Magic in the Margins by W. Nikola-Lisa illustrated by Bonnie Christensen

 Simon, an orphan, is living in a monastery and longs to  draw pictures for the manuscripts. Under Brother William's guidance, Simon learns about the various tasks in a scriptorium. When Brother William inquires about Simon illustrating the illuminated manuscripts, Father Anselm concedes IF Simon proves to have the ability to capture mice. Simon slowly solves Father Anselm's riddle and experiences the joy of drawing!

I liked the writing and the storyline, but the illustrations did not appeal to my preference.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Across a Dark and Wild Sea written & illustrated by Don Brown Calligraphy by Deborah Nadel**

 What an enthralling biography about Columcille, an Irish monk and bard! His love for books caused a war and his explusion (by his own accord) from Ireland. Living out the rest of his life in Iona, Scotland, he witnessed to the Picts and continued copying books, bringing light to the Dark Ages.

I do not care for Mr. Brown's style of illustrating, but his story-telling skills are superb! Mr. Brown's diagrams were concise and easy to understand (how to assemble a book, build a coracle).

*Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library. (I would love to purchase this book.)

100 Adventurous Stories for Brave Boys by Glenn Hascall*

 Memorable Tales of  Men of Faith

Boys (and girls) can learn about a myriad of men who chose/choose to make God King of their lives.  A wide variety of men are featured from Old Testament men to apostles to church fathers to modern day athletes.  Each man has an one page biography and an opposite page illustration.  As parents and children read each biography, they will learn when the man lived, what he is known for and how he chose to glorify God with his life.  A Bible verse at the bottom of the page reinforces the focused lesson/character trait to discuss.  Real-life application is also included.

Inspiring!  Best for elementary school age kids (K-6th grade-depending on their attention span and maturity).

Some of the men featured in this book are: Abraham, Augustine, Drew Brees, Frederick Douglass, Radamel Falco, John the Baptist, Luis Palau, Francis Schaeffer, Carson Wentz, Louis Zamperini.

The publisher also has produced 100 Extraordinary Stories for Courageous Girls. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Crown and Covenant #1 Duncan's War by Douglas Bond*

I read this book aloud to my two sons, ages ten and thirteen, over the past few months. 
This book brings to life the struggle the Covenanters experienced during the 1600s.  Duncan and his family pledge alliegance to only King Jesus.  Will they remain true to the faith when the English dragoons sweep their village and land?
Very exciting! Great character development.
Sometimes the Scottish dialetic included was a wee bit annoying.  The boys asked me to skip some of the words.
-I own this book and series(#2 King's Arrow, #3 Rebel's Keep. The family saga continues in another series called Faith and Freedom when the family relocates to the American Colonies).
*Highly recommend.

The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix*

I bought this book over a year ago when it was first published, but since I own (no due date!) it, I kept reading borrowed books instead.
Readers will learn about a vulnerable Germany after World War I,  will witness the rise of evil Hitler and will read in awe as Dietrich Bonhoeffer decides to stand against the Nazi propaganda. 
Mr. Hendrix presents history in an exciting narrative.  His artwork is interpretive yet powerful.
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for reluctant readers (or struggling readers) who are in junior high or high school.
-I own this book.

Luther A Graphic Novel Echoes of the Hammer by Susan K. Leigh illustrated by Dave Hill*

My twelve year old read this to himself to support our study of Martin Luther. 
Lots of graphics and tons of information about Luther.
My son enjoyed this book.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Martin Luther A Man Who Changed the World by Paul L. Maier illustrated by Greg Copeland*

Rich full page illustrations
A great overview of Martin Luther's life, his beliefs and his impact on the world.
My nine year old read this book to himself to support our study of Luther.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Morning Star of the Reformation by Andy Thomson

My twelve year old read this to himself as we learned about Wycliffe in history. 
Through story format, readers can learn about his beliefs and the impact he had the church during the Medieval time period and the modern church.
-Borrowed via Inter-library loan (my county does not own this book).

