History
The Pioneers
by David McCullough
A history of the settling of the Ohio country, from just after the war for independence until the mid 1860s.
by Walter Farley
A fictional biography of the racehorse Man O'War who won 20 of his 21 races as a two- and three-year old. He blew away all his competition by jumping out in front with blazing speed (unlike Secretariat 50 years later who always came from behind). The facts about Man O'War in this book are true, as far as I can tell. It's told through the eyes of a fictional groom.
Biography
The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge
by Calvin Coolidge
I never knew much about Coolidge except his nickname of "Silent Cal". He grew up in Vermont, got involved in politics in Massachusetts, and ended up as president from 1923-1928. He sounds like an admirable man of integrity, honesty, simplicity, and resolute character. I couldn't help thinking that we'd all be a lot better off if we had more politicians like him. Interesting connection -- he was just a few years younger than Laura Ingalls Wilder, so they grew up in the same era.
Devotional/Inspirational
Encounters
by Karim Joseph
A short book describing the encounters that nine people had with Jesus during his earthly ministry. He takes the scriptural account and tells the story from the person's perspective. He also includes lyrics to a contemporary Christian song that corresponds to the story. Several Michael Card (my favorite songwriter) songs are included. It was interesting, but the book's desperate need for an editor (or at least a pass through a spellchecker and grammar checker) was rather distracting to me.
The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life
by Hannah Whitall Smith
A classic Christian book first published in 1875. The author discusses the Christian faith and how followers of Jesus can live an obedient and joyous life in Christ. Her writing and thinking are saturated in Scripture. Some interesting insights, though I question some language that makes me think of what my pastor calls "muzzy mysticism". She grew up as a Quaker and later was influenced by Plymouth Brethen and Methodist revivalists. It was a bit challenging to get through, but I persevered just so I could say I read it. Not one I want to keep, though.
For Fun
Horse Vet: Chronicles of a Mobile Veterinarian
by Courtney S. Diehl
The author has a regular column in the magazine Horse Illustrated about her adventures as a horse vet. My daughter and I always enjoy reading her column, so I thought we might enjoy her book. I like the columns better. The book is full of cursing, crude stories, and an overabundance of stories about castration and reproduction.
Mr. Malcom's List
by Suzanne Allain
A very rare case where the movie is WAY better and cleaner than the book. I watched the movie first, and that inspired me to get the book. If it had been the other way around, I never would have watched the movie. The story is set in the Regency period of England (think Jane Austen), and centers around a certain Mr. Malcom, a wealthy bachelor looking for a wife. He has a list of qualifications for a wife and everybody who finds out about the list seems to think he is arrogant for having requirements for a wife. One lady who fancies herself jilted by Mr. Malcom vows to get revenge and uses her friend, Selina (a country vicar's daughter) to try to humiliate him. Except that Mr. Malcom and Selina actually end up falling in love. Eventually. The movie was funny, and the only objectionable thing was some low-cut dresses and kissing by engaged couples. The book was full of passionate kissing and embracing long before there was any commitment, as well as very highly suggestive and inappropriate behavior and thoughts between couples. I enjoyed the movie. I do not recommend the book. I am sorry I spent money on it.
The 26 Fairmount Avenue Series
by Tomie DePaola
I listened to the author read the first four (of eight) books in this autobiographical chapter book series. Very fun.
Hannah of Fairfield
Hannah's Helping Hands
by Jean Van Leeuwen
The first 2 books of a trilogy about a young girl growing up on a Connecticut farm during the American war for independence. Enjoyable, quick reads.
History (read-aloud)
Abigail Adams
by Susan Lee
An old (50ish years) picture book biography of Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams (second president). Part of a "Heroes of the Revolution" series.
Thomas Jefferson
by Susan Lee
An old (50ish years) picture book biography of Thomas Jefferson. Part of a "Heroes of the Revolution" series.
The Story of the Supreme Court
by Kenneth Richards
An interesting account of how the Supreme Court began and how its building was built. Part of the "Cornerstones of Freedom" series.
The Story of the Capitol
by Marilyn Prolman
An interesting account of how the Capitol building in Washington D. C. was built. Part of the "Cornerstones of Freedom" series.
The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner
by Natalie Miller
An interesting account of how the Capitol building in Washington D. C. was built Star-Spangled Banner was written. Part of the "Cornerstones of Freedom" series.
