peace and companionship. She also develops friendship with Mukesh as she suggests these books to him and then follows up with discussion. An unlikely friendship develops.

This story was compelling and realistic. I found reading about a main character with an African Hindu background interesting. I also liked the ending. I reread the prologue after I finished. It made more sense then. My favorite character was Mukesh. One character left me feeling so sad and wishing he could have been saved from his turmoil.

What was on "The Reading List"? To Kill a Mockingbird, Rebecca, The Kite Runner, Life of Pi, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Beloved, and A Suitable Boy.

Considerations: some swearing (including "f"), Aleisha gives someone the middle finger, underage drinking & drug use, a main character's family member commits suicide during the story, mental-illness

I would like to read Ms. Adams's newest novel, The Twilight Garden. It seems like another novel that focuses on relationships.

-Borrowed from the library.

Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes*

 Redeemed Reader reviewed this book and gave it a starred review.

Even though the Emancipation Proclamation freed Will's family, they still do not own their land as they spend their days as sharecroppers. When Will's father brings home a pamphlet announcing the opportunity for free land in OK, the family decides to leave Texas for Oklahoma. During the arduous journey, Will's relationship with his reticent father transforms. Fending off thieves, facing  racism, fending off rattlesnakes, eduring long, boring days and befriending a former Union soldier (Caesar), Will becomes a young man with his own identity.

An exciting coming-of-age story  This engaging historical fiction novel brings the Oklahoma Land Rush to life. Highly recommend having your children read it when studying this period of history

Finally, a historical fiction with a male main character which will appeal to boys. So many historical fiction books target girls!

Warnings/discussion for sensitive readers or younger readers: racism, violence-Western fist fights and gun battles, When Will stakes out his family's land, he encounters a group of men who want to steal his plot from him. Will threatens to kill them with Caesar's Colt and realizes that he is capable of killing another man, which goes against his father's principles. He grapples with this person he is becoming.

*Highly recommend for grades 4 and older.

-Borrowed from the library.

Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz

 Caldecott Medal winner-2025

I borrowed and read this book since it won the Caldecott.

Sissy's two-year-old brother, Chooch, loves to "help" everyone in their Native American community. As she observes his disastrous help, Sissy becomes frustrated and irritated until she loses her temper with him and gets into trouble. Chooch helps. This time he really does help! 

A realistic and sweet portrayal of family life  I liked how the author included the pronunciation for the Cherokee words she incorporated into the text. The glossary in the back defines them.

The author and illustrator are both citizens of the Cherokee Nation. The author's and the artist's notes are interesting. Directions how to create a pinch pot are included.

-Borrowed from the library.

Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence illustrated by Astrid Sheckels*

 Lydia Green loves residing in Mulberry Glen with a unique family- a philosopher, a fairy, and twins, Zamilla and Zale. In town she overhears a man share the story of the Darkness that pervades the area.  When she relates the legend  and how to destroy the Darkness to the twins, the rambunctious pair, known as the Zs, leaves the Glen, thinking they can shatter it. Knowing that they will listen to her, Lydia pursues them before the Darkness can Take them. Along the way, Lydia befriends admirable individuals and learns that growing up can be a wonderful aspect to life!

I loved the characters and the setting-both were well-developed. The plot reminded me a bit of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. 

*Highly recomemnd.

-Borrowed from the library.

When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman

 I read this novel in less than twenty-four hours! It is a compelling read.

Ms. Hoffman imagines what Anne Frank's life may have been before her father hid her and the family in the secret annex. Readers experience with Anne the gradual loss of freedom in the Netherlands as the Nazi assume more control. Throughout it all Anne keeps trying to cling to the good in people and in life and concludes love is the one thing they cannot take away. The book ends with Anne entering their secret room.

I felt the writing was a bit repetitive. Throughout the novel, I thought, "Yes, this idea or this phrase was already mentioned and expounded upon. Let's have a new thought or point."

Discuss: WWII and its atrocities, hope vs courage (towards the end the characters do not hope but try to have courage), Anne begins a romantic relationship w/ a young man at age twelve (they only hold hands), following a set of rules or having absolutes was regarded as not a good way to conduct life, instead-being you and whatever your heart desires is what is true.

Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo

 A young girl moves into an apartment in a new city with her mom. Since she is reluctant to interact with new people, her patient mom decides to adopt a dog. This dog, Millie, is outgoing and friendly. Millie leads the young girl to her first friend.

A sweet book! The end pages help tell the story.

-Borrowed from the library.

I,Vivaldi by Janice Shefelman illustrated by Tom Shefelman*

 My oldest son is learning to play Winter by Vivaldi on piano and would like to learn the rest of The Four Seasons. I was curious about this composer.

This picture book's captivating narrative and its sweeping illustrations enthralled me. Little is known about Vivaldi. Mrs. Shefelman utilizes the few facts known about him to create an excellent story. She explains after the story which incidents were true.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.