Nonfiction:
Help! My Kid Hates Writing by Julie Bogart
Writing is hard. Teaching writing is HARD. Julie Bogart brings her Brave Writer system to parents as they support their children's writing journey with practical advice and ideas. Bogart comes from a coaching perspective and really creates an alliance between parent and child. I also love that it included real life examples and exercises for putting Bogart's philosophy into practice. I'm not sure what I expected, but I wish I would have had this book when my kids were younger, and I will be returning to it again and again for ideas.
You Can Be Brave by Max Lucado
See my full review here.
Christian Heroes: Wilfred Grenfell
by Janet and Geoff Benge
I love these Christian Heroes books. They remind me how the Lord can use any of us for His purpose. This one chronicles the life of Wilfred Grenfell as he ministers to the people along in Newfoundland and Labrador. The conditions he find there leads him to establish hospitals, schools, fisherman cooperatives, and more. It was heartbreaking to read the stories of these families. The lives they lived were harsh, ruthless, and dangerous. Grenfell's work during that time is truly amazing and inspiring. I say it every time... "This one's my new favorite."
Fiction:
Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
This final novel in the Anne of Green Gables series follows Anne's youngest daughter, Marilla. Entering adulthood as World War I erupts, Rilla jumps in to help the war effort and even raises a baby whose mother dies while the father is a soldier. As the war rages, she watches three brothers, numerous friends, and a love interest leave for Europe. This book discusses themes of courage, resilience, and heartache. Other than the first book, this might be my favorite in the series. Montgomery has a way of writing very believable characters and bring history to life. This book reminds us all what a challenging time this was, and the grit and resilience that was exhibited by an entire generation.
The Secret, Book, and Scone Society by Ellery Adams
Four strangers in a small town unite together to not only solve one murder, but two. It all enters around the new housing development and an executive who was ready to come clean. Until he wounds up dead. And when one of their own is framed for the murders, it's up to the other to uncover the real killer. This isn't my usual genre, but spoiler alert, I loved it. The plot was intriguing without being "too much." And the four protagonists were so endearing. This is a great light mystery of just stepping into something new.
There's an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George
This was quick middle grade read about a young boy whose father has lost his job due to conservation efforts. The spotted owl threatens the family livelihood and a rural town is in transition. The young boy finds a baby owlet which he brings home and it immediately bonds with his father. Over time, the father comes around to loving the owl as well. However, they have yet to realize it's a spotted owl. What will the father do when he realizes? I love this author's books. She does a great job of balancing the needs of the environment with the needs of people, without belittling either side. This would make a great read about for ages 8-12 years.
Read Alouds:
Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Maria Jose Fitzgerald
Twelve year old Barana is fascinated by the sea turtles that visit her coastal home in Honduras. And she's equally as determined to preserve their nests for generations to come.
Aberdeen is struggling to fit into her life in the states, where she's never quite felt like the other kids.
When Abby gets the chance for a two week visit to Honduras with her father, the girls become unlikely allies in tracking down the poaches that are terrorizing the island.
This is an age appropriate mystery about friendship, preservation, and family, all themes appropriate for tweens and middle schoolers. We loved reading this one and hope you will too!
What are you reading?
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