The Story of the White House
by Natalie Miller
As, the title says, the history of the White House (also known as the President's Palace, then the President's House, and finally just the White House -- after it was repainted following the burning by the British in the War of 1812).Read-aloud (geography)
The following books were set in New Hampshire:
Imogene's Last Stand
by Candace Fleming
A picture book describing a young history buff's attempt to save a historical building from demolition. Very fun.
Lucy's Summer
by Donald Hall
A picture book describing the summer of a young girl in New Hampshire in the early 1900s.
Good Hunting, Blue Sky
by Peggy Parish
A young Indian boy makes himself a new bow and arrows and is determined to go hunting and bring back meat for his village. He tries and misses several animals, but finally ends up running into a wild boar. He runs away from it, and it chases him back into the village (with the boy on top of the boar) where his father shoots it. His father congratulates him, but encourages him next time to bring the meat back, not let the meat bring him back.
The following books were set in Maine:
Blueberries for Sal
by Robert McCloskey
Little Sal and her mother go blueberry picking, as do Little Bear and his mother. The two youngsters get a little lost, and find the wrong mothers, but all works out well in the end. A sweet classic.
Burt Dow: Deep-Water Man
by Robert McCloskey
An old sailor heads out to sea in his dilapidated boat. He tries fishing for cod but catches a whale by the tail. After retrieving his hook and putting a band-aid on the whale's tail, a severe storm blows up. The whale swallows Burt and his boat (at his request) and spits him out after the storm. But now, Burt is surrounded by a bunch of whales who want band-aids on their tails. This was the first time I'd read this McCloskey classic. Fun.
Lighthouse Dog to the Rescue
by Angeli Perrow
A springer spaniel named Spot lives at Owls Head Lighthouse in Maine. He learns to ring the fog bell and bark and passing boats, who blow their whistles or ring their bells in return. One stormy, wintry night, he saves the mailboat by barking into the storm to warn the sailor when no lighthouse beam could be seen. Based on a true story.
The following books were set in Massachusetts:
A Picture Book of Samuel Adams
by David Adler
As always, David Adler's picture book biographies are interesting and informative. This one is about Samuel Adams, who was instrumental in pushing for revolution and independence from Britain.
Dario and the Whale
by Cheryl Lawton Malone
A boy visits the beach every day and makes friends with a right whale calf.
Bus Route to Boston
Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Two kids live on a street that is frequently traveled by buses going to and from Boston. The book describes two different occasions when they get to travel on the bus to Boston with their favorite bus driver.
Read-aloud (for fun)
Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast
The Case of the Stinky Stench
Mission Defrostable
Short and Sweet
by Josh Funk
A series of delightful picture books detailing the adventures of "Lady Pancake", "Sir French Toast", and "Baron von Waffle" inside a refrigerator. We read another book by Josh Funk and saw these books listed on the book jacket.
It's Not Little Red Riding Hood
by Josh Funk
A spoof on the classic fairy tale. Little Red questions and argues with the narrator throughout the story. Funny.
It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk
by Josh Funk
Another spoof on a classic fairy tale. Jack and the Giant both argue with the narrator on this one. Funny, but there is some slightly crude name-calling in it.
How to Code a Sandcastle
by Josh Funk
A little girl, named Pearl, and her robot, Pascal build a sandcastle on the beach. A fun way to introduce kids to some basic programming concepts. Strewed for the kids to read.
How to Code a Rollercoaster
by Josh Funk
Another coding adventure with Pearl and Pascal, this time at the amusement park. Strewed.
The Silver Chair
by C. S. Lewis
The sixth book in the Chronicles of Narnia. Eustace returns to Narnia for his second adventure, this time with a girl named Jill. They are on a mission from Aslan to find and rescue the missing Prince Rillian (son of King Caspian). They are accompanied by a gloomy, but loyal marshwiggle named Puddleglum. We listened to the audiobook.
The Last Battle
by C. S. Lewis
The final book in The Chronicles of Narnia. An old ape and a dim-witted donkey contrive a scheme to impersonate Aslan and sell the Narnians into slavery to the wicked Calormens. Eustace and Jill are called in to help the faithful Narnians fight the last battle of Narnia before the real Aslan brings on the end of the world. Very reminiscent of the book of Revelation. We listened to the audiobook.
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