Our 2025-26 Homeschool Read Aloud List

Putting together this year's read aloud list has been quite a challenge.  We finished up our second round of Story of the World last year, and that's what I based a lot of our list around.  It was always fun to add historical fiction to our reading.  Now going into high school, we'll transition to BJU's Human Geography.  So I've been working on building our list around the continents that we'll study and the people that live there... their history, their culture, their lifestyle.   I have no idea where this year is going to take us.  Every title on this list is new to us (except for the holiday reads), so I'll keep you updated on our impressions.  Have you read any of these?

Coming up Cuban by Sonia Manzano

The Puffin Keeper by Michael Morpurgo

The Crow-Girl by Bodtl Bredsdorff

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Maria Jose Fitzgerald

Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai

Ice Drift by Theodore Taylor

See-Saw Girl by Linda Sue Park

Quest for the Tree Kangaroo by Sy Montgomery

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

What would you add to the list?

Weekend Links ll July 18, 2025

 

Teach Writing with a Curriculum

Low Carb Chicken Fajita Nachos

Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

Six Ways to Teach Kids to Think Like an Engineer

Earning Credits with a Project Based High School

Teaching Scripture Memorization to Children

*This post was originally published on 3/12/21.  Enjoy!

(Click on post for video)

 Today I'm sharing how we memorize Scripture with our children. We use this process in about 5 min a day and it's been a huge blessing in our family.

Do you have a process of memorization with your children? Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑19yrs led to 👱15 yrs, 👧13 yrs, and 👱 9 yrs. Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com Teaching Poetry Memorization to Children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDxf6w6ahQ C O N N E C T subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/ https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/52903?ref=nav_mybooks FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. *This video is not intended for audiences under 13 years.

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll June 2025

 

Culture of Honor by Danny Silk

This was a reread for me.  I had previously read this book at least 10 years ago.  Silk sets out to realign the church with a kingdom mindset, reminding us that God's structure doesn't always look like ours.  It was really a mixed review for me.  Silk has some great takeaways.  He shares examples of restoration with the church that left the participants built up rather than shamed.  He reminds us that revival culture doesn't eliminate the consequences or temptations of sin.  There were really some great points here.  I think my biggest hesitation is Silk's belief that the gifts are hierarchical.  He lays out an argument that some gifts are more important than others.  I just don't see that in Scripture.  I found myself loving and hating this book.  I'm just not sure what to make of it.  Still mulling it over.

Speak Your Mind by Emerson Eggerichs

See my full review here.

Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola

This fictionalized story by Karen Andreola follows Carol and her children as they embark on their homeschool journey.  It's a sweet story set in the early 1900's and really gets the mother's heart for her kids.  I love how sweet and gentle this story is.  Carol is honest about her struggles, but everything is covered by her love for her husband and family.  A lot of the book centers on their pursuit of nature study.  Andreola includes the scientific names of natural items and includes thoughtful questions at the end of each section.  I return to this one often when I need to be reminded of how simple and relational homeschool can be.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

Half-Magic, The Knight's Castle, and Magic by the Lake

by Edward Eager

We are hooked on this series.  The first book follows four siblings as they discover a magic charm that works in unusual ways... it only grants half wishes.  Hilarity follows as the kids wish their way into some unusual adventures.  And end up reaping the consequences.  Book Two introduces a new set of four characters, while Book Three finds the two groups meeting.  Each book is funny, hilarious, and has a meaningful moral.  And my favorite part is that the siblings actually get along and are good role models for behavior.  That sort of dynamic is hard to find these days.

What are you reading?

Speak Your Mind {Review}

 

For many of us, speaking with clarity can be a challenge.  When conveying our ideas, it seems like something always comes out slightly off.  How often do we have a conversation with a spouse or a friend, and walk away feeling like something was lost in translation?

Author Emmerson Eggerichs sets out to help us all better communicate with those around us by focusing on four simple principles:  Is it true?  Is it kind?  Is it necessary? Is it clear?

Easy, right?  Not so fast.

This updated version starts with a self-assessment, designed to highlight trouble areas in our communication.  Then communication mistakes are organized into clusters and addressed individually using Biblical principles and real-life examples.  Eggerichs concludes each section with a checklist for better communication, listing several questions created for self-reflection.

