Night of the Moonjellies by Mark Shasha*

 Another book recommended by Abigail Dodds on the Home Fires podcast

Mark recounts a summer day helping his grandmother and extended family at their seaside food stand. After they close the stand for the day, his grandmother takes him on night boat ride for an encounter with moonjellies.

Based on a true event from the author's childhood

I love the depiction of a family working hard together. The word choice & incorporation of the senses immerse the reader into this seaside, summer day. 

I would have loved more pages/words spent on the moonjelly encounter. When I started reading the book, I thought I would be experiencing an extended interaction with Mark and the moonjellies. Instead it was one page.

The pastel illustrations are not my preference.

*Highly recommend for the robust depiction of family working together and celebration of the ordinary.

-Borrowed via ILL. However, initially no libraries in my state were fulfilling my request. So I pre-ordered it (Purple House Press is republishing it). The day I pre-ordered it, I found out a library had shipped it to my library. So I read a library copy. After June 1st I will own it.

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.

Viking Adventure by Clyde Robert Bulla illustrated by Douglas Gorsline*

 Sigurd sometimes wonders why he must train hard each day, all day. His father, Olaf the Strong, designs challenging activities for Sigurd. Eventually, Sigurd utilizes the training when he sails to view the mysterious Wineland. When he and the ship's owner begin to argue on a routine basis, Sigurd realizes he must escape. Fleeing the ship actually saves his life, giving him the opportunity to return home, to share his story, and to learn to read & write so he can record his adventures for future generations.

Very exciting story that kids in first through fourth grade will find enthralling. This book would be great for reluctant readers and also for  children building stamina in reading chapter books.

I found the illustrations not very crisp nor appealing. 

Considerations: violence, some cruel characters

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book (republished recently by Purple House Press).

Sunrise Summer by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr**

 What a fascinating picture book!! A young girl relates her first summer being part of the fishing crew in Alaska. The illustrations are descriptive and humorous. 

The author and his wife, the illustrator, take their family to her famiy's property in a remote area in Alaska to fish for salmon each summer. I was surprised to learn at the end it was based on the author/illustrators' family. Ms. Behr offers more details about salmon fishing in the last four pages.

I was delighted the entire time I read this book!

**Highly, highly recommend this unique book. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry illustrated by Wesley Dennis*

 *Award-winning-Newbery Honor Book (1946)

I am amazed at how many excellent books I have NOT read! This book is an example of one that prompts me to think, "How did I miss this one?".

Ms. Henry relates the story behind the Morgan horse breed. In 1791 a school teacher (Justin Morgan) and his pupil, Joel Goss, walk a distance one summer to collect a debt from a farmer. To pay his debt, he gives Justin Morgan two colts. The littlest colt, Little Bub, seems like he will grow into an insignficant horse. Joel, however, perceives his potential and takes time to "gentle" him. 

A story full of hope that reinforces the importance of hard work and perseverance.

In the back Ms. Henry lists her primary sources that enabled her to write an accurate story.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Stories from the Old Squire's Farm by C.A. Stephens Compiled & Edited by Charles G. Waugh & Eric-Jon Waugh*

 After the Civil War, six orphan cousins find refuge and a home at their grandparents' farm in Maine. This collection of humorous, entertaining stories transports the reader to a time where hard work and problem-solving were the norm. I loved reading how resourceful and confident children were during this time period.

I was disappointed to learn that these stories were "quasi-autobiographical". They are based on some true events in C.A. Stephens's life. Despite this disappointment, I know that they accurately depict what rural life was like and what the mindset of the people was like during the late 19th century.

My ninth grader read this book last year. When he heard that I was finally reading it, he commented that he should reread it. I agree with him. It is a story I would read again!

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

 

The Little Stone House by Berta & Elmer Hader*

Orginally published in 1944 

My friend helped me remember this title-a favorite picture book of mine when I was in elementary school. I was thrilled to reread this book! 

The Doe family is tired of living in their cramped apartment in the city. As their search for a home in the country, they come to the conclusion that they could buy land and build their own home. The story relates how the family clears the land and builds their home. At the end of the story, the family feasts and celebrates with friends who participated in their project. This book contains themes that I cherish-hard work, family, and celebrating.

