March 2025 Book Reports

The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow - Kansas Dad picked this book and encouraged me to listen to it. The authors present a preponderance of evidence to show that early civilizations throughout the world are not what we were taught. Early people organized themselves in myriads of ways. The forms of government did not lead inexorably to the "states" that we have today. Besides the obvious interest in learning what life in early societies was like, this is a fascinating proposition, because it shows that the way our governments work (like representative voting in democracies governed by majority rule) are not the only ways for large communities of people to live in harmony, and may even reveal ways to increase harmony. The other really startling aspect of this book is how researchers for generations, faced with the same evidence presented in the book, were constrained by their initial impressions and assumptions, unable to see how the evidence did not fit the stories they were telling themselves, and all of us. Frankly, the examples were so numerous, it was almost redundant and repetitive listening to them all, but that just struck home this point more forcefully. You may think, this book could have been much shorter, and yet, many of the assumptions crushed by the book are still commonly taught. It took me ages to listen to this whole book, but it was worth it. (Audible audiobook)

Emma by Jane Austen - I listened to this with my daughters. You can never go wrong with Austen, though Emma is one of my least favorite heroines. I do love how more than most, she grows in self-understanding and compassion through the events of the novels. My girls and I have listened to three Austen novels together, but I fear this is the last as my older daughter goes away to college in the fall. I cannot recommend enough listening to Austen with daughters, such a job. We will watch a movie version of Emma soon, and good options abound. (Audible audiobook)

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton - This book, of course, was read with my book club. It was at least my third time reading this book, and it honestly gets lovelier every time. I wept for the fathers and sons, for the lives gone astray, and for the strength of those who try to quietly follow the will of God amidst great uncertainty of the best way forward. (purchased copy)

The Fair American by Elizabeth Coatsworth - This is the third book of the Sally series. Every once in a while, I like to pull a book off the shelves that will just brighten my heart. I read the first of this series aloud to the kids, but I think only my older daughter read them all. They are perfect for an elementary age reader. In this one, Sally and Andrew sail with Andrew's father to France and end up rescuing an aristocrat's son. It's a brief little introduction to the French Revolution without being too upsetting. (purchased copy)

The Gift of Peace by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin - Cardinal Bernardin wrote this brief little book as he was dying of cancer. It is a book of great love and comfort. I picked it up at a library sale years ago. When I heard two different people mention it within a few weeks of each other, I decided I should read it. I can imagine revisiting it again and again. (purchased used)

Laurus by Eugene Vodolazkin - Kansas Dad bought this book when it was new, but I didn't get around to reading it until I needed a translated book for my homeschool mom reading challenge bingo card. (I got a blackout in the first quarter!) I had so many questions when I finished it! I overwhelmed Kansas Dad with all the big ideas roiling around in my head. Sadly, it had been too long since he read it for him to really talk with me about it. I would love to read this book again with a group of people. (purchased copy)

Pat of Silver Bush by L.M. Montgomery - I thought I had read every L.M. Montgomery book in my youth, but I didn't remember this one at all. I think Pat is slightly less loveable than Anne, but it is always nice to spend some time filling my mind with Montgomery stories. I am looking around for a copy of the sequel, because I'm sure I haven't read that one, either. (PaperBackSwap.com)

May 2024 Book Reports

Patterns for Life: An Orthodox Reflection on Charlotte Mason Education by Lisa Rose and Laura E. Wolfe - link to my post (gift copy from Kansas Dad)

The Ghost Keeper by Natalie Morrill - This was a second read (first read here), along with my book club. I enjoyed it as much or more than the first time through. Discussing it with my book club opened up even more thoughts and perspectives for me, so I do recommend reading it with a friend or a group. I haven't given it to my daughter to read. She's definitely old enough (eighteen year old senior), but very busy and tends to read much lighter things in her free time, which is fine with me. Like any book set in the time of World War II, there is violence, child loss, trauma, and heartbreak. (purchased used)

How I Discovered Poetry by Marilyn Nelson - I heard a poem from this book on the Poetry for All podcast and grabbed it from the library. The poems are set in the 1950s as a young African American girl grows into her early teen years, based loosely on the poet's own life as a young girl when her father was in the Army and they lived in many different places. They are readable and enjoyable, even though they cover some difficult topics. Recommended. (library copy)