Emmerson Eggerichs has long been a favorite author in this house.  His books on marriage and family have vastly improved our communication and helped us set healthy boundaries in our relationships.  This book is well in line with his other writing.  Speak Your Mind does an incredible job of humbly pointing out communication mishaps and gently correcting them.  It even addresses issues like being vague so as not to hurt someone's feelings.  Eggerichs shows how something seemingly innocent can go on to cause more misunderstandings and consequences, all of which could have been avoided with better communication skills.  This is an excellent book, and I look forward to getting a hard copy so as to make notes as I learn to improve in my own communication.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Summer Reading List ll 2025

 Summer is here... and with it, long lazy hours at the pool and lake, camping weekends, and a chance for Mom to recharge.  So as I'm preparing my summer reading list, I'm stacking it with both books for learning and books for relaxation.  This is typically the time of year when I'm recasting vision for our homeschool.  So I like to read books like Homeschool Bravely or  Awaking Wonder.  On the other hand, my brain needs a break as well so I'm looking for some good fiction to lighten the mood.  I think I struck a good balance for this season, but I have to know... what would you add to this list?

Momentum by Bill and Eric Johnson

The Four Hour School Day by Durenda Wilson

Trial and Triumph by Richard Mannula

The House of My Mother by Shari Franke

Speak Your Mind by Emerson Eggerichs

Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

Our Read Alouds:

Magic by the Lake by Edward Eager

The Time Garden by Edward Eager

Coming up Cuban by Sonia Manzano

The Puffin Keeper by Michael Morpurgo

What are you reading?

10 Things We Don't Do In Our Homeschool

*This post was originally published on 3/6/19.  Enjoy!

(Click Post for Video)

Each homeschool is unique just as each family is unique.  Today I'm sharing ten good things that just don't fit into our homeschool.
Click for more!

The Simple Rugged Path:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ

The Waldock Way:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqCX1WaxK7QNR2dDdklS-VQ?fbclid=IwAR1PcS8CY_l6one6PrPI2HHSh7f6Ye_BJLjCeU7Ck_LIOm7vRuMLvmNxbfE

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdamhRE3YEBZ6oNyXPeTsfx46zV912Ps

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

C O N N E C T
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Teaching Social Skills to Your Homeschooled Preschooler

*This post was originally published on 8/23/22.  Enjoy!

(Click on post for video)

How do you teach social skills when your preschooler is homeschooled? It's not as difficult as you think.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑21yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. Homeschool Curriculum We Purchased and Didn't Use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfoltPo7eho What We're Reading and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll June '22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnNyieFmk1w Summer Reading List ll 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn-MkLOsVbY&t=3s DIY Charlotte Mason Book of Centuries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN9mcel_Xwg Tips for a More Affordable Homeschool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_3sTqtakac&t=2s Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com C O N N E C T subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/ https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/52903?ref=nav_mybooks Music Attribution: Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. *This video is not intended for audiences under 13 years.

What I'm Reading and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll May 2025

 What I'm Reading:

Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldridge

See my full review here.

Saving My Assassin

by Virginia Prodan

This powerful memoir follows Virginia Prodan as she grows up in communist Romania.  After becoming a lawyer, she starts defending pastors and churches.  It's through her political activism that she becomes a target of the government, and eventually has to escape with her family.  Incredible story of prayer, perseverance, and the Lord's protection.

More Than a Carpenter

by Josh McDowell

Similar to Case for Christ, More than a Carpenter lays out a logical sequence for coming to Christianity.  This quick, short read is perfect for middle school or early high schoolers.

Ballet Shoes

by Noel Streatfeild

Pauline, Petrova, and Posy are sisters.  Well, sort of.  They live a quiet life until one day they realize the money is running out.  Their benefactor, Gum, has been gone for several years, and their guardian, Guarnie, is doing the best she can to make ends meet.  As part of their plan, the girls are enrolled in a dancing academy where they will eventually learn skills for helping the family.  Pauline and Posy love the stage while Petrova desires a mechanic's life.  Through all their ups and downs, the girls' hard work and determination carve out their futures.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

Janner, Tink, and Leeli live in a small cottage with their mother and grandfather.  Most days are humdrum, except for the occasional Thwap captured in the garden.  Until one day, the three head off to the Dragon Festival alone and run into a bunch of unfriendly Fangs of Dang.  There they are catapulted into a journey of discovery, uncovering long-hidden family secrets.

Bruchko by Bruce Olson

 

At 19 years old, Bruce Olson set out to bring the gospel to a remote South American tribe.  Despite disease, loneliness, torture, and an immense language barrier, Bruce makes contact with the tribe and is eventually welcomed into the family.  Through it all, Olson's faith takes him through impossible situations, including flood, several near-death experiences, and kidnapping.

