Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
For most people, the thought of dandelions brings thoughts of desperate efforts to eradicate them from their yards. But for Zoe, dandelions are a symbol of hope. Hope that her mother will feel at home on the prairies of Nebraska. Hope that their sod house will soon feel like home. Hope that the family will... Continue Reading →
In 1939, those European Jewish families who could sent their children to Sweden - a safe haven from the Nazi soldiers. Twelve-year-old Stephie Steiner and her seven-year-old sister Nellie are two of the lucky ones to escape Vienna. At first, they don't feel so lucky. Once in Sweden, they are placed with separate host families. ... Continue Reading →
The Souls - an academic bowl team made up of sixth-graders. Not just any sixth-graders, though. These four sixth-graders are connected in some very unexpected ways - not the least of which is their Saturday afternoon teas at Julian's house. And their teacher is also unique. She's returned to teaching ten years after being paralyzed... Continue Reading →
Three little Swedish sisters with blond hair and blue eyes have many adventures together - in the kitchen, at the neighbor's house, on the farm, and even in town. They dress alike, love to help people and animals. The Flicka, Ricka, Dicka books by Maj Lindman were first published in the United States in the... Continue Reading →
Benjamin's historic seaside school is about to be torn down to make way for a huge amusement park. Benjamin is kind of excited about it, until an unusual encounter with the school janitor right before he dies. The janitor entrusts Benjamin with a heavy gold coin with a long history, and directions to 'save the... Continue Reading →
I mentioned Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco in an earlier post about Polacco's books. But I enjoy this book so much, it deserves it's own recognition. Chicken Sunday is a personal story from Polacco's childhood in southern California. She and two brothers from her neighborhood are siblings, "by a solemn ceremony [they] had performed in... Continue Reading →
Every day in winter, Babushka would prepare for the Easter Festival in Moskva by painting an egg shell from her basket. Until one day, when the goose she rescued was startled and broke all of Babushka's eggs. Babushka was so sad - she would not be going to the Easter Festival that year. But her... Continue Reading →
As a sports star, Jimmy is confident in himself and his abilities. That all changes one day, when his friend messes around with a firecracker, accidentally setting it off. The resulting explosion blinds Jimmy, and now he has to relearn everything he used to do without thinking - getting dressed, finding his way around his... Continue Reading →
I am not a fan of poetry. I admit it, loud and clear! In fact, I probably would never read my children poetry, except that it's scheduled into Sonlight, the home school curriculum we use. And thankfully it is. A Child's Introduction to Poetry by Michael Driscoll is a relatively new offering by Sonlight. I... Continue Reading →
Margo Bandini has always felt secure. She had Papa, Mama, and her little brother Charlie - although he had given the family quite a scare several years earlier. But it is now 1933, and Margo's world seems to be falling apart. The sheriff sale sign in on the front door of her home. Her best... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 