Sir Gawain and the Green Knight a new verse translation by Simon Armitage*

 I loved reading this poem not only for the story but also for its poetic and stylistic devices. Each line contains a lot of alliteration-what word choice!! and after each stanza, is a "bob and wheel"-a very short line followed by a quatrain.

The Green Knight barges into King Arthur's castle during Christmas and asks for a man to behead him, with the promise to find him at the Green Chapel a year later to be beheaded also. Gawain volunteers. He beheads the Green Knight. The Green Knight still lives, holds his head in his hand, and the head reminds Gawain that he must keep his promise. A year later Sir Gawain rides off, knowing he will die. After riding for days, he discovers a castle where the host is merry and welcoming. The host allows him to lounge inside while he hunts all day with his men. A deal is struck. Sir Gawain must resist incredible temptation and yet remain courtesy. Then the New Year's Day approaches . . .Sir Gawain knows he must keep his vow to the Green Knight.

*Highly recommend for high school & older. See warning.

Warning: The host's wife tries to seduce Sir Gawain throughout the story. He allows her to kiss him. She dresses scantily one time, but he resists. Descriptions of the butchering of deer and boar are quite graphic. Other descriptions of violent fighting-the beheading

-Borrowed from the library. I loved this translation. My son read a different translation that was a lot more difficult!

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.

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 Outermost Mouse by Lauren Wolk illustrated by Kristen Adam*

 Sarah Mackenzie recently recommended this picture book on RAR. 

The Outermouse Mouse loves her life along the ocean in a small cottage. One day she notices the tide coming closer & closer to her home. Even though she tries to block the ocean with a line of sand and a wall of shells, the ocean just devours and scatters them. Eventually the man even leaves. A storm descends upon the house and mouse. Will our mouse find the courage to endure?

I love the illustrations as much as the words, especially the depiction of shells and sea glass.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

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

Desmond Doss- Conscientious Objector by Frances M. Doss

 The Story of an Unlikely Hero

At an early age Desmond Doss adhered to Seventh-Day Adventist faith. His devotion to God and the Seventh-Day Adventist belief system required him to object to some military requirements. God honored his convictions. Mr. Doss saved many lives during WW II.

This book is written by his second wife. The first two-thirds of the book focus on his childhood, his first marriage, and his service during WWII. The last third section of the book relates how God continued to bless him in his retirement, through health issues and with his second marriage to Frances. As the book progressed it became less interesting. 

When my son was studying WWII, I looked into watching the movie Hacksaw Ridge. We thought it would be too violent to watch. Seeing that the movie was based on a real man, I looked to see if there were any books about him and discovered this one!

I am not highly recommending it is not as well-written as most books. I loved the topic & also loved being amazed by this man!

-Borrowed via ILL.

Consideration: Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs

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).

Hidden in Silence -DVD

 Based on a true story

To enhance my son's study of the Holocaust, I had our family watch this movie. 

During War World II, Stefania, a seventeen-year-old Polish Roman Catholic, hides Jews in two different homes. Not only does she hide them, but she also risks her life by leading them out of the Polish Ghetto, gathers food to feed them, and also secures a job to pay to support all of them. Towards the end of the war, the Nazis take over her home to serve as a house for nurses. As a result, the Jews hide in the attic, right above the Nazis!! Incredible.

My son wasn't overly thrilled with the movie . . .in the first third of it, he commented, "Mom, this isn't a very good movie." When I reminded him it was to expose him to the horrors of the Holocaust and what they endured, he settled down & changed his perspective. By end he said it was good in the sense that it brought this era of history to life. 

Warning: The Nazi nurses slept with soldiers-some scenes of intimacy were included-you can easily fast forward these parts. Of course, war violence & senseless cruelty to the Jews.

-Borrowed from the library.

A novel based on Stefania's story has been published: The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron.

The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline*

 Lavishly illustrated, this version of The Snow Queen will capture the reader's imagination and attention. Kai & Gerda are next door neighbors and best friends. When a piece of an evil troll's powerful mirror enters Kai's eye and heart, he transforms into a selfish, mean boy. Out sledding with the other children, he ventures further and attaches himself to the Snow Queen's sled. She keeps him captive. Everyone in the village concludes he has drowned in the river. Meanwhile, Gerda misses her friend and refuses to believe he has died. Bravely she searches the world until she finds him and restores him to former self.