What are you reading?

Experience Jesus. Really. {Review}

In our present age, we're used to instant access to information.  Social media gives us a high of connectedness.  We are addicted to distraction and busyness.  Author John Eldredge would call us "disciples of the internet."  But all this comes at a cost.  Have we traded deep spiritual connection with the Creator for a cheapened version of fulfillment?  How can we access the ever present God when we live in a world of skeptical pragmatism?

Eldredge awakens his reader to the reality of God's nearness and how we can become more aware of Him.  He explores the idea of modern mystics, those who seek to live close connection with the Father, while still living in our 21st century world.  And he hopes to answer how can we return to this deep communion with God despite the distractions that are all around us.

I really enjoyed this one.  Eldredge breaks down what it looks like to be in such intimate relationship that we find complete fulfillment.  He highlights the need to return to the Lord again and again in order to keep us centered and living in true purpose.  Some of my favorite quotes from this book include:

• You are a disciple of the systems that tutors you, where you turn on a daily basis for guidance on living.
• But now, when you turn to Jesus and you are not answered in the way the Internet answers, you feel he isn't listening or that you can't hear from him.  You sadly believe the two of you are distant from one another, because your soul has been programmed for immediate responses.  The notion of lingering before God doesn't fit with the pace we've come to expect.  That's one example, but the effects of Internet discipleship go far, far deeper.
• Friends- we need daily encounters with Jesus; that is what we are after.  Nothing else will address the human condition.
• When we understand mysticism as simply the daily experience of God and His Kingdom, we can say that mysticism is the normal Christian life.  Which is to say, it is human existence put back on track.  This is what Eve and Adam enjoyed, and it is central to God's restoration of humanity.
• Our being can actually take refuge within the begin of God.  We can experience being surrounded with the presence of God and His mighty kingdom in the same way you can jump into the ocean.

And that's just the tip of the very beginning of this book.  It is FULL of practical wisdom and encouragement, leading the reader into a deeper communion with our Lord.  I can't wait to read it again.

*Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

 

Five Ways to Add Fun to Your Homeschool Day

*This post was originally published on 2/1/19.  Enjoy!

(Click Post for Video)

Five Ways to Add Fun to Your Homeschool... Maybe more!

Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg

The Simple Rugged Path https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7I8yx3Oxass7o8fKyD6OMBL&jct=O6yGDXSQVp82_styl8OFs0PGczsgwQ&disable_polymer=1&fbclid=IwAR0iR73qMRhL-ZQ-lOiGVaZAI9Kr4ZgAogBDHovHBHRWqIk5BOqlNDY4Fyc

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
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Teaching Your Kids How to Treat Books

 *This post was originally published on 9/7/16.  Enjoy!

We are a small house with big readers.  All three of my kids started reading at four years old, and of all our homeschooling accomplishments, giving them a love for reading ranks as #1 in my eyes.  But between the public library, the school library, and our own personal library, there are literally hundreds of books in our home at one time and with the privilege of reading so many books, comes the responsibility of caring for them.  So how do you teach your little ones, and your big ones, to care for all these books?  I've compiled 5 tips to get you started in teaching your child how to treat books.

1. Picking Age Appropriate Books-- Just as you wouldn't give a child a butcher knife, so you're also not going to hand a 2 year old a first edition Velveteen Rabbit.  The goal is to cultivate a love of reading.  So fill your home with chunky board books in a variety of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction.  Make them accessible and allow your child to "read" on his own initiative, free from the worry of tearing pages.

For older children, verse yourself in the classics.  Fill your home with Treasure Island, Peter Pan, and Pollyanna.  Look for stories that have stood the test of time.  Introduce well-rounded, beloved characters and thoughtful story lines.  A loved book is more likely to be treated with care.

2. Everything in it's place--As I've said before, our house is small.  But we've always found room for books.  Still having a home for all these books is important.  Children can't be expected to take care of books that don't have a place.  So in our home, we have three bookshelves, one in each kids' room and one in the living room.  Beyond that, we have a designated shelf in the entertainment center for library books and heavy canvas bags for transporting borrowed books back and forth.  All library or borrowed books stay in common living areas and are put back on the shelf after use.  We talk to our kids about the privilege of borrowing other people's books and how important it is to return them in good shape.

3. Keep pencils, markers, stickers, and more, out of reach--Little ones look at books and they see paper.  What fun it would be to fill all that paper with their own illustrations and stories!  So pencils and markers (as well as stickers, scissors, crayons, etc) are kept well out of reach and only used with mom's supervision.  We talk about how books contain someone else's stories, and if my little one wants to write a book, he can write on some of mom's copy paper.

