Island Storm by Brian Floca illustrated Sydney Smith**

 Two siblings leave their home to experience the precursor of the sights and sounds to a thunderstorm on an island. Holding hands, the two roam the island despite the impending danger. The word choice is superb. The figurative language enhances the book's "atmosphere".  Mr. Smith's illustration depict the mood of the different phases of the storm.

A perfect book to read aloud in the spring and summer before a thunderstorm. 

The page layouts are purposeful. I like the repeating refrain too.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The iguanodon's Horn by Sean Rubin**

 Mr. Rubin put a lot of thought and research into creating this book (even his explanation of his art and typeset in the fine print is humorous. The typeface reflects the subject matter-one used for scientific publications in the paleotology beginnings). His art and page layouts are engaging and carry significance.

Before the title page, Mr. Rubin is capturing the reader's attention. Mr. Rubin explains how the understanding of science and dinosours has transformed over time by following what different artists and scientists thought the iguanodon looked like.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

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).

How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander & Deanna Nikaido art by Melissa Sweet

 Authors create a poem to instruct how to write a poem. I love how readers can return to it and easily identify the myriad of techniques the authors utilized. 

Great book to introduce a poetry unit  with elementary students.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela by Uri Shulevitz*

Through Three Continents in the Twelfth Century

Mr. Shulevitz transforms Benjamin of Tudela's book, Book of Travels, into a picture book for children. Any extra information he added, he carefully researched and kept it authentic to the time period. 

Benjamin of Tudela is considered the greatest medieval Jewish traveler. After exploring (enduring drastic weather and circumstances) the "then known world" for  fourteen years, he arrived home to northern Spain to share his experiences and new knowledge. He had set out one hundred years before Marco Polo to view the world!

*Highly recommend for older students. Younger ones may find this account not very interesting.

-Borrowed from the library.

Pish, Posh said Hieronymus Bosch by Nancy Willard illustrated by Diane, Leo, & Lee Dillon

 A poem from Hieronymous Bosch's housekeeper's point of view. She is weary. Bosch's odd creatures create challenging days. She leaves but can't stay away!

A fictional account but based on Hieronymous Bosch's bizarre paintings. Bosch was a Dutch painter during the 1400s & early 1500s.

A fun addition to any medieval history unit. The Dillon family's talent is magnified in this book.

-Borrowed from the library.