*Higly recommend. I love the detailed, rich illustrations.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Borrowed House by Hilda van Stockum

 After two years of living in Germany with her nurse, twelve-year-old Janna travels to occupied Holland to join her actor parents. The Baron, her mother's friend, has provided a house for them and another family. The former owners, the van Arkels, were forced to leave. Before arriving to Holland, Janna was a member of the Hitler Youth. She soon discovers as she interacts with the household staff and witnesses how the Germans treat the Dutch, she has brainwashed and has been fed lies. As World War II rages, Janna realizes the truth about Hitler and the Jews. By the end of the story her perspective has transformed.

I have not read many World War II books from the perspective of a character who loves Hitler and his beliefs. It was interesting to read what she believed to be truth and how it affected her interactions. The plot captivated me. 

Janna's parents, both actors, maintain an odd relationship throughout the book. I did not find it believable. Janna's mother, Mechtild, loves the Baron and his generosity. They are having an affair (nothing graphic is described). Her father, Otto, knows it is occurring but often just makes a snide comment or looks away. Toward the end Otto and the Baron engage in a fist fight over Mechtild. The resolution results too quickly and shallowly. Also, Janna's parents seem more interested in themselves and their careers than being her parents. Their parenting desires fluctuate throughout the story. By its conclusion, it appears they understand the importance of being together. They just seem shallow and self-centered. This part of the book did not appeal to me and is why I am not "highly recommending" it. Other aspects were superb.

This book is more suited for an older audience, but again, it has the appearance of a book for elementary age readers.

Why it is for older readers: Janna's mother's affair-very apparent throughout the book; WWII violence/cruelty; the other family in the house has a party with SS soldiers-Janna, who is bored, walks into the party. An SS soldier pulls her onto his lap and attempts to kiss her two times; An older boy, who she likes, gives her a goodbye kiss (nothing inappropriate); the German father  of the other family who lives there physically abuses his son

-I own this book.

Hitler and the Habsburgs by James Longo*

 A couple years ago my uncle informed me that his granddaugher (my cousin once removed) had researched our family while studying in Europe and discovered that my dad's (maternal-Rittenhouse) family line came from the Habsburg family! This year my son is studying modern history. While reading about Archduke Franz Ferdinand (a Habsburg) and his wife, Sophie, I was intrigued. Their love and marriage was unique for royalty. Their assassination sparked the start of WWI. But what happened to their three children? I searched the library system for a book and found this one!

Mr. Longo simultaneoulsy relays Hitler's childhood and rise to power and Habsburg/Hohenberg family's resilence to death and political upheaval and torture. He writes in an interesting manner. Without bogging the reader down with extraneous historical information, he relates this amazing family's story. Even if one is not a history fan, they will be enthralled with this family's bravery. This family's character in the face of evil inspired me.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Jumping-Off Place by Marian Hurd McNeely*

Award-winner: Newbery Honor Book 

Becky, Dick, Phil, and Joan head to their uncle's quarter section in Tripp County, South Dakota in the early 1900s after he dies. Even though Becky and Dick are teenagers, they reach adulthood quickly as they navigate the unforgiving Dakota plains, surly neighbors, and unpredictable weather. Readers will  process their story in awe as these kids face unimaginable obstacles and succeed!

Mrs. McNeely bases this story on her own experience homesteading (as an adult) in the exact same territory. She actually had this book published before Laura Ingalls Wilder's series! Readers who have "out-grown" the Little House books will enjoy this novel as it focuses on Becky, who is a teenager.

My history curriculum recommended this novel. It brought "history to life".

Discuss: A couple of times there are negative references to being black. One time they say "work like n--".

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

 Rumi is a new student. The other students do not protest when Asher, a bully, is mean to him. When Asher throws a rock, and it scrapes Rumi's knee, other students finally gather their courage and befriend Rumi. 

A didactic story  Based on the author's son experience

-Borrowed from the library.

Above the Rim by Jen Bryant illustrated by Frank Morrison*

 Growing up in the 1940s & 1950s in Washington, D.C., Elgin Baylor developed his own elegant basketball playing style despite being limited to run-down courts and inferior equipment. When Elgin played, "people stopped what they were doing and watched." Wanting to attend college, Elgin could only go west, where Blacks were allowed. Coaches were amazed by his moves, all self-taught; he always replied to their wonderment, "It's spontaneous." Despite his talent, he remained humble and refused to brag. Despite segregation, he played and then refused to play when he was not welcomed in towns' eating establishments. 