4. Valuing the old as well as the new--I personally have a love for older books.  Not only are the story lines often rich, but I like to imagine the many people who have loved and enjoyed that book through the years. Maybe that's why I'm enchanted by used book stores.  Not only are there new stories to discover, but there are notes inside covers, dates and dedications written between family members, and even more history than the book can ever tell.  So we take our kids to used book stores, book sales, yard sales, and search out these treasures.  They've learned that whether a cover is worn or the pages are yellowing, there's still a whole world to discover.  And sometimes that makes them even more valuable.

5. Let them see you read--The more my kids see me reading, the more they realize what a privilege it is.  What we model for them is often times what they become.  So when it's reading time for the kids, I do my best to read as well.  We talk about the stories we're reading and the books we would or wouldn't recommend.  And we also talk about using a good bookmark, how to place a book on the shelf so the pages won't fold, reading books with clean hands, and more.  And by them seeing me reading, they realize that I'm following my own advice and take it to heart.

Wherever life may take them, I hope that my children will take a love of reading with them.  And when they outgrow a book, I feel confident they will leave it behind in good shape for the next reader.

How do you teach about/organize books in your home?

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll April 2025

What I'm Reading:

Living Fearless by Jamie Winship

Author Jamie Winship has lived and worked in some of the most volatile places in the world, helping leaders work through conflict and find resolution.  Through his experiences, he's found that much of the world's conflict is a result of fear and not knowing one's identity.  Using Biblical principles, even in hostile environments, he's brought peace and identity to many of God's children.  In his book, he teaches readers how to abide in Christ and sift their mindset, allowing God to use them wherever they are.  This is one of those books that requires multiple readings and deep soaking, but is so worth the time and effort.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

This one is a classic.  It's been quite some time since I picked it up, so I had it playing on audiobook this month.  Two sisters, two different temperaments, a repressed society, hidden love... mistaken intentions... it all comes together in one big happily ever after.

The Wonderful Wizard of OZ by L. Frank Baum

Another classic, but this one I've never read before.  It carries on much like the movie, but in the last 1/4 or so, it takes a decided turn as the characters must now use their gifts... brain, heart, and courage.  It's through their travels to different lands that they truly see what they're capable of getting Dorthy back to her home.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

The Cricket War by Tho Pham & Sandra McTavish

Based on a true story, The Cricket War follows a young boy, Tho, as he flees Vietnam in the early 1980s.  His family scraps together the money to send him to an uncle in America, but his voyage is anything but predictable.  Adrift on a small Vietnamese fishing boat... as a stowaway on a pirate ship... and waiting in a refugee camp, Tho dreams of reuniting with his family.  This age-appropriate read-aloud takes a closer look at refugee life without being too gritty for the middle-grade age.  The main character made the refugees' plight accessible and was a great addition to our history curriculum.

Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman

Kabir's mother was put in jail before he was even born.  So the women's prison is the only home he's ever known.  Now, at the age of 10, he's released and sets off to find the grandparents he's never met.  But life on the streets turns out to be unpredictable, and luckily, he meets Rani.  Together, they set off to find a family and hopefully free Kabir's mother.

This was very good, very well done.  I read it with my 8th grader, but we could have read it really anytime in middle school.  It's a tough topic, but the author approaches it with a lot of grace.

What are you reading?

Healthy Eating While Traveling

 *This post was originally published on 6/16/14.  Enjoy!

It's summer time and we're doing some traveling.  Summer is prime time for traveling.  There's Grandma's house, the beach, the lake, or just trying to connect with family while the kids are out of school.  Our summer is generally quiet this year, but we do have two trips planned.  And that means a little extra meal planning for Mama.  So right now I'm planning a few meals for the hotel and some ideas for the car ride.

Healthy eating is still possible on the road.  It just takes a little planning and creativity.  Here's what I'm planning:

1. Salads-- Salads are a great way to squeeze in vegetables and eat seasonally.  Plus they're still portable for your hotel room.  My favorites include taco salad (including haystacks) and steak salad.  Just grill your meat and prep your toppings at home and pack in a well-chilled ice chest.

2. Wraps-- Wraps are another great way to eat seasonally.  They can be pre-prepared for an on-the-road lunch, or veggies can be prepped and ready for a hotel meal upon your arrival.  Serve with a side salad (my favorite is a slaw) and you have an easy, refreshing meal.

