The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karin Yan Glaser*

I read this book aloud to my sons.
In her second book about the Vanderbeekers, Ms. Glaser reinforces their family's love and loyalty to their upstairs' neighbors, Mr. Jeet and Ms. Josie.  Mr. Jeet has another stroke and is hospitalized.  The Vanderbeeker children decide to transform an abandoned lot next to a church into a garden to bring joy to Mr. Jeet and Ms. Josie's lives.  They, however, encounter a tricky real estate developer who sees the opportunity to make some money and who soon has sold the lot. 
Will the Vanderbeekers be able to save their garden?
Readers will admire the children's loyalty and creativity.  They will be cheering on Mr. Beiderman as he steps outside of his comfort zone (literally!) and Oliver as he befriends his "enemy".

*Highly recommend.
We own this book.
Warnings/points to discuss: lying/deceit, keeping secrets from their parents

My oldest son liked the first book in this series better because all the siblings were present.  In this second book Isa was away at music camp.  My youngest son liked this one better because Mr. Beiderman was their friend and the subject was gardening (he likes gardening). 
We are looking forward to book #3 in 2019.

Loving My Actual Life by Alexandra Kuykendall

An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me
I heard Mrs. Kuykendall speak on a Focus on the Family the other week about "loving her actual Christmas".  Unfortunately our county's library system did not have the book about Christmas.  So I borrowed this book by her instead.
Over nine months Mrs. Kuykendall made changes in her life so she could enjoy the life God had given her.  Each month she focused on a different goal.  Some focuses included quiet, mornings, health, passions, meals, creativity.  She included her journal entries and was genuine and candid.  When she closed each chapter/month, she presented practices she would continue, questions to ponder and a scripture reference.  At the back of the book she offered practical steps for the reader to implement.
-Borrowed from the library.

Crispin The Cross of Lead by Avi*

Performed by Ron Keith
We listened to this book on audio as a family and loved it!
All of his life he has lived in a hut in a small English village and has been called "Asta's son".  When his mother dies, however, an entire backstory about his mother and him unravels.  The village priest gives him a lead cross which has an inscription on the back.  "Asta's son" cannot read so the mystery remains.    He is immediately in danger and flees for his life.  As he dodges men out to kill him, he encounters a large bald man who is a juggler.  The man calls himself Bear.  Can he be trusted?
A story that will immerse the reader in 14th century England.
*Highly recommend.
Three books in the series
Warning: violence, "Asta's son" is called a bastard, lots of promises using God's name, Christ's name and the Saints'-part of the culture at that time
-Borrowed from the library (but I bought the book because we liked it so much (and book #2!)).

Today at the Bluebird Cafe by Deborah Ruddell illustrated by Joan Rankin

A Branchful of Birds
Poetry celebrating a wide variety of birds
Some of the poems are fanciful; others are factual.
A delightful read for those who love birds
-Borrowed from the library.

A Medieval Feast written and illustrated by Aliki*

What a beautiful book!
The illustrations and their captions reveal just as much as the main text about a typical medieval feast. 
I especially enjoyed examining the borders. 
Some the illustrations will encourage the reader to ask questions.
The author's note shares more information about this time period and feasts in the Middle Ages.
A must read book when studying the Middle Ages.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning illustrated by Kate Greenaway

Beautiful Victorian illustrations
The format and word choice make this poem a bit difficult to understand, but once we started reading, we found the rhythm.  A glossary in the back defines some of the old-fashion words.
This poem shares how the town of Hamelin was over run with rats and the consequences of the leadership not paying the Pied Piper.
The topic may freak some kids out.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Documents That Shaped America-The Magna Carta by Janey Levy

Lots of background information about Medieval society and why the barons wrote the Magna Carta.
We studied King John this week so we used sections of this book to deepen our understanding of the Magna Carta.
I like how this book connects to the American government.
-Borrowed from the library.