The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World by David Robson - link to my post (library copy; then purchased a copy)

The Kate in Between by Claire Swinarski - This is a middle grade novel that explores social media, bullying, friendship, and relationships. It's surprisingly good. Kate is trying to figure out who she wants to be in middle school. Her parents are divorced, but her dad is a steadying and supporting influence. It's probably not great literature, but it does encourage the reader to ask questions about how we live in today's world. (library copy)

Seren of the Wildwood by Marly Youmans - Youmans is the author of Charis in the World of Wonders, one of my favorite books, so I immediately added this book to my wish list. It's a narrative poem intertwining myth and fairy tales. It's wonderful, but also weird and tragic. The book itself is gorgeous, and not just the cover. The poem's stanzas fit on facing pages, or sometimes a single page with woodcut-type illustrations. A well-made book is a treasure in a world that puts so many of our words on screens. My ability to understand or explain the poem is inadequate, but I found some useful and interesting reviews online: Front Porch Republic, Strange Horizons, and The Catholic World Report. I will definitely be reading it again. (received as a gift from my family)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon and Bookshop are affiliate links.

January 2024 Book Reports

The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas - I picked up this book at a library book sale and kept it to read because it's set in Kansas. If you love quilting or books set in the 1930s, you'll probably enjoy this book. There's a murder mystery, too, but it's not written like a detective novel. It's a fine book, good for some light reading. (purchased used)

Melal: A Novel of the Pacific by Robert Barclay - I picked up this book at a library sale and thought it might be a good option for a high school geography book. Shortly into the book, I began to feel quite anxious for the characters; a dread filled the pages. So many many terrible things happen in the book or there are references to the past, to colonialism and nuclear testing. The author lived on an island in the Pacific, so he knows more about myths of the area than I do. I can't say for certain that he got them all right, but it was interesting to read this novel about a convergence of myth and the modern world. I decided not to recommend it for high school geography reading because there are many upsetting incidents. It was certainly discomfiting for me to read as a privileged and safe American, but I think I'm glad I did. (PaperBackSwap.com)

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim - On the recommendation of a friend, I listened to the audiobook version of this book when I needed something light. I desperately want to spend April in Italy now, though. (Audible)

Flight into Spring by Bianca Bradbury - Sally Day lives in Maryland during the Civil War, a state split it its loyalties between North and South, though her family supports the Union. She falls in love with a Yankee soldier and marries him after the war. The book tells of her struggles as a young wife relocated at a time when a move from Maryland to Connecticut meant culture shock. This would be a good book for an older teen who struggled with reading, as the reading level is more like middle grade but the content is light and innocent romance. (purchased copy)

Four Quartets by T. S. Eliot - I read this poem with my book club. I read each quartet, then listened to Eliot reading it. (There are recordings on YouTube.) This is a difficult work. The vocabulary is so extensive, I allowed myself to write in the book, jotting down definitions of all the words I had to look up. earning about his life and references to other works helped, too. I can see how you could return to this poem many times and find something new each time. (purchased copy)

Five Bushel Farm by Elizabeth Coatsworth - I read this when I needed something light and easy. It's the second book in the Sally series, set in colonial Maine. It's a sweet little story, full of happy coincidences. It also has its share of 1930s ideas about Native Americans The illustrations are by Helen Sewell, and perfectly delightful. (purchased copy)

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt - I read this as a child, but decided to read it again before Second Son read it for school. I'm glad I did, because apparently I had it confused in my mind with a complete different book! Jethro lives most of him life in the shadow of the Civil War, with loved ones in both armies. It's an excellent book of historical fiction, bringing the war to life without overwhelming a young reader with too many horrors. (purchased copy)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon, Bookshop, and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

April 2023 Book Reports

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines - This was one of my book club books, and one of my favorites for the year. It revealed a world I didn't know in a beautiful way. I would like to read more books by the author. (purchased used)

Winter Holiday by Arthur Ransome - This is the fourth book in the Swallows and Amazons series and my absolute favorite so far. The children from the first three books are joined by a Dorothea and Dick Callum, who blend right in with the world of adventure and imagination. They spend the whole winter vacation planning a race to the Pole. It's almost ruined by an extended illness, but instead ends with more excitement than anyone expected. I was delighted! (purchased copy)

