That brings the total for the year to 41 books (13 for my benefit, 28 for the kids or school related), 6 magazines, and 0 books abandoned.
Biography
It's My Turn
by Ruth Bell Graham
Not exactly a biography, but a collection of memories and advice from Billy Graham's wife. Many good ones about marriage, parenting, faith, and prayer.
Classics
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
A beautiful story! I read it many, many years ago but remembered absolutely nothing of it. Mrs. Bennett's chief occupation in life seems to be trying to get her five daughters married off to wealthy men. Her second daughter Elizabeth and a visiting gentleman Mr. Darcy take an instant dislike to one another, for various reasons. But they learn that their judgments of each other's characters were hasty and based both on their own pride and their prejudices. As they learn more of each other, they become humbled and attracted to one another. And live happily ever after. I alternated reading and listening to the excellent audio narrated by Alison Larkin.
Newberry
Calico Bush
by Rachel Field
Twelve year old Marguerite is a French girl, orphaned in America and bound-out till she's 18 to an American colonial family. She is despised for being French, but faithfully and bravely cares for the children of the family, eventually winning the respect of the family and her freedom. Received the Newberry Honor Award in 1932.
Nonfiction
World Religions and Cults Volume 2 : Moralistic, Mythical and Mysticism Religions
by Bodie Hodge & Roger Patterson
The second of a three volume set. This one covers such topics as the New Age Movement, Hinduism, Egyptian/Greek/Norse Mythology, Buddhism, Confucianism, and more.
Just For Fun
The War that Saved My Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Set in WW II England. Ada and her brother are evacuated from London to a country town ahead of bombings during WWII. Ada was born with a club foot and has been kept inside all her life by a mother who despises her and subjects her to physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. They end up in the care of a middle-age single woman who didn't want them, but who cares for them much better than their mother did. Heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. Deals with the realities of war in a sensitive manner. The author does an excellent job of getting into the head of Ada and portraying her thoughts, emotions, confusions, etc. Horses play a prominent role, so horse lovers will enjoy it. I listened to the audio version narrated by Jayne Entwistle, who did a fabulous job portraying the different voices with all the inflection and emotion that made the story come to life. The story challenged me as a mother. I have a hard time being patient with my own kids sometimes. I'm not sure I could have been as patiently loving to help a wounded child such as Ada as their guardian did. My admiration increased for friends of mine who have done exactly this with children they've adopted. This book might be hard to read for those who have experienced abandonment and abuse. Or it might be healing. It was a Newberry Honor Book in 2016 and deserves it! This will be on my read-aloud list when we cover World War II.
UPDATE June 2021: I was puzzled recently by hearing concerns about the "sexual content" of this book and its sequel (below). I did not observe anything sexual in it at all. It turns out that the lady who becomes Ada's guardian is supposed to be homosexual, and the friend she lived with and still mourns was her "lover." There is nothing in the book that requires this interpretation. At first I thought this was just people with their antennae up looking for anything remotely promoting this agenda. Unfortunately, upon doing further research, I found on the author's blog that she most definitely intended this interpretation and scorns those who object to it. It's too bad. It was a great story. But I rescind my recommendation.
The War I Finally Won
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
The sequel to The War That Saved My Life. Ada finally has surgery to correct her club foot but finds that she still has issues of trust and hope to deal with. Again, horses are featured prominently. This one's a bit harder than the first one, as far as the war stuff goes. But very worth it! There are discussions about Christianity, Judaism, heaven, and hell that would be good conversation starters to share your own family's beliefs. There's a video clip by the author here. The audio version, narrated by Jayne Entwistle, was just as excellent as the first one.
UPDATE June 2021: I was puzzled recently by hearing concerns about the "sexual content" of this book and its prequel (above). I did not observe anything sexual in it at all. It turns out that the lady who becomes Ada's guardian is supposed to be homosexual, and the friend she lived with and still mourns was her "lover." There is nothing in the book that requires this interpretation. At first I thought this was just people with their antennae up looking for anything remotely promoting this agenda. Unfortunately, upon doing further research, I found on the author's blog that she most definitely intended this interpretation and scorns those who object to it. It's too bad. It was a great story. But I rescind my recommendation.
Read-aloud
Paddington Abroad
by Michael Bond
Paddington and the Browns go on holiday to France and have all sorts of interesting adventures, including a ride in the Tour de France on a tricycle.
Paddington At Large
by Michael Bond
Paddington has more adventures around London with his friends, Mr. Gruber, Jonathan, and Judy.
History
Augustine: The Farmer's Boy of Tagaste
by P. De Zeeuw
A biography of Augustine (who became known as Augustine of Hippo). Begins with his childhood and early adulthood in rebellion against the faith and God of his mother. Describes his mother's prayers and pleadings with her son to repent. Ends with his work in the Christian church to combat heresies. Reading level is at least upper elementary to junior high.
Augustine of Hippo
by Simonetta Carr
A beautifully illustrated children's biography of Augustine of Hippo. A bit easier than the previous book. We read this one aloud.
Beyond the Desert Gate
by Mary Ray
A Greek boy named Philo lives in Philadelphia (Judea) in AD 70. He cares for a stranger his father rescued from the desert. Later, the stranger helps him and his brothers after their father dies. One brother ends up fighting with the Jews as Masada, the other serves with the Romans, witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem, with Philo caught in the middle. Gives an interesting glimpse into this period of history. Junior high and up. Not especially gory, but use with caution for especially sensitive readers.
The Robe
by Lloyd C. Douglas
A Roman tribune finds himself in charge of the crucifying Jesus, whom he believes is an innocent man. After winning Jesus' robe in a dice game and being forced to put it on in front of a crowd of drunken soldiers, he becomes mentally disturbed.
I survived the Destruction of Pompeii
by Lauren Tarshsis
A slave boy and his father escape the destruction of Pompeii in AD 79 after warning the town of the impending disaster of Mount Vesuvius. An short, easy chapter book.
Other books
God's Crime Scene for Kids
by J. Warner Wallace
A third book in the series that includes Cold Case Christianity and Forensic Faith for Kids. This time the kids are investigating a the creation of the universe while they also try to solve the case of a mysterious shoebox in the attic of one of the boys.
Saint Patrick
by Ann Tompert
A picture book biography of the man known as Saint Patrick, based on his own writings in The Confession. Nicely illustrated.
An Illustrated History of Japan
by Shigeo Mishimura
As the title suggests, full-page, detailed illustrations with a few lines of text describe Japan's history. The first few pages contain evolutionary assumptions.
Crow Boy
by Taro Yashima
A little boy goes to school in Japan for years being teased and ridiculed by students and teacher alike until a new teacher sees in him abilities the others never saw.
Picture books, just for fun
Nothing new. Just various selections from our shelves that we've read before.
Magazines
World News Magazine (2), Answers Magazine