3. Pasta or orzo salad-- These are both easily prepared at home and served on the road.  Try using orzo with lemon, salt, and pepper for a refreshing twist.  We love filling ours with bell pepper, olives, tomato, green onion, ... sometimes even garbanzo beans.

4. Tuna spirals or pizza rolls-- Both these items are great if you want to veer away from the typical sandwich on the road.  Keep them well chilled with pre-portioned dipping sauce.

5. Rice Salad-- This is another great one like pasta salad.  Just cook your rice and mix in some fixings.  Some of our favorites include chicken, cranberries, celery, yogurt dressing, and almonds.

6. Tacos-- I love serving tacos while we're on the road.  It's an easy meal at home and with a little prep, they are easily served in your hotel.  Pile on the veggies (including lots of green lettuce) and serve with some fresh fruit.

7. Chili-- Chili is one of our favorites at the beach.  We cook up a huge pot of chili before we leave home and plug in the crockpot when we get to the hotel.  And my husband says not to forget the cornbread.  Comfort food at the beach is always a highlight of our trip.

How do you eat well while traveling?

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll March 2025

 What I Read:

The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton

See my full review here.

Out of a Far Country

by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan

This book has been on my to-read list for a while.  The son of Chinese immigrants, Christopher Yuan got good grades, listened to his parents, and dutifully took piano lessons.  He seems like the model son... until he wasn't.  After coming out to his parents in his early 20s, Chris distanced himself from his family.  His mother Angela found herself in a dark place, ready to end her own life.  Eventually, she learned to relinquish control and place her son in God's hands.  Chris' life takes a different turn... dropping out of college, dealing drugs, and eventually being arrested.  There were points in this autobiography that were really challenging to read, times when Christopher Yuan described the drug scene that he was involved in.  But overall, Out of a Far Country is a beautiful story of family and redemption.  So glad I finally got my hands on a copy.

The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke

See my full review here.

Should Christians Support Israel? by Jeff Myers, Ph.D.

Following the October 7th 2023 attack, Dr. Jeff Myers travels to Israel in search of a better understanding of a very complex situation.  Through firsthand accounts and historical background, Myers brings light to the Israel-Palestine conflict.  More than just a land dispute, this book discusses the worldview through which people groups see the world and their ultimate drive in this conflict.  Whether you ultimately agree with Myers or not, this book is full of historical and philosophical information, helping to better frame the Middle East conflict.  I learned so much by reading this book.  It's a great place to start in understanding the complex times we live in.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Morrigan Crow is one of the cursed children.  Everything she does causes heartache for those around her.  Even when she's trying to stay out of trouble, she finds herself accidentally cursing someone.  Luckily for her district, being a cursed child, she's doomed to die at midnight on her 11th birthday.  That is until a mysterious benefactor whisks her away to Nevermoor and makes her his apprentice.  Here, she finds that she's not really cursed after all.  In fact, she's praised for her amazing gifts and talents.  Still, there's something her mentor isn't telling her and it leaves Morrigan wondering if there isn't some dark magic in her after all.  This was a fun fantasy fiction that my 13-year-old and I both enjoyed.  There are some dark moments, specifically when Morrigan must go through the fright trial for her apprenticeship.  She finds herself in a cemetery being chased by witches and spirits.  This was definitely the hardest part of the book to read.  Although it's marketed to a younger audience, I would probably wait till about 12 or 13 years before reading this one with my kids.

Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston

& James D. Houston

A firsthand account of the Japanese Internment Camps established during World War II, Farewell to Manzanar follows one family's story as they fight for community, heritage, and being recognized as Americans.  Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston recounts leaving her Long Beach fishing community and arriving at Manzanar, a primitive camp set up in the high desert country of California.  There she struggles between her Japanese heritage and an emerging American identity. We read this book as part of our World War II study.  It's a good book, but there is some indication of men looking at girls inappropriately so I would recommend reading this one with your children to clarify with discussion.

Christian Heroes: Charles Mulli

by Janet and Geoff Benge

Still reading those Christian Heroes books.  This one was especially interesting as we read that Charles Mulli rose up from his rough childhood to becoming a successful businessman and eventually reaching out to street kids in his community.  This is one of my favorites that I've read in the series.

Children of the Storm by Natasha Vins

Another autobiography this month... Natasha Vins' father was a Baptist pastor in the Soviet Union during the 1970's.  This is their family's story of house raids, going underground, imprisonment, and exile... all for pursuing their faith.  Very good.

What are you reading?