Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson

 Elsbeth Culpepper and her father move to Boston from Philadelphia after her mother and siblings die from the smallpox. Mr. Culpepper is employed as a sailmaker. Elsbeth is a kitchen maid in a separate location. She longs to apprentice as a seamstress. When her employer,a Loyalist, flees Boston, Elsbeth finds new employment, where the head kitchen maid is cruel and nasty. With the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, readers experience this era and the smallpox inoculation first hand through Elsbeth's first-person account.

I enjoyed this riveting tale. Ms. Anderson researches extensively and knows how to develop credible characters and how to immerse the reader into the historical event. 

Warning: Elsbeth is a liar. Lying is her natural defense and solution. Her lies eventually get her into trouble. I still liked her as a character-her compassion, her perseverance, her cleverness are all admirable. 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Sister of the Angels by Elizabeth Goudge illustrated by C. Walter Hodges

 Because of her neglectful (but loving) father, Henrietta lives with the Canon and Mrs. Fordyce (aka "grandfather" and "grandmother") in the Cathedral Close of Torminster. With her father visiting this Christmas, Henrietta is especially anticipating the season. A stranger returns to town and offers many surprises to Henrietta, her father, and the Canon.

Consideration: a racial slur 

Borrowed via ILL.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

 Bill Furlong contemplates life as he continues his daily, seemingly mundane tasks-delivering coal to the people in his Irish village and being a faithful husband and also father to his daughters. During his reflections, readers learn about his unusual upbringing, which factors into his decision that will impact his family's life. 

Ms. Keegan's writing immerses the reader into 1985 Ireland with an ordinary man who realizes that he can make a difference. I really appreciate and like her writing style. Readers who like an action-packed plot will not enjoy this story. On the other hand, those readers who like reflective characters and a contemplative mood/theme, will enjoy this story.

Ms. Keegan bases this story on a Catholic church cover-up about the Magdalen laundries (not closed down until 1996).

-Borrowed from the library.

 

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit**

 I loved every moment I was reading this book. It is delightful and enchanting! I am bummed that I did not read this book aloud to my sons when they were younger. 

Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis experience an idealistic life in Edgecombe Villa, where Mother creates delightful stories and humorous poems to share with them over tea after school. Then one day men come for Father and take him away. The children have no idea where he has gone. Mother moves them to the country, near a railway. Although they are poor, and Mother has to write stories so they can eat, the children adjust to the life in the country along the rails.  Adventures and friendships await them. 

I loved how the children would spend most of their days outside without adult supervision, problem-solving and risk-taking. Readers will relate to each of the children even though they lived in 1905.

 A timeless novel

Discuss: British slang/words, British customs, a father being taken away

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (I would like to buy this one.)

When Alexander Graced the Table by Alexander Smalls & Denene Millner illustrated by Frank Morrison*

 Alexander loves Sundays. After church his extended family gathers at his family's table to feast on the scrumptious food his mother has spend all day Saturday preparing. His dad always asks what sweet item will be served. Then one Saturday, Alexander's mother asks him to make something special for his father for the Sunday dinner. Alexander is quite nervous. Will his dad like it? An underlining desire throughout the book is Alexander's hope to please his father with food he has made.

A recipe for Lemon Icebox Pie with Meringue is included at the end of the story.

I loved the theme of food and family! Mr. Morrison incorporates the color yellow throughout the illustrations. Every illustration spread features a hue of yellow. Creative and fun!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes illustrated by Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney**

 A boy grieves his father's death. A week after his funeral he opens an envelope from his dad, which contains a treasure map through the woods they would explore together.  As the boy follows the map, he encounters many creatures he and his dad would admire. The treasure is so, so special. 

Ironically, Jerry Pinkney, the illustrator, died before he completed the illustrations. His son, Brian, finished the illustrations. Once you read the story, you will understand the irony.

I loved this book. The writing, the story . ..and also it features African Americans in a regular setting with a normal plot.

**Highly, highly recommend.

Discuss/consideration: The boy senses his father next to him and feels his hand on his shoulder even though his father is no longer alive. The author portrays that our loved ones communicate with us even after they die.

-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.

Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan*

 American Library Association's Geisel Honor Book (distinguished beginning reader book)-2025

Toad is on the go, towing critters all over town. Pop persistently offers him food throughout the day, but Toad can't stop. Then Toad needs help. Who will help him?

The illustrations reminded me of Richard Scarry's books. I loved the internal rhyme in most lines.

*Highly recommend for beginning readers.

-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.

The Ship in the Window by Travis Jonker illustrated by Matthew Cordell*

 Mabel, the mouse, lives in a cabin along a little lake. In the cabin, a man and a boy also live. The man builds a model ship without the boy's help. All three of them admire the model ship in the window. Mabel wonders if it can sail like a real ship. One night the wind blows the door open. She seizes the opportunity and maneuvers the boat onto the lake. In the morning, the man and boy spy her on the lake. . . .

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Time of the Child by Niall Williams*

 World magazine reviewed this novel in its latest publication. Since it takes place in a small village in Ireland, it intrigued me. Mr. Williams previous book, This Is Happiness, also takes place in Faha. 

Doctor Troy spends his days listening and caring for his parish, Faha. His expressionless face and reticence has served him well over his sixty years. Then a young boy and two farmer brothers drop off a baby that was left outside the church during the Christmas season. Ronnie, the doctor's oldest, unmarried daughter, embraces the child and assumes the role of mother. The five individuals vow to keep this baby a secret. But how can one keep love a secret? 

The story of power of love  I especially liked the line, "Only through the birth of a child is the lure of death conquered." pg. 283

Life-affirming-for the newborn through the elderly 

Slow-paced and poetic, lyrical language that deserves to be savored and appreciated. 

