What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Aloud ll May 2026

 Nonfiction:

The Missing Peace by Tim Ross

See my full review here.

The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart

In this book, Julie Bogart brings her own town of enchantment and whimsy to homeschool.  Based on decades of experience, from being a homeschool parent to a writing coach and author herself, Bogart encourages parents to explore the elements of homeschool that embrace freedom,  curiosity, and wonder.  I've read this book multiple times and feel like I always get something out of it.  Even with high schoolers, I'm reminded of the principles that make this grand life of homeschool worth living.  This is definitely one I would recommend for all homeschoolers, but especially those starting out, to preserve a sense of wonder in their homes and children.

Fiction:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

My challenge for this year is to read Jane Austen's books, and what better way to start that challenge that with Pride and Prejudice?  Set in the world of Regency England, independent Elizabeth Bennett finds herself fiercely clashing with the brooding Mr. Darcy.  But things are never as they appear in a world of propriety and social expectations.  Gender roles, misunderstandings, and clashing egos abound as love and loved ones are not all their appear to be.  This is a great one to start with if you're new to Jane Austen's work.

Read Aloud:

The House of Sixty Fathers by Meindert DeJong

Set during WWII, Tien Pao is separated from his family and must survive the Japanese invasion on his own.  Through flooding, enemy gunfire, and a burning city, Tien Pao manages to keep himself alive.  Along the way, he is helped by Chinese resistance fighters and manages to save an American airman as well.  With only his lucky pig to keep him company, he finds his way to an airbase and the men who set out to help him reunite with his family.  Sad, thrilling, and humanizing, The House of Sixty Fathers brings home the very personal pain of WWII, and the joy of finding family even in unlikely places.

The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day by Scott O'Dell

Young Tom Barton and his Uncle Jack help William Tyndale smuggle Bibles into England.  What starts out as a business deal, quickly turns personal when Tyndale teaches Tom to read and treats him like a son.  This book had its ups and downs.  Sometimes it felt very slow and other times, we were on the edge of our seats.  One thing I did really enjoy was the fact that it didn't shy away from the danger that Tyndale was in.  And that by befriending him, Tom Barton put his life at risk as well.  O'Dell also writes the characters in such a way that they are very human.  No one in this story is perfect and that really opened up a lot of opportunity for us that have conversations about one's character. 

What are you reading?