Persuasion by Jane Austen - It had been years since I last read Persuasion, so I decided to join in when the Close Reads podcast read and discussed it, though of course I was still a few months behind. Anne Elliot is Austen's most mature protagonist, and one of my favorites. Her quiet consideration of others is an inspiration. Frederick Wentworth is a bit of a fool, but he's my favorite love-interest in Austen's books. He admits when he's wrong, and he's willing to do what is right even when it's hard. As a side note, I own and read the Clothbound Classic copy linked. It's gorgeous, but be warned that the design on the covers comes off when the books are handled. When, for example, you are reading them. I don't mind, because it shows they've been read and loved, but I wasn't prepared for it. (received as a gift)

The Doctor's Sweetheart and Other Stories by L.M. Montgomery - This was a continuation of my reading of books off my shelf that I thought would be light and enjoyable. (It was a tough spring.) I hadn't read this since I was very young. It was fun to revisit the stories, most of which I'd forgotten. (received from a member of PaperBackSwap)

What Are Christians For?: Life Together at the End of the World by Jake Meador - link to my post (purchased copy)

The Peacock Spring by Rumer Godden - This is another Godden book set in India, concerning a young woman who believes she finds love. It's a book of thwarted love, abandonment, and suffering, though beautifully written. Some older teens might appreciate it. (received from a member of PaperBackSwap)

Eragon by Christopher Paolini - Second Son chose this series for me when I asked him his favorite book. This is the first of four in a series (with a fifth recently added in a later story arc and another book of short stories). Eragon finds a dragon egg and is catapulted into the heart of his world's events. I enjoyed this book, but at one point I thought to myself, "It almost seems like a teenaged boy wrote this." Then I found out, a teenaged boy did write it. He benefited greatly from an editor after his family had first self-published it. (Later books in the series improved.) There are elements of all the great dragon and magical stories - Narnia and Lord of the Rings, for example - but Paolini creates characters that aren't always good, though they want to be, and who are willing to sacrifice their safety and happiness for the good of...Good. Read them all. (First Daughter's purchased copy)

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat - This is a middle grade novel of mystery and adventure. A young girl must shape her own future and decide what she's willing to sacrifice for what she believes is right. Highly recommended. (library copy)

The Nursery by Szilvia Molnar - A new mother descends into post-partum depression and struggles to resurface. This book is disturbing in all the ways it should be and confusing for the reader (as it must be for a new mother in this situation). I'm not sure I enjoyed it exactly, but I think there are benefits to reading books like this, an important reminder to be compassionate and supportive for new families and new parents. Not recommended if you are currently pregnant or nursing a baby. (library copy)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon, Bookshop, and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

January 2023 Book Reports

Somehow I skipped January 2023, so it's coming after February. Oh well.

The Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan - link to my post (borrowed copies; link is just for the first three in the series)

Flying Home and Other Stories by Ralph Ellison - I picked this book up thinking I might be able to substitute a few stories from this book for Invisible Man in our high school literature course. I appreciated the stories, but decided against using them in our course. (library copy)

Family Sabbatical by Carol Ryrie Brink - This is the sequel to Family Grandstand. Susan, George, and Dumpling are off to France where their father is on sabbatical. Adventures abound. I'm not sure we enjoyed this one quite as much as the first one, perhaps because of the absence of a certain enormous black dog, but it was a fun family read-aloud. Be prepared - there's one traumatic loss of a toy and the book reveals there is no Santa Claus (if you're the kind of family that does Santa). (purchased copy)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon, Bookshop, and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

A Hundred Years Ago in New Zealand: The Drovers Road Collection

The Drover's Road Collection

by Joyce West

This collection includes three books: Drovers Road, Cape Lost, and The Golden Country (audiobook linked for the third). This edition is out of print, but Bethlehem Books has reprinted the three books individually and has audiobooks available as well. (The audiobooks are narrated by an Englishwoman. She has a lovely voice, based on the sample, but it would have been so fun to hear them narrated by someone from New Zealand.)

These books share the adventures of Gay Allan, a lively child who grows to adulthood and inherits a ranch in 1920s and 1930s in New Zealand. After her parents divorced, she went to live with her uncle, who had already taken in the three children of his oldest brother after a tragic car accident. Their lives are not tragic, though. They are filled with love for each other, delight in their land, and plenty of excitement (and hard work). 

I was captivated by these books. New Zealand is about as far away from Kansas as you can get and still be on earth, so I loved reading about this wild and faraway land. Gay and her cousins ramble about the land and getting into mischief. More than anything, I loved how much they care for each other, even when they had their disagreements.

There are a few interactions with and references to Maori people that might feel awkward today, but for the most part they are treated with respect.

I picked this book from our shelves because I wanted something heart-warming, and it was perfect. The reading level is a little light for high school, but I still think you could use one of these books for high school geography. (The third might be a good option.)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon and Bookshop are affilliate links.

Friends on a Mission: The Ranger's Apprentice series

 

The Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan

Last January, we decided to buy a house with my mother-in-law which meant packing two houses and selling one. (We sold ours later.) It was...stressful. I felt like I needed an escape book, one that would entertain but be easy on the brain. I asked my older daughter for a recommendation, and she suggested the Ranger's Apprentice series, which has been a favorite of hers for years. Wonderful! Not just one book, but eleven! (There is a twelfth, but it's a prequel, and I didn't read that one.) 

It seems unnecessary to link to every book in the series. You can find the first three in the Ranger's Apprentice Collection. My daughter originally checked them out of the library, but now she owns them all.

These books were just what I needed - easy to read (probably middle grade reading level), heart-warming adventures. The books follow Will and his friends as they embark on careers in a Middle Ages alter-universe. Will becomes a Ranger, which means he protects the kingdom by learning the arts of secrecy like hiding in plain sight and gleaning information from observation and innocent conversations, but also negotiations. He gathers friends about him who become his family. He travels to distant lands (where there are cultures that seem surprisingly like those from our world). Everywhere he goes, he strives to be true to himself and his country. And, of course, everything always works out in the end.

It's not great literature, but I loved every book.

John Flanagan has written some spin-off books as well, which are definitely on my list. I just needed to take some time off to unpack. I also decided reading a recommendation from First Daughter went so well, I'd ask my other kids for recommendations as well.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. My daughter loaned me the books. Links to Amazon and Bookshop are affiliate links.

December 2022 Book Reports

The History of Black Catholics in the United States by Cyprian Davis - link to my post (purchased copy)

A Separate Peace by John Knowles - I was reminded of this book when I recently read The Chosen by Chaim Potok, a story of the friendship between two young men during World War II. I read A Separate Peace in high school, but didn't remember it well. The friendship in A Separate Peace is more volatile and uncertain. The book is less satisfying in its conclusion, though perhaps it better exemplifies the feelings of many of the young men who were preparing for war even as they completed their usual high school studies. If you're only going to read one, read The Chosen. (library copy)

The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey - I selected this book from the library because I thought it would be a nice easy read for visiting my parents over the holidays. Not that I generally recommend zombie-esque dystopian books for Christmas reading, but it was the kind of book I thought I could read while kids tumbled and roared around me. The main protagonist is a young girl at a special school, learning about a world she never sees or experiences for herself because much of it has fallen into ruin and (essentially) enemy hands. After her world turns upside down and inside out, she travels with a few companions toward an unknown destiny - for herself and the world. I was so engrossed in the book, I hid in my bedroom to finish it while the rest of the family watched football, long before we left for my parents' house. Not for the faint of heart, but a surprisingly well-written and enjoyable horror tale. (library copy) 

The Ruins of Gorlan: Book One in the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan - I'm going to make a post about the whole series soon. (borrowed from my daughter)

The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales retold be James Bruchac and Joseph Bruchac - link to my post (purchased used)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon, Bookshop, and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

September 2022 Book Reports

Talking Leaves by Joseph Bruchac - link to my post (library copy)

The Foundations of Western Civilization by Thomas F. X. Noble (Great Courses audiobook) - This is one of the honors selections for high school history in the Mater Amabilis plans for Level 5 and Level 6. It provides an overview of the history of Europe from the flourishing of Mesopotamia through the beginning of the modern world. (The history plans then introduce a few other audiobooks for more recent history.) I listened to these lectures relatively slowly alongside my student and enjoyed them. (purchased audiobook)

Works of Mercy by Sally Thomas - link to my post (purchased copy)

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - I didn't assign this book to my older three kids, but decided to assign it to my youngest in Level 3 for one of his classic books. (We recommend three a year in Level 3.) Most of the book was rather slow, compared to more modern books, but there was value in reading it. (copy received from another member of PaperBackSwap.com)

Herodotus and the Road to History by Jeanne Bendick - I read this aloud to my kids back in 2016. I never assigned it for independent reading, so I read it aloud once more for the benefit of my youngers. (purchased copy)

Post Captain by Patrick O'Brien - This is the second in the Captain Aubrey series, which begins with Master and Commander. Sometimes I think I miss half of what goes on in these novels, but I love them. They're exciting and funny, though certainly not for young ears. (copy received from another member of PaperBackSwap.com)

Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, and Cass R. Sunstein - This book points out all the ways our judgment is flawed, and not just for the kinds of biases you anticipate. Despite finding it a bit repetitive at times, I am glad I listened to it and definitely think about how my current state of mind or circumstances can make a difference in how I'm making decisions. It's a worthwhile book to check out. (purchased audiobook)

The Pink Motel by Carol Ryrie Brink - This book by the author of Caddie Woodlawn was recently republished. I saw it shared on Facebook and asked our local library to buy a copy, which they did! It's a fun little story with a fair bit of excitement and adventure, parents who are a bit flakey, and kids who discover all the answers. There is a black character depicted in a way that is friendly, but not up to modern standards. The publishers have a little explanation and warning in the publisher's note before the story. I enjoyed this little book and encouraged my younger kids to read it on their own. (library copy)

Walking the Nile by Levinson Wood - Mr. Wood wrote this book about his attempt to walk the length of the Nile from its source to the Mediterranean Sea. His struggles with the weather, the terrain, and the people remind the reader that traveling in Africa still presents difficulties to the earliest European explorers. It's riveting. At first I was considering including it in the geography supplemental reading for my high school students, but by the end I decided the violence and griefs were a little too real. There is also a documentary, but I haven't watched it. (library copy)

Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare (No Fear Shakespeare edition) - I read this ahead of the school year because I decided to assign it to my younger daughter (eighth grade, Level 4). It was a nice change from our usual selections. (purchased copy)

Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness by Kevin Nye - link to my post (library copy)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon, Bookshop, and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

April 2022 Book Reports

Katharine Drexel: Friend of the Oppressed by Ellen Tarry - I read an older version of this book from Ignatius Press's Vision Saints series with the subtitle Friend of the Neglected. The books in this series are written at a good level for 4th-8th grades. I pre-read it before assigning it to my seventh grader last year as part of her American history studies. The book describes the life and calling of St. Katharine Drexel, who gave her life and her great wealth to teach and care for Native Americans and African Americans at a time when many others discriminated against them. She is one of my favorite saints. I liked this book, even though I think if it was written today some of the language used would be different. (purchased used)

Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery - This was my very favorite book in the Anne series when I was a teenager. In the past few years, I've read the entire series again, looking forward to this one. It did not disappoint. A few of the incidents poor Rilla endures in the book seem to depict her less highly as a woman than I would like, now that I'm a mother myself, but the strength and courage of the people who suffered at home during World War I is inspirational. It would be an excellent choice for a sensitive young reader not ready yet for a more graphic book about the war itself. (purchased audiobook)

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry - link to my post (received as a gift)

Beowulf: A New Translation by Seamus Heaney - link to my post (purchased new)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon, Bookshop, and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

Becoming Whole: Everything Sad Is Untrue

Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story)

by Daniel Nayeri

This is a heart-breaking but hopeful story of Christian conversion, fatwas, escape, divorce, a refugee camp, abuse, bullying, and isolation. Though fictionalized, it is based heavily on the author's own experiences as an immigrant to Oklahoma as a young child. 

Daniel's mother converts to Christianity while visiting family in England. Upon her return to Iran, she seeks out an underground church. Inevitably, she is discovered and must flee the country. Her husband stays behind, but she takes her young daughter and son, Daniel. They hide first in the U.A.E., then stay in a refugee camp in Italy. When they finally reach America, they settle in Oklahoma, where she marries another Iranian immigrant who abuses her. Daniel struggles to understand his memories of Iran, his father's abandonment, his step-father's abuse, and his feelings of isolation in the United States.

The book is written as if Daniel is telling his story, including those of his ancestors and parents, to his school teacher and fellow students. There is a parallel drawn between Scheherazade's 1001 tales to save her life night after night and Daniel's story to breach the gulf between him and his fellow students. Scheherazade wants the king to love her, and Daniel in his way wants his classmates to love him. I think he's also using the stories to understand who he is and why he is worth loving.

The Christian faith is integral to the story. Daniel's mother risks her riches, her security, her job, and her husband when she becomes a Christian, but once she knows Christianity is True, there is no returning to her old life. Her dedication to the faith and perseverance through all her suffering is a testament to Christianity that most of us will never be able to give, and yet it's a relatively small part of the book itself. Her faith causes all of their problems, ruins Daniel's life, and yet he does not regret it. He admits all their difficulties, and the pain and sorrow he feels as a direct result, but there is no blame or ridicule. His mother is a continual source of love and goodness for him. It is pleasant to find a recent book so respectful of a Christian faith widely promoted and awarded in the publishing and bookselling industry.

Interwoven throughout the story are references to the history and myths of Iran, as well as what few memories Daniel has of his early years there. His explanations of the differences in the cultures of his home country and his adopted one show how our cultural expectations can damage relationships before they even begin, and how beneficial it is to learn about other cultures. 

Parts of the book are beautifully written, but the child narrator slides often into a more vernacular language so the book is quite accessible. There are many references to food, blood, and poop.

I have read many reviews praising the audiobook, read by the author. I would love to listen to it, so I could hear the Persian names and Parsi pronounced correctly, but I'm certain I would cry through much of it. I would not recommend listening to it while driving.

The child narrator suits a middle grade reading level for the book, but parts of it are so very sad, I am not sure I would share it with my own children at that age, unless they were refugees or immigrants, or perhaps if they were encountering refugees or immigrants more in their lives. I think it might work as a historical novel for Level 4 (eighth grade) when we are studying twentieth century history. I'm going to include it as a supplemental read for our high school geography course for the Middle East, Central Asia, and India (Level 5, tenth grade). At that age, the reading level will be easy, but the subject matter will still be difficult.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Bookshop are affiliate links. I borrowed this book from our public library.

A Chapter Book on Sequoyah: Talking Leaves

Talking Leaves

by Joseph Bruchac

I was chatting in one of my Facebook groups about how much I love James Rumford's picture book Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing when someone told me I should read Talking Leaves. (The group is Living Books for All Peoples, and I have learned a tremendous amount there; I highly recommend it.)

The book is written from the perspective of Sequoyah's teenage son. When Sequoyah returns to Uwohali's village, they had been separated for many years. Before long, Sequoyah's papers and scratchings bring him under suspicion for witchcraft, a dangerous charge within the community. Uwohali is drawn to his father, but is wary of the peculiar symbols. 

Uwohali's relationships with family members are important aspects to the story. I love when stories are woven around such strong bonds.

That brings a smile to my mother's face, in spite of her concern. If you want to make your mother happy, tell her that you like the food she has made for you. (p. 102)

The book shows how Sequoyah convinces his family and a few key people that the Cherokee can benefit from the power of the written language, just as white people do. Then, they must convince the village.

Joseph Bruchac is an author I trust to portray Native American characters and communities with accuracy and compassion. Not only is this a wonderful book of family and the astounding creation of a syllabary for the Cherokee language, but it reveals the world of the Cherokee at the time of Sequoyah in a valuable way.

It's a chapter book written at a late elementary or middle school reading level, a good choice for independent reading. I plan to assign it to my youngest, Second Son (sixth grade, Level 3 Year 1), as he studies American history this year.

There are some violent scenes (especially when Sequoyah describes a battle) and quite a bit of tension. If you have a sensitive child, you may want to pre-read or read aloud so you can adjust if necessary.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Bookshop and Amazon are affiliate links. I borrowed this book from our library, but then found a copy at a recent library sale.

September 2021 Book Reports

I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino - I added this book to our Level 3 year 2 history reading in time for Second Daughter (and later, Second Son) to read. It was an enjoyable book to read, especially in such a busy month for us. (purchased used copy)

The Office of Assertion: An Art of Rhetoric for the Academic Essay by Scott F. Crider - link to my post (purchased copy)

The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey - