Candle Island by Lauren Wolk*

A great summer read! 

Lucretia & her mom move to Candle Island, Maine to escape---her father's death, journalists who want to interview her artist mother. Candle Island contains its own secrets-vandals, children with special gifts, a hidden room. 

I was captivated by the author's poetic sentences, her development of the setting (I wanted to move to Candle Island & explore it!), and her plot pace-how she revealed the secrets to the reader. Ms. Wolk also created likable, distinct characters. I appreciated Lucretia's relationship with her mom-so sweet.

The description of yummy meals Mrs. Sanderson made & served gave me the desire to knock on their door & ask to partake!

*Highly recommend but--Lucretia seemed too wise beyond her years . . .yet when I learned her full story, I could understand why she seemed a lot wiser than a typical 12-year-old.. . . Despite this slightly downside to the book, I still consider this novel as one of my favorite middle grade novels I have read in awhile.

-Borrowed from the library.

Giant by Judith McQuoid

 Sarah Mackenzie interviewed Mrs. McQuoid on RAR about her debut book, Giant. It was one of my favorite author interviews ever! Redeemed Reader also reviewed it this past summer (2025). 

Mrs. McQuoid offers readers a sample of C.S. Lewis's childhood when he lived in Belfast. The main character, however, is Davy, a boy from a working-class family. Davy's mother works for the Lewis family as a housekeeper. When she brings Davy along to work in hopes he can work small jobs for the Lewis family, Davy forms a friendship with C.S. Lewis. Their friendship bolsters both of them-Davy to pursue his love for art and reading and Lewis to persevere during his mother's illness, her eventual death, and then a horrible boarding school situation. 

I loved the book and would have read it in one sitting if time allowed. Will middle grade readers like this gentle story? If they value friendships, character-driven stories, and a love for C.S. Lewis, they will appreciate it. More plot-driven readers may not see the point to it. 

I love that Mrs. McQuoid includes in the back a list of books mentioned throughout the novel.

-I own it.

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.

The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman illustrated by Marla Frazee**

 I loved this book! Mothers will love this book! Children will find the kids in the story amusing.

Mrs. Peters loves her children. Each child has specific food preferences to which she caters. But as the number of children increases in the family, Mrs. Peters becomes frazzled. She goes to bed exasperated on the eve of her birthday. Her children, however, sneak downstairs to create something to demonstrate their love for her. What can go wrong?!

The entire story is written in rhyme! Ms. Hoberman was a marvel.

The illustrations add so much to the story. Ms. Frazee demonstrates through them how well she understands children and family dynamics. I also found the home endearing and magical. I want to live there (but without the chaos!).

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (but would love to buy it!)

Wintergarden by Janet Fox illustrated by Jasu Hu

RAR recommends this book. 

A girl and her mama plant seeds to grow on their windowsill in their city apartment during the winter. The similes are apt and descriptive. The illustrations are surreal and a bit too abstract for the age group who would listen to this book. After the story, the author offers tips on growing one's own wintergarden plus a great list of other gardening picture books.

-Borrowed from the library.

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.

Mama Seeton's Whistle by Jerry Spinelli illustrated by LeUyen Pham**

 RAR recently added this book to their "books featuring large families" booklist. 

I absolutely loved this book and am hoping to purchase it soon.

When Mama Seeton wants her children to come home for dinner, she whistles a short, two-note whistle. Wherever they are in the neighborhood, they run home. Chocolate cake is always on the table. 

When her children move away and pursue their dreams, Mama Seeton is sad. Letters are nice, but Mama Seeton wants to touch her children's faces. Papa Seeton encourages her to whistle after dinner even though the children are in other states or countries. After that whistle, all she feels is disappointment. But the unimaginable occurs!

Mr. Spinelli based this story on his next door neighbor, Thelma, who made the world's best chocolate cake. Thelma whistled for her kids to come home each night for dinner.

