That brings the total for the year to 63 books, 21 magazines, and 2 books abandoned.
Old Yeller
by Fred Gipson
Fourteen year old Travis learns to love an ugly, but useful, yellow dog one summer while his pa is away on a cattle drive. The dogs saves the family several times, including one last battle with a rabid wolf. Yes, a sad ending, but he tells you on the first page that the dog died. A couple of the kids read it after me and enjoyed it.
Savage Sam
by Fred Gipson
The sequel to Old Yeller, but too much gore and stereotyping of "savage Indians". Just not in the mood for it, so I abandoned it. I think I did read it a long time ago.
Anne of Ingleside
by Lucy Maud Montgomery
The sixth book in the Anne of Green Gables saga. This one deals with Anne's life as mom of 6 kids. Each child is featured in one or more adventures of their own. A nice read, but a little different and not as captivating as the first 2 or 3 books in the series.
Duncan's War
by Douglas Bond
Set in 17th century Scotland as the "Covenanters" are cruelly persecuted by the Anglicans. Duncan and his family have to wrestle with how to follow "King Jesus" in the midst of this persecution. They have to discern when to "love your enemies" and live at peace with the authorities and when "loving your neighbor as yourself" means taking a stand and fighting. There were interesting parallels with current events, as far as figuring out how to fight for what is right without becoming just like your oppressors. There was a little bit toward the end that might be too graphic for sensitive readers (description of one method of torture and of hanging). This is the first of a trilogy. If you aren't familiar with the historical background, it might be a bit hard to follow. But it could be a great supplement to a study of the time period.
Heartwood Hotel : A True Home
by Kallie George
The first in a series. A mouse named Mona loses her home during a storm and finds herself at an animal hotel in a large tree in Fernwood Forest. She gets a job as a maid, makes friends, deals with one unfriendly co-worker and roommate, and shows great courage in the face of danger that threatens everyone at the hotel. Cute and sweet, but also teaches some good lessons.
