What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Aloud ll Sept 2026

 Nonfiction:

Carols for the Coming Christ by Adam M.L.Tice

See my full review here.

Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst

I've been meaning to get around to this one for awhile.  TerKeurst addresses the issue of identity and how it prevails in moments of lonely and isolation.  This book is so rice.  I've been going over it in my mind ever since I finished it, and there's still so much to think through.  It's a quick, easy read, but rich enough that it can't be digested in one reading.  I'm keeping it on my nightstand to pick up again.

Fiction:

A Heart Set Grace by Amy Clipston

See my full review here.

The Amish Candlemaker's Fake Fall Marriage by McKenzie Boone

See my full review here.

Sanction by Jane Austen

This unfinished novel follows Charlotte Heywood, an impulsive young woman who finds herself in the upcoming resort town of Sandition.  Previously a steeply little village, Sandition is transforming into an up and coming destination.  Charlotte herself is caught up in romance with lively Sydney Parker.  The edition I read stuck strictly to Austen's writings and ended where her words ran out.  This would have been a fun one to read had she had the time to finish it.

Read Aloud:

The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg

Mrs. Olinski is putting together an Academic Bowl team from her sixth grade class and rather than looking at test scores or holding a competition, she decides to handpick her team.  The four students chosen aren't the brightest in the class and yet somehow, they just feel right.  As they defeat team after team, we discover their stories.  Their struggles and triumphs, and their unexplainable connection to each other.  Can this random group of lowly sixth graders win the state championship?  And how does Mrs. Olinski's story fit with theirs?  This was an interesting book about how life shapes us all.  How we find our way in the world.  And how friendship can often bring out the best in us.  This is one of those books that causes you to sit back and ponder ... and ultimately reminds us that we're more alike than we realize.

What are you reading?

Waiting on a Good, Good, God {Review}

 

Waiting is hard.  It's hard for adults, but really hard for kids.  Remembering that God is good in the waiting? Double Hard!

This beautifully illustrated picture book reminds us that God is always working on our behalf.  Prayed and God hasn't answered?  He's still working. Pled for a good outcome in someone's life?  God still hears.  He's always listening and working circumstances for good, even when we haven't seen the outcome.  He cares deeply and is actively present, even in the waiting.

I love the poetic language and beautiful imagery in this book.  It's just the right balance of having kid-friendly speech, without being overly simplistic.  This book reminds the reader that waiting is good and healthy... that slowly developed patience still comes from a good and present God.  And it's told through scenarios and thoughts that kids can identify with.  Waiting on a Good, Good God would make a wonderful addition to family devotions.  Its thoughtful storytelling is a great way to introduce conversation about waiting on the Lord with eager anticipation.

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

October Holidays and Homeschool Ideas

 Looking for a few ways to add some fun to your homeschool?  Here are just a few of the holidays and fun days you can celebrate this month:

Oct 1st--World Vegetarian Day
       *Try a new meatless meal
       *Talk about nutrition/ the importance of vegetables

Oct 2nd--Farm Animals Day
       *Visit a farm
       *Make farm animal puppets
       *Learn about the life cycle of farm animals

Oct 3rd--Card Making Day
       *Make/send a card to the grandparents
       *Design some simple holiday cards

Oct 6th--Mad Hatter Day

        *Listen to Alice in Wonderland on Audiobook

Oct 12th--National Farmers Day

        *Complete a farm unit study

        *Visit a local U-Pick farm

        *Read Farmer Boy
    
Oct 17th--Pasta Day
       *Try a new pasta recipe
       *Bake some cheesy garlic pull bread

Oct 20th--International Chefs day

        *Learn a new quick and easy recipe

        *Watch a kids cooking show

        *Read some Celebrity Chef Facts for Kids

Oct 25th--International Artist Day
       *Learn about a new artist
       *Replicate a famous piece of art work
       *Try a new art technique

Oct 26th--Pumpkin Day
       *Study the life cycle of the pumpkin
       *Toast pumpkin seeds
       *Complete a pumpkin science experiment

Oct 31st--Halloween
       *Create a homemade costume
       *Make a fall/halloween themed wreath
       *Practice math facts with candy

What are you celebrating this month?

Weekend Links ll September 25, 2026

 

Printable State Facts Sheet

50 U.S. State Cards

Super Bowl Geography for Kids

Use Hymns to Teach Truth and Doctrine

7 Creative Ways to Use Sticky Notes in Your Homeschool

Carols for the Coming Christ {Review}

 

In this 37 day devotional, author Adam Tice takes the reader on a journey through the carols of Advent through Epiphany in order to deeper understand God's heart.  Each entry includes the words of a song, the scripture it references, a one page devotional on God's character, reflection questions, and a response prompt.  Prompts range from deeper reflection, journaling exercises, writing poems and songs, and responding in other artistic modes.

I didn't love this book.  While it was interesting to see the variety of carols chosen, it quickly became redundant.  Additionally, I started to notice that Tice really stretched his application in the devotional section.  I did some studying and found that the connections he made were out of context and poorly supported.  He introduced personal bias in several entries, so much so that I was put on guard each time I came to this devotional.  With that in mind, I cannot recommend this title.

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