Beowulf a new verse translation by Seamus Heaney*

 Mr. Heaney has translated this old tale into one modern readers can read, understand, and enjoy. 

I loved the kennings, word choice, and the characters'  honorable traits.

*Highly recommend.

Consideration: graphic violence a few times

-We own this book.

Honor Flight-Celebrating America's Veterans by Jeff Gottesfeld illustrated by Mattt Travares*

 Honor Flight Network sponsors veterans with a day in Washington, DC. Their goal is to honor veterans and to ensure them that they will not be forgotten. Readers join a veteran and his escort and experience this special honor.

Both author & illustrator were privileged guardians/escorts, so they are writing and illustrating as an eyewitnesses.

The notes provide a plethora of information.

A perfect book to read & share on Memorial Day or Veterans Day.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

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.

Nicky & Vera by Peter Sis*

 A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued

While visiting Czechoslovakia right before World War II, Nicolas Winton sees a need and fulfills it. He saves 669 children from the Nazi invasion. He never tells anyone. Years later his wife finds the paperwork in the attic. Then his unselfish deeds are brought to light . . ..

An amazing story!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Heroes of the Revolution by David A. Adler illustrated Donald A. Smith*

Twelve individuals who had a big impact on the Colonies' rebellion and fight against Britain are featured with a full page illustration and a couple paragraphs about their contributions and their "story". (Ethan Allen, Crispus Attucks, Lydia Darragh, Nathan Hale, Mary Hays-"Molly Pitcher", Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Paul Revere, Haym Salomon, Deborah Sampson, George Washington)
Very succinctly summarized with compelling facts.
-I own this book.
*Highly recommend.

History's Kid Heroes The Top-Secret Adventure of John Darragh, Revolutionary War Spy by Peter Roop and Connie Roop Adapted by Amanda Doering Tourville illustrated by Zachary Trover

The Quaker Darragh family, who resided in British-occupied Philadelphia, lived across the street from General Howe's British Headquarters.  Even though they were opposed to violence, they worked together as a family to spy on the British.  Since their oldest son Charles had enlisted in Washington's army, they justified their spying to keep Charles safe.  Mr. Darragh created a code.  Mrs. Darragh hid the messages in her son John's buttons.  John would then walk to Washington's camp to deliver the buttons/messages to Charles.
This book creates a story about what may have happened as John carried the messages to Washington's camp.
In the afterword the authors explain how Mrs. Darragh played a major role in preventing the British from attacking American forces.
Very interesting!
-Borrowed from the library.
*There seem to be a couple more book in this series  focusing on kids who helped in the Revolutionary War.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo-Focus on the Family Radio Theatre**

My husband's cousin recently shared what an impact Jean Valjean's story has had on her life.  She convinced me to seek out this classic, specifically Focus on the Family Radio Theatre version. 
The actors/actresses play their characters' roles well and bring the story to life.
This story is now one of my favorites!
Brian Blessed plays the role of Jean Valjean.
169 minutes
**Highly, highly recommend this version.
-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.

Write to Me by Cynthia Grady illustrated by Amiko Hirao

Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind
When her Japanese patrons are sent to prison camps, Clara Breed gives each child  penny postcards addressed to her with the instructions to write to her.   As a result, Miss Breed ends up corresponding with many Japanese children during their imprisonments and is able to visit them and give them books!
An inspiring story how one person who uses her gifts/passions to serve others makes a difference.
-Borrowed from the library.
Pair with Baseball Saved Us and Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall*

I absolutely loved this book.  The book shape (tall and narrow) reflects the subject. 
The illustrations are full of delightful details and depict the ebbs and flows of the life being lighthouse keeper. 
On the back end page Ms. Blackall shares interesting information about the history of lighthouse keepers and lighthouses.
Strategies: predicting, asking questions, inferring
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Rolling Thunder by Kate Messner illustrated by Greg Ruth

In rhyming couplets, Ms. Messner shares how each Memorial Day weekend veterans ride their motorcycles in the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom in Washington, D.C.
A powerful picture book. 
A unique book to share before Memorial Day.

The Unwanteds #3 Island of Fire by Lisa McMann*

My ten year old loves, loves this series.  He is reading the series to himself.
Alex continues to have to problem solve to restore Artime and his friends.  His twin brother, Aaron, resides on Quill and rises to power.
A very exciting story!
Warning/point to discuss: Alex has a girlfriend and they kiss.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Gilgamesh the Hero by Geraldine McCaughrean illustrated by David Parkins

Next week we will be reading the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest stories in the world.  I was going to have my ten year old son read this specific book independently but after reading the first part, I am not going to share it with him.
To lure Enkidu, a beast, Gilgamesh advises a hunter to bring a naked, beautiful woman to the woods where Enkidu lives.   He brings Hatti, a harlot (although in this story she calls herself a "dancing girl") and when Enkidu sees and smells her, he is aroused (the author calls it "craving").  Hatti does tame him with her words and kisses.  An illustration depicting a naked Hatti is included (the reader sees her bare back and her butt cheeks).  Because of these inclusions, I do not feel comfortable having my fifth grader read this book.
Instead he will be reading three picture books about Gilgamesh, each one depicting a different tablet/part of the epic poem.
-Borrowed from the library.

Ten Boys Who Made a Difference by Irene Howat*

We read a short biography from this book each morning.
Each  narrative includes stories from the boy's life and then shares how this specific boy made a difference as an adult/man.
It was amazing how many of these men went into the ministry without knowing Christ as their Savior.  In their search for the truth, God always revealed His salvation to them!
Men featured in this book are: Augustine, John Knox, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jan Hus, Hugh Latimer, Ulrich Zwingli, William Tyndale, Thomas Chalmers, Lord Shaftesbury
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Edge of Extinction : The Ark Plan by Laura Martin*

Sky has lived her entire twelve years underground in the North Compound.  For one hundred fifty years cloned dinosaurs have ruled the above ground world.  Now a message from her missing father requires Sky to sneak above ground and deliver a memory card to someone in Lake Michigan.  All of her life she thought no one lived above ground!
To survive above ground, Sky must adjust to a new way of thinking and moving.  The doctrine she has been taught begins prove erroneous and deceitful.
*Highly recommend for upper elementary and junior high (perfect for reluctant readers in this age group).
Very exciting with memorable characters and escapes from vicious dinosaurs.
Warning/potential concerns: Violence: Sky finds out that her mother did not die while giving birth to her but was murdered.  Dinosaur attacks may be scary for younger readers.  The marines use guns to try to harm/kill Sky and her friends.  The one marine leader is evil and hints that Sky's father was murdered.  Evolution theory is treated as fact.


Sequel to this book just came out at the end of May 2017-https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062416254/edge-of-extinction-2-code-name-flood

Blaze and the Forest Fire by C. W. Anderson*

My seven year old son read this book to himself.
He loves this series.
Billy and Blaze spy smoke in the brush and warn others.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (2nd grade)

Wings of Fire-The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland

My ten year old son read this book to himself and protested when I made him stop reading it to complete other tasks!!
Clay, a Mudwing dragon, is destined along with four other dragonets to end the war raging between the dragon tribes.
Very exciting!
Warning: My son says there is a lot of fighting and also violence at parts.
Guided Reading Level: X (grade 6th)
-Borrowed from the library.