The Beggar's Bible by Louise A. Vernon

I read this aloud to my boys as we studied Wycliffe in history.
Through the eyes of Arthur Hutton, readers learn about the life of John Wycliffe and the controversy he caused at Oxford and around England.
Mysteries surface, and Arthur and his friend Timothy work together to find the spies trying to bring Wycliffe to trial/excommunication. 
This book depicts what the times were like and what Wycliffe willingly endured to have the Bible translated into English and to bring God's Word to the common person.
My nine year old was not into this book, but my twelve year old willing listen to it. 
-We own this book.

Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley*

Ms. Stanley utilized the transcript of Joan's trial to write and create this book.  Ms. Stanley packs a lot of information into a picture book in an interesting manner. 
I appreciated the two pages dedicated to an explanation of the Hundred Years War before the book began plus a pronunciation guide and a map of the setting (France).
Very well researched and well executed. 
Beautifully illustrated
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Joan of Arc Heroine of France by Ann Tompert illustrated by Michael Garland

My eleven year old read this book to himself when we studied Joan of Arc.
A great overview of Joan's life with plenty of details.
-Borrowed from the library.

Joan of Arc by Demi*

My nine year old read this book to himself when we were studying Joan of Arc.
Demi is an incredible illustrator and writer.  She includes meaty text without overwhelming the reader.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning: Shows her being burned at the stake.

Joan of Arc -Child of War Soldier of God DVD*

We watched two DVDs about Joan of Arc and I liked this one the best.
It was filmed in France and the actors/actresses spoke French (with English interpreters).  The format was more like a documentary than an action/story.
Viewers will experience how Joan may have felt and what she endured.  The actors portrayed the personalities well!
*Highly recommend (for older elementary and older).
-Borrowed from the library.

Animated Hero Classics Joan of Arc DVD

We watched this DVD while studying about the Hundred Years War and Joan of Arc.
My youngest son liked this DVD better than the other one we watched about Joan of Arc since it was more like a story.
A great supplement to this time in history.
-Borrowed from the library.

You Wouldn't Want to be a Crusader! by Fiona MacDonald illustrated by Mark Bergin*

A War You'd Rather Not Fight
Both my boys love this series!
My nine year old read this book to himself while we were studying the Crusades.
The book begins relating information about the Crusades in  AD 1096 with Pope Urban II's speech.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Book of God by Ben Avery and Javier Saltares*

How We Got the Bible
A narrator takes the reader on a tour on how the Bible came to be what it is today, starting with the writings of the Old Testament.
This comic-style book is divided into four parts: production of the Bible, the process of the Bible, the preservation of the Bible and the proof of the Bible.
I read this aloud to my boys over a few months.  I encouraged them to read it to themselves because I think it will make more of an impact if they read at their own pace (time to process the information etc.). 
The graphic novel format will appeal to many readers, especially reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.

Gargoyles Monsters in Stones by Jennifer Dussling illustrated by Peter Church*

All Aboard Reading Level 2 Grades 1-3
This easy to read book contains a lot of information about the history of gargoyles, where to spy them and about their creation process. 
Perfect book for beginning/transitional readers when learning about the Medieval time period and Notre Dame Cathedral.
I had my boys read this to themselves for background information about gargoyles when we studied Medieval France. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Augustine of Hippo by Simonetta Carr*

Christian Biographies for Young Readers
Ms. Carr writes in a manner that will appeal and interest elementary students yet she incorporates meaningful, thought-provoking facts/events from Augustine's life.  The photographs and illustrations break up the text.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Ms. Carr has written other books about amazing Christians for this series.

The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Demi*

Beautiful cover and illustrations.
Out of the three St. Nicholas books my eight year read, this one contained the most information about this saint.

*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Secret of St. Nicholas by Ellen Nibali illustrated by Lon Eric Craven*

This book about St. Nicholas will appeal to younger readers/listeners.  Most of the story line focuses on him helping three young ladies be able to afford their dowries.
My eight year old is reading three different books about St. Nicholas and comparing them.  This one contained the least amount of information.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.