Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson is a coming-of-age story set in Montana during World War I. Hattie is an orphan, shuffled from one unwilling relative to another for most of her life. Then a letter arrives in the mail. Hattie's uncle has died, leaving her his homestead claim in Montana. Although she is only... Continue Reading →
The Great Turkey Walk
Some people may call 15-year-old Simon Green a turkey - his aunt even calls him 'pea-brained.' But Miss Rogers, Simon's teacher, sees something special in Simon. "Not everyone appreciates your finer talents, Simon. ... But I'm certain there's a place for you in this world. Just think about what you like best, Simon. Think about... Continue Reading →
The Real Santa Claus
Whether or not you celebrate Santa in your house, once your children are old enough to wonder, they will probably have questions about him. My children asked plenty. "Was he a real person? How did he get to be Santa Claus? Why does everyone talk about him?" If you're not sure of the answers, The... Continue Reading →
The Ravenmaster’s Secret
Set in the Tower of London during the 1730's, The Ravenmaster's Secret by Elvira Woodruff tells of a daring escape from the Tower. But Forrest Harper isn't sure he has the courage to help with the escape. The older boys at the Tower bully him, his mother requires him to watch over his little sisters. ... Continue Reading →
The Arrow Over the Door
The Arrow Over the Door by Joseph Bruchac is a fictionalized version of a true story. In 1777, the American Revolution was in full swing. People in America were choosing sides, and both sides disliked the Quakers because they resolutely chose no side. Samuel Russell feels the sting of his neighbor's displeasure, and struggles to... Continue Reading →
Shakespeare’s Secret
When I first saw the cover for Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach (author of Masterpiece), I thought, "Oh, a Chasing Vermeer knock-off. I wonder how good it is?" I discovered it's very good. And in my opinion, much better than Chasing Vermeer. (I haven't reviewed Chasing Vermeer because while I like that the book, and... Continue Reading →
Clyde Robert Bulla
If you or your child is studying early American history, you will want to become familiar with Clyde Robert Bulla's works. Bulla has authored a whole, huge long list of books - including two books I've already reviewed, Donald's Duck and The Sword in the Tree. I really appreciate Bulla's sensitivity to children and their... Continue Reading →
Lincoln: A Photobiography
This may be an odd choice as a rockin' kids book, but my kids enjoyed it. All four of them. (Of course, my kids adore museums too, which makes them a tad geeky - but that's just fine with me!) So what book deserves that qualifier? Lincoln: a Photobiography by Russell Freedman. I think my... Continue Reading →
Bad News for Outlaws
In Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson tells the story of Bass Reeves, one of the first Deputy U.S. Marshals in Indian Territory. Reeves grew up as a slave, but after the Civil War settled down in Indian Territory. He was U.S. Marshall for... Continue Reading →
The Cabin Faced West
Author Jean Fritz grew up in China, which she credits for her obsession with American history. She's written many children's books about American history, and I've enjoyed every one I've read. (See my review of several of her books, including What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? here.) My children read The Cabin Faced West for... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 