I would love to purchase this book....currently, the only copy I can find on Amazon is $75!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Granny Smith Was NOT an Apple by Sarah Glenn Fortson illustrated by Kris Aro McLeod*

 Maria Ann Smith is a hard working laborer in England, attempting to utilize her skills to earn enough to feed her family. At last she finds employment at an orchard where she learns about harvesting and grafting apples. When an opportunity arises to travel to Australia with a free passage and a job waiting for them, Maria Ann and her family decide to join the venture. In this new country she and her family are able to buy their own land and plant an orchard. It is here that Maria Ann develops a new apple-The Granny Smith.

I loved the additional text boxes with interesting facts. 

*Highly recommend.

-an inter-library loan

Sal Boat by Thyra Heder*

 Despite scoffing and questions from friends and family, Sal is determined to build a boat so he can be out on the water on the waves by himself. He gathers materials from various places and people around town. He doesn't want anyone's help. He, however, has forgotten one vital part of boating.

I loved the extra dialogue handwritten in the illustrations and Sal's creativity.

Considerations: His parents are divorced; written in one illustration is the song "---bottles of beer on the wall..."

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Enchanted Book A Tale from Krakow by Janina Porazinska Translated by Bozena Smith illustrated by Jan Brett*

 A fascinating folk tale/fairy tale with rich illustrations by Ms. Brett

The miller's three daughters are beautiful. The eldest loves pretty things and looking at herself.  The middle daughter spends her days dancing. The youngest daughter is industrious and kind. When an elderly woman stays with them for the winter, she gives each of the daughters the opportunity to learn to read. Only the youngest daughter seizes the opportunity. An evil enchanter hears about the lovely daughters. He captures all three daughters. The youngest daughter, because of her ability to read, frees herself, her sisters, and seventeen other young ladies from a spell.

I borrowed this book because I wanted to view Ms. Brett's earlier art work. Her art has evolved. Contrasting this book with her more recent publications would prove to be an interesting activity.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Old Truck by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

Readers witness a girl grow up on a farm alongside a hard-working truck.  Eventually the girl becomes a woman who runs the farm, and the truck sits in a patch of overgrown grass. 
A sweet story about perseverance and family.
I loved the artwork in this book.  The brothers, Jarrett and Jerome,  crafted stamps to create to the illustrations. 

A Dream of Flight by Rob and Polivka and Jef Polivka illustrated by Rob Polivka*

Alberto Santos-Dumont's Race Around the Eiffel Tower
Alberto dreams of humans flying.  When he leaves Brazil to study in Paris, France, he finds the opportunity to design a balloon to fly around the Eiffel Tower and back to the Aero Club in less than thirty minutes.  He designs not one balloon, but six balloons before he experiences success.
Alberto's story reinforces the importance of perseverance, optimism, problem solving and work ethic.
Inspiring!
The author and illustrators are brothers.  They bring to life this endearing man through the excellent narration and illustrations.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Domitila adapted by Jewell Reinhart Coburn illustrated by Connie McLennan

Full page illustrations are beautiful.
When Domitila's mother falls ill, her father sends her to work in the Governor's mansion as a kitchen worker.  The Governor's eldest son, Timoteo, is impressed with her nopales.  When her mother dies, Domitila returns home and soon finds herself being a servant to a stepmother and stepsister.  Meanwhile, Timoteo sets out to find the girl who makes such delicious food and does everything with excellence.
Sweet sayings about love, work ethic, and kindness adorn the borders of the text pages (Spanish on the top with the English translation on the bottom).
-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer * *-Audio CD

Performed by Korey Jackson (He was really pleasant to listen to.  His tone, inflection, expression was perfect.)
Recommended for listeners 9 years old and older.
The library has it labeled for "young adult" aka teens.
My boys and I listened to this book on CD for over a month.  William's story amazed us.
His resourcefulness, his problem solving skills, his curiosity, his willingness to experiment and his perseverance are inspiring.
I like how he spends the first few chapters describing his home village, explaining their culture and introducing the individuals closest to him.  The rest of the book shares his the slow, but steady plan and the implementation of his windmill to generate electricity for his family.

When a famine devastates the land and the people, William is forced to drop out of school since his father cannot pay tuition.  During his free time, he walks to the tiny nearby library and reads science books (especially a book about physics).  He checks them out over and over again and teaches himself about energy and the science behind it.  Before famine he and his friends would take apart radios to try to understand how they work.  They also had a little business in radio repair!