*Highly recommended for those who appreciate the beauty of language and non-plot driven novels (the baby does not appear until after one hundred pages into this two-hundred eighty-seven page novel).

-Borrowed from the library.

The Hotel Balzaar -A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Julia Sarda*

 Marta and her mother live in the attic room of Hotel Balzaar. While her mother cleans the rooms during the day, Marta roams the hotel, trying to be quiet as a mouse. She longs for her father, who has been fighting in the war. It has been over a year since they had received a letter from him. Then the countess arrives at the Hotel Balzaar. During her stay she relates stories to Marta. At first the stories seem meaningless and disjointed. As time progresses, Marta begins to understand their connection.

I love how Ms.DiCamillo incorporates light and hope into all of her stories. Although I enjoyed this book, I think I love how Ms. DiCamillo writes the best. Her word choice is powerful.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi*

 Theo, a man in his eighties, appears in the southern town of Golden. The residents find him kind and generous but elusive. 

When he views portraits of the residents on display in the local coffee shop, he decides to buy them and give them to their "rightful owners" (the subjects). Over the months he listens to their stories and then generously assists wherever they have need. Does he have ulterior motives for his kindness? Who is he?

I love this story about a man who experiences forgiveness from the Source of Life and determines to live out the love Christ has shown to him. Also, all the characters have experienced hardship and are flawed human beings. The ramifications for their decisions are displayed accurately. It reveals that God meets us where we are at and loves us while we are yet sinners. 

Spoiler alert: I am not sure if I like how the author ends Theo's life.

Considerations: Although God is mentioned throughout, only one time is Christ mentioned as the answer. Sometimes I felt like "Theo" was the god and he was the answer, a few characters swear-the type that would swear in real life.

I loved every minute reading this book-for the character development, the characters' stories, the word choice and writing style. It is one I will contemplate for years to come. Superb 1st novel!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library

The Remarkable Christmas of the Cobbler's Sons by Ruth Sawyer illustrated by Barbara Cooney*

 An Austrian folktale

After reading Because Barbara by Sarah Mackenzie, I requested a book Barbara Cooney illustrated. 

The cobbler and his three sons are resourceful in gathering/finding food and keeping warm in their shack. After mending the butcher's shoes, the cobbler typically cooks a hearty stew, which they call "Schnitzle, Schnotzle, and Schnootzle". One year the cobbler struggles to find work. As Christmas approaches, the boys wonder if they will enjoy any stew. On Christmas Eve a mean, ugly man knocks on their door while their father is searching for work. He is rude and demanding. However, he may be harbinger of fortune.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Angela's Glacier by Jordan Scott illustrated by Diana Sudyka

 From her infancy, Angela climbs (in a baby carrier attached to her father!) Snaeffellsjokull in Iceland. He teaches how to speak the glacier's name in the rhythm of his steps.  Ms. Sudyka depicts Angela growing bigger and bigger in the carrier. As she matures, she walks the glacier herself, listening to the unique sounds it emits. Then her preteen/teen years arrive. She doesn't have as much time to walk the glacier. Feeling unsatisfied, she returns to walking her glacier and vows to continue to hike it, no matter how busy life becomes.

I loved the blues, greens, and grays in the illustrations. How the author explains how to pronounce Snaeffellsjokull was helpful.

Global warming mentioned in the illustrator's note.

-Borrowed from the library.

William's House by Ginger Howard illustrated by Larry Day*

 In 1637 New England, William arrives with his wife and two sons to build a home. He replicates how his father built their home in England. As the weather changes and the year progresses, he realizes the methods in England are not functional in this new area. He makes adjustments accordingly. 

His wife and her comments irritated me! ("Something must be done . . .") This book offers the readers perspective on how the settlers established themselves in early America. I highly recommend this book to anyone studying Colonial America. I especially loved the ink sketches of the two sons under the text. They offer an additional story. The colored illustrations are detailed and beautiful.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja illustrated by Shiho Pate*

 Absolutely adorable!

Six-year-old Hiro loves watching his dad make ramen each Sunday for the family. When he turns seven, he decides he is old enough to make the family a ramen dinner. Generations of the family's fathers have been making ramen. To his disgust, he ruins the dinner. With some creativity, he salvages it and creates a wonderful ramen meal.

The illustrations and layouts are fun and creative. Japanese writing is included in the illustrations.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Leather Apron Club by Jane Yolen illustrated by Wendell Minor*

 Benjamin Franklin, His Son Billy, & America's First Cirulating Library

Ms. Yolen exposes the reader to Benjamin Franklin's Leather Apron Club via a fictional story about Billy, his son. It is an interesting, engaging story. In the back Ms. Yolen shares facts about Ben Franklin, The Leather Apron Club, and his relationship with Billy.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer illustrated by Patricia Polacco*

 In April I am planning to feature this poem for our "Poetry Treat" day. A humorous ballad about baseball

I love Ms. Polacco's added story line/back story to the poem. Her illustrations will render smiles.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book. Our library system does not have this version. Thankfully my local used bookstore had it in stock.

A Ben of All Trades by Michael J. Rosen illustrated by Matthew Tavares*

 Mr. Rosen immerses the reader into Benjamin Franklin's childhood. As I read, I felt like I was hanging out with a creative, persistant and energetic friend. Mr. Rosen focuses on Franklin's disinterest in repetition and tedious pursuits and his tenacity in becoming agile in the water. He longs to be a sailor.

In the author and illustrator notes section, Mr. Rosen explains how he chose what information to include and how he developed dialogue and interactions. Great insight for readers who want to write historical fiction.

Mr. Tavares has created stunning, well-researched illustrations.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.