Home by Thomas Locker

 Poems, paragraphs, quotes by famous Americans are illustrated by Mr. Locker's beautiful, lavish oil paintings.

-Borrowed from the library.

Holocaust -DVD

 Starring James Wood, Meryl Streep, Michael Moriarty

Not rated

Won multiple awards

This movie depicts the horrors of WW II through two families-Weiss family of Berlin (Jewish) and the Dorfs (one son is a high-ranking Nazi officer).  We were watching this movie during lunch.  I decided to stop watching it partly through disc one because of a rape scene and a couple of bedroom scenes.

-Borrowed from the library.

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher*

 Sarah Mackenzie, from Read Aloud Revival, read aloud a portion from this book during her latest Circle With Sarah.  

Elizabeth Ann, aka Betsy, lives with very protective relatives Aunt Frances and Aunt Harriet.  Aunt Frances claims that Betsy is very fragile and needs help with everything.  As a result, Betsy lacks confidence and is an anxious child.  When Aunt Harriet develops a cough and requires Aunt Frances undivided attention, Betsy is shipped off to different relatives.  Aunt Abigial, Uncle Henry,  and Cousin Ann give Betsy the freedom and opportunity to develop self-confidnece and to live life with curiosity and joy.  Ms. Fisher addresses the reader directly throughout the book.   Several times I found myself agreeing with the author's wise philosophies.  

*Highly recommend for those children (& parents) who appreciate old-fashion, wholesome books.

-Borrowed from the library.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed*

 Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, have lived in a refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya, since Omar was four years old.  An older woman, Fatuma, lives in a tent across from them  and watches over them.  

The harsh realities of refugees are depicted well.  The story of these two boys and their ways of survival will capture readers' hearts.  

Omar is admirable brother and young man.  In his narration, however, he does not shy away from sharing his flaws.   

God is mentioned throughout the book.  I think the god he is referring to is Allah.   Omar learns from the Quran and prays in the fashion of a Muslim.

I would discuss this book with your child---refugees, war in Somalia, special needs children, death of parents, how women/girls are treated in third world countries.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Awards it won:

National Book Award Finalist
Schneider Family Book Award, Middle School Honor
YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens
YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee
Walter Award Winner (Younger Readers)
Amazon Best Children’s Book of 2020
New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book
TIME Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of 2020
Kirkus Best Children’s Book of 2020
NYPL Best Book for Kids
NPR's Book Concierge Pick
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist
Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book
2021 ALSC Notable Children’s Books List
2021 Children’s Africana Book Award Honor Book
2021 Josette Frank Award Winner
2021 Notable Books for a Global Society List

Anne Arrives adapted by Kallie George illustrated by Abigail Halpin

 Adapted into short chapter books, the Anne series is now accessible to beginning/early readers.  

Lovely illustrations.

#1 in a series (only 2 in the series so far).

-Borrowed from the library.

Ronia, the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren

 My boys and I were part of a virtual author visit with Maria Parr (author of Adventures with Waffles & Astrid the Unstoppable) through Read Aloud Revival.  Ms. Parr recommended this book.  

Ronia's father, Matt, is a robber who lives in a mountain with his band of thieves.  Ronia roams the woods freely not being afraid of anything.  When she meets Birk, her life is forever changed. He is her first (and only) friend.  Birk's father, however,  is Matt's revival and archenemy.  Can any situation or any person bring friendship between the two  robber bands?

Entertaining and humorous.  I love the idea of kids roaming the forest from sunrise to sunset, free and imaginative!

Points to discuss/warnings: a few swear words, the main characters' living is stealing/robbing the innocent, scary magical folks,fighting/violence, an older, endearing thief dies at the end 

-Borrowed from the library.

Gracelaced by Ruth Chou Simons*

 Beautifully illustrated devotions

The book is divided by seasons, each season having a theme.  Mrs. Simons includes three additional Bible verses to "delve deeper".  

Winter-Resting in God's Character

Spring-Rehearsing the Truth

Summer-Responding in Faith

Autumn-Remembering God's Provisions

*Highly recommend (I could not finish it since it was due at the library, and  I could not renew it. I am hoping to borrow it again.)

-Borrowed from the library.