I came across the Dragons in Our Midst series and knew that these would be a hit with our daughter who loves reading fantasy books. This series focuses on the struggle of good vs. evil but unlike most fantasy books, it is written from a Christian perspective. Filled with action and excitement, the Dragons in Our Midst Series is a winner!
Our little lady loves science, and we have had a number of science experiment books over the years. This one is by far our favorite. First, the layout of the book is terrific. Experiments are divided into four sections: Kitchen Chemistry, Physics and Making Things Move, Exploring the World, and The Human Body. Each experiment focuses on a specific science question and includes preparation and experiment time guidelines as well as a supply listing. Supplies are traditionally things one would already have in their home or are easily found at the grocery store. Experiment instructions, outcome details, and explanation as to why the experiment works are included for each experiment as well as fun related facts. The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments: Awesome Things to Do With Your Parents, Babysitters, and Other Adults is a great resource for indoor summer fun when it is just too hot to be outside.
This post was originally published on September 21, 2016.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a favorite at our home. It is a beautifully written book that explores a scientific question (Why the yellow grasshoppers in her backyard are bigger than the green ones?) and the development of a close relationship between Calpurnia (Callie) and her grandfather. Our daughter has read and re-read this one. It is simply terrific!
Wonder is an incredibly moving story. It details the experiences of Augie, a 5th grader who has craniofacial anomalies and is attending public school for the first time as a mainstreamed student. Augie grows and changes a great deal throughout the story as do those around him. This powerful book is ultimately uplifting and inspiring.
Book Thieves is a great fantasy adventure tale. Many a book lover has dreamed of having the ability to jump into a story he was reading. Book Thieves lets us find out what happens when someone really does jump into the story! This is the first book in the series and was a constant companion for our daughter for a couple of days. She read it every free moment that she had.
Peter H. Reynolds is a favorite author, and his new book Happy Dreamer is a delight. This sweet tale reminds the reader that dreams are meant to be pursued not put on the back burner until the “right time”. Many a reader will relate to the struggle of being full of imaginative dreams in a world that often doesn’t seem to encourage and embrace being different and coloring outside the lines. Happy Dreamer can be enjoyed by little kids as well as big kids.
Little Cat’s Luck is a sweet tale told in verse. Prompted by a fluttering fall leaf, an indoor cat named Patches ventures out exploring. Ultimately, it takes the help of many different animals for Patches to find her way back home and her happy ending. Little Cat’s Luck is a beautiful, magical tale that leaves an impact on the reader.
My daughter and I read this book together a couple of years ago, and we are still talking about it.
The Hundred Dresses tells a thought provoking tale about peer pressure. Although written in the 1940’s it is sadly still highly relevant. It is a short book, but there is great depth to this story. I chose to partner read it with our daughter. It served as the catalyst for some excellent discussion about friends and friendship. Even as an adult I found the story compelling and haunting. It really sticks with you.
The Great Shelby Holmes is a fun, touching, and exciting tale. It features Shelby Holmes who is an amazing sleuth and her new friend John who becomes her crime solving partner. A great middle school mystery tale, The Great Shelby Holmes also shares the story of a developing friendship.
It is always fun to find a new series that our daughter enjoys. The Mysterious Benedict Society is an engaging adventure tale featuring intermediate grade students. Our daughter could not put this one down. I found her reading it as she tried to brush her teeth!