I loved how Ms. Bryant integrated Civil Rights Movement moments into the story, which were occurring simultanteously. Yes, this story features an amazing, humble basketball player, but it also immerses the reader into the tensions of this time period.

The illustrations are rich and expressive.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Bill Pickett: Rodeo-Ridin' Cowboy by Andrea D. Pinkney illustrated by Brian Pinkney*

 Starting with Bill Pickett's father, Mrs. Pinkney explains how Blacks journeyed west to Texas and how they established communities. As a child, Bill was curious, fast, and observant. One day he spies a dog biting the lower lip of a cattle to subdue it. Bill tries this method on a  calf and amazes cowboys with his ingenuity. They call it "bulldoggin'". A new style is born! Through hard, tedious work, Bill proves his dedication and skill as a cowboy. His performances at rodeos beckons crowds.

*Highly recommend.  I appreciated Mrs. Pinkney's explanation about Black cowboys after the main text.

-Borrowed via ILL.

One Day by Michael Rosen illustrated by Benjamin Phillips

 Mr. Rosen relates the true story of Eugene Handschuh, a Hungarian Jew and a Communist in the Resistance, and of his father Oscar Handschuh who were living in Nazi occupied Paris during WW II. The two men survive a prison camp and manage to jump off a train heading to Auschwitz. 

A sobering book

-Borrowed from the library.

The Ark by Margot Benary-Isbert*

 My friend, a former librarian and an avid reader, recommended this book and its sequel. I am so glad she did!

The Lechow family struggles to survive in post-war Germany. Mother and her four children live in two rooms with a reluctant host. Overtime the two oldest children find employment which creates a more hopeful situation for the family. 

Each of the children have unique and endearing personalities. Readers will be exposed to a point of view not often depicted in historical fiction books-the devastation in Germany and the hardships the German people experienced as they tried to rebuild their lives. 

The author lived in Germany during this exact time period. Some of the events in the book are based on her experiences.

*Highly recommend (its sequel, Rowan Farm).

Discuss w/ more sensitive readers: Before the story begins, Margret's twin brother was shot (and their  dog, a Great Dane). Margret relates the incident to the reader. Although his death affects her tremendously, it is not a focal point of the story.

-I own this book.

Rags Hero Dog of WWI A True Story by Margot Theis Raven illustrated by Petra Brown

 Many WW II books exist. WWI ones for kids are challenging to discover. This WWI picture book relates how Rags, a stray dog, becomes an invaluable asset for the First Division U.S. Army. Private James Donovan finds him in an empty doorway in Paris. Donovan brings him back to the base, where Rags quickly learns how to perform a myriad of tasks on behalf of Donovan.

A sweet story about loyalty.

Discuss: Donovan lies to a French policeman. Donovan dies at the end of the story.

-Borrowed from the library.

Wilbur Wright Meets Lady Liberty by Robert Burleigh illustrated by Wendell Minor*

 Mr. Burleigh relates how Wilbur Wright demonstrates their Flyer for the first time in public by flying from Governor's Island and then around the Statue of Liberty. Interesting facts about the brothers and Lady Liberty are included in the back.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Dunkirk DVD

 PG-13 (intense war "experience" & language)

My sons and I just finished studying WWII  in American History. Our history textbook mentioned Dunkirk with a few sentences. I wanted them to understand more deeply how amazing the Dunkirk rescue was. 

Viewers will be thrust into the  desperation the English and French soldiers felt when the Germans trap them on the beaches of Dunkirk. The enemy attacks them by air. Civilian boats leave the English coast to bring their men home. So inspiring how regular civilians risked their lives as their military men had already done so. 

The movie is organized by three separate timelines (& three separate stories)-one week at the beach, one day on the boat, and one hour in the air (RAF). The producer, Christopher Nolan, brings the three time periods together by the end. It was rather confusing. We did not care for this method. My youngest thought it was unnecesary for a teen civilian to die by a stupid accident ( killed accidently by a rescued soldier) on a rescue boat. He said that was one character you could connect to and become attached to, and then he dies! Not much dialogue, which some viewers may not like. 

Since it occurs mostly at sea, a lot of drowning scenes were included. I could not watch them.

-Borrowed from the library.