Ms. Pham is an amazing illustrator. She researched the family and the time period. She created clothing, hairstyles, cars, and bike/scooters to reflect the specific era. I liked the illustrations almost more than the story!

Although I think kids will enjoy this book, I know mothers will love it!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL. (but hopefully will buy it soon)

Because Barbara by Sarah Mackenzie illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen*

 Barbara Cooney Paints Her World

Sarah reveals Barbara's development as an illustrator from her childhood through her adulthood. I love how Sarah incorporates Barbara's devotion to her four children and love for adventure and beauty. Her desire to bring lasting delight and beauty to her world continued into her elderly years. The illustrations are stunning and at the same time whimsical-just like Barbara. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library. 

The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer*

 Mrs. Schaeffer posits the importance of Christians being creative and making time to practice one's creative God-given gifts. She discusses how "hidden art" is found in the everyday minutes of one's life and fills the book with ideas how to incorporate creativity into one's regular routine. This book greatly encouraged me to continue to pursue beauty and creativity. Mrs. Schaeffer offers practial ways to incorporate creativity into the seemingly mundane moments. Some chapter themes- music, painting/sketching/sculpturing, interior decoration, gardens/gardening, flower arrangements, food, writing-prose & poetry, drama, creative recreation, clothing. 

*Highly recommend.

I borrowed this book from a friend but may purchase it.

Habits for a Sacred Home by Jennifer Pepito*

 In our post-Christian world, Mrs. Pepito directs readers ways they can create a home that pursues practices that honor God and bring His light into the confused world. She utilizes disciplines Saint Benedict incorporated into his life during the fall of Rome and also examples from godly women in history. Her style is conversational. I loved reading this book and filled it with markers on ideas and phrases I wanted to remember. I may purchase this book. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions, a list books about the chapter's topic/woman, and a simple recipe. The habits and women included are: work & Edith Schaeffer, stewardship & Mary McLeod Bethune, prayer & Amy Carmichael, order & Elisabeth Elliot, simplicity & Sabina Wurmbrand, stability & Ruth Bell Graham, hospitality & Ella "Mama" Tweten, community & Esther Jungreis, & balance & Madeleine L'Engle.

I wish she would have spent more time writing about the above women's lives. She, however, includes recommended biographies about each of them. My TBR list has lengthened drastically after reading this book!!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Voice that Won the Vote by Elisa Boxer illustrated by Vivian Mildenberger*

 A few weeks ago in history we learned how a TN representative broke the tie and brought women's right to vote into law by listening to his mother! This picture book expounds on the culture at the time, the law making process, his mother, and the ramifications of his vote.

Point to discuss: In the author's note her language denotes a secular worldview-"by trusting their truth", "find similar courage to express what's in your heart and trust your inner voice . . ."

*Highly recommend but see above point to discuss.

-Borrowed from the library.

M is for Mama by Abbie Halberstadt**

 This book is due at the library today and cannot be renewed. As a result, I had to read it faster than desired.

Mrs. Halberstadt, mother of ten, provides mothers encouragement to be mothers based on Scripture and to embrace the calling of motherhood. The chapters are practical and exhorting. At the end of each chapter she displays a mini chart comparing "mediocre motherhood" vs. "Christlike motherhood", lists a verse to memorize, provides action steps, questions and a prayer. Some topics she covers-comparison, self-care vs. soul care, mom guilt, motherhood as a profession, gentleness, training our kids, media influence, talking to our kids about sex/porn, asking for help, and emotions.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden

 Leah Boden explains the Charlotte Mason philosophy and how to incoroprate it into our modern world. At the end of each chapter, she lists practical ways to incorporate the topic discussed. The one concept I want to remember is how vital it is as a mom to maintain a growth mindset. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Lessons at Blackberry Inn by Karen Andreola illustrated by Nigel Andreola*

Sequel to Pocketful of Pinecones

Mrs. Andreola continues the story of Carol's home educating journey in the 1930's in this second book. She, her husband, Michael, and her children, Donald and Emily, adjust to country living as they help an elderly woman, Emma, run Blackberry Inn. This book does not have reflection questions and ideas at the end of each chapter. It is a story first, instructional second.

Even though it was idealistic and a bit too simplistic in resolution, I thoroughly enjoyed the escape into a wholesome world. These books have encouraged me because they value mothers and their influence.

*Highly recommend for those who want to escape and to be encouraged!

-Borrowed from the library.

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh*

 Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of Charles Lindbergh, writes a reflective book about life and relationships. While reading it, I felt that Mrs. Lindbergh knew exactly how I have been feeling lately and provided much needed encouragement. She spends a week on an isolated island, by herself, to reflect and write. As she slows down her pace, she gathers shells and writes how their different shapes and functions serve as reminders how to live and embrace life. Although I did not agree with all of her surmises, I found myself nodding my head often and saying, "Exactly!". 

Essays are a favorite "genre" of mine. They usually showcase superb writing.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Inherit the Bones by Emily Littlejohn

 Gemma's nighmares about boy cousins who were murdered in 1985 have returned. A recent murder, a circus clown, has aroused them. When the identity of the clown is discovered, old cases are re-opened. Has a murderer been living in this beautiful Colorado town since 1985? Gemma,  a police officer and a detective, who is pregnant with her first child, and her partner, Finn wade through the thick waters of deception and secrets. 

It was interesing how often marijuana was mentioned throughout the book. It's incorporation makes sense since in CO it is legal.

The plot is suspenseful; the writing is superb; the characters are well-developed. I finished reading it in two days! I am not highly recommending it because: good amount of swearing, vulgarity, Gemma's pregnant out of wedlock, lust, marijuana use, lesbian relationship between two minor characters

-Borrowed from the library.

Holy is the Day by Carolyn Weber*

 Dr. Weber relates her sanctification from the time of her twin's birth up to soon-to-be birth of a child with possible abnormalities. Her writing is beautiful and reflective. I am interested in reading her conversion story in Surprised by Oxford. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via Inter-Library Loan.

A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser

 After her father dies, June, her mother, and her sister Maybelle move into Huey House, a homeless shelter for families. Forced to be the leader of the family since her mother refuses to talk or to function, June is overwhelmed with caring for her sister, waking up before 5 A.M. to be transported to her school in Chinatown, and figuring out a way to keep practicing her viola. 

Tyrell has lived in the Huey House for over three years. He and his best friend Jeremiah have managed to provide chaos and entertainment for the families (and employees) with their practical jokes. When he and Jeremiah meet June, they share their secret hideout within the building so she can practice her viola. Secretly, Tyrell longs to learn to play the violin.

Overhearing about new housing policies to be enforced, Tyrell and June collaborate to make their situation known to the mayor.

Great character development. Offers insight into what homeless families endure. I thought it ended a bit abruptly . .. not as neatly resolved as Ms. Glaser's Vanderbeeker books. I would not recommend this book for younger elementary.

Points to discuss: homelessness, parent's death, parent neglect, a dad killed a man and is in jail,  a bit of romance, Domenika has a romance novel in her car, and the cover art has a woman with a very low-cut dress with a shirtless man (Tyrell has to read it aloud so Domenika's dog doesn't become car sick!!), lying, Chinese superstition, afterlife beliefs

More Perfect than the Moon by Patricia MacLachlan*

 Book #4 in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series

I have read books #1-3 in this series but for some reason I did not know about books #4 & 5. 

Cassie is concerned about Mama.  She believes she is sick. When Mama shares that she is pregnant, Cassie becomes more worried and decides to watch Mama all.the.time. Secretly, she despises the thought of sharing Mama with the baby and does not want it to arrive.

Sparse but perfect prose.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book (apparently this book is difficult to find online or in bookstores. I was able to purchase it at my local bookstore for less than $2!).