  His diligence pays off beyond his comprehension as the world hears his story and begins to offer financial support to him!

A truly inspiring story that every child and teenager should read/hear!

Reading an article in World News magazine about Netflix featuring a movie about William motivated me to share this story with my boys.  We will soon be watching the movie.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Stone Giant by Jane Sutcliffe illustrated by John Shelley*

Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be
My nine year old and I enjoyed this book together to support our learning of the Renaissance Artists.
The illustrations are beautiful and reflect the artistic beauty in Florence at the time.
The narrative will appeal to younger readers yet it incorporates many facts and the story behind the David statue (even before Michelangelo came along to carve it!). 
Author's note shares what happened to the statue over the years.  Ms. Sutcliffe, however, does not mention where David stands now!
Warning: Small statues in the borders show men's private parts.  Full size David statue on one page shows his private parts, of course.  Another illustration shows his butt.  Naked statues were common during this time period.
Strategy: asking questions

The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow illustrated by Steven Salerno*

This biography is moving to the top of my favorites list!
The illustrations are bold and expressive.  Words are inadequate to describe how they give the story such life and vibrancy!
Ms. Biebow engages the reader immediately with her well chosen words and sentence structure.  She shares about Edwin Binney and his occupation and how it evolved into making a crayon that children could use safely and easily. 
In the back the author includes photographs from the actual Crayola Factory in Easton, PA and how crayons are currently made.  A must read before touring this factory (or afterwards!).
A great book when discussing inventors, experimenting and persevering!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon*

I have been wanting to read the juvenile chapter book about William Kamkwamba for years now.  Seeing that Netflix has a movie about him and his determination to bring electricity to his village, motivated me to check out the books, including this picture book.
A drought in William's village causes the people to endure a famine.  Since there is no money, William has to drop out of school.  To fill his days and to take his mind off hunger, he visits the library built by Americans where he reads science books.  The book about windmills that can produce electricity and even help pump water captures his attention.  He gathers pieces of junk to create a windmill that produces electricity! 
This picture book simplifies his process and the years it took, but it gives a good overview.  After the story, William shares more about his life.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Dick Whittington and His Cat retold by Margaret Hodges illustrated by Melisande Potter

Dick Whittington travels to London, hoping to make his fortune.  Unfortunately he finds himself in a dire situation, sleeping in doorways.  Kind Mr. Fitzwarren takes pity on him and offers him a job in the kitchen.  In time he earns enough money to purchase a cat.  This cat begins a series of events which lead him to wealth and fame.
My nine year old and I read this aloud together to support our study of medieval England.
Strategy: cause and effect
-Borrowed from the library.

The Giant Pumpkin Suite by Melanie Heuiser Hill

Rose, a twelve year old gifted mathematician and musician, practices her cello diligently in hopes of winning the Bach Cello Suites Competition.  Her twin brother (who is a lot shorter than she is and in a few grades behind her) has different goals for the summer-helping Rose loosen up and have fun and to grow a pumpkin with their neighbor Mr. Pickering.  A couple of serious accidents occur which change the course of the summer.

A touching story of community and how being mended can make one even more beautiful.  We are all broken people.  In the broken places we can grow the best. 
I really liked the diverse array of cultures represented in this book (Japanese, Spanish). 

Warnings/points to consider and discuss: Two men,  Jeff and Simon, are a couple and have a baby boy. Although they are not major characters compared to the other neighbors, they are part of the story and show up a few times.  Mrs. Lukashenko is big chested and her big "bazooms" are mentioned a few times-even her heaving them onto the desk to rest! The Jacobi's father is a con man and resides mostly in jail. The prominent characters in the story do not have any fathers. The mothers need to work two jobs to make ends meet.  There are many great characters who are men but no fathers (except  Jeff and Simon). 

Jiro Dreams of Sushi DVD*

Ms. Bogart, founder of Brave Writer, recommended some movies for her movie club this summer, and this documentary was one of them.
Jiro's childhood, his techniques and his relationship with his two sons are explored in this fascinating movie.
Subtitles did not detract from the enjoyment factor. 
Rated PG (mild thematic elements  and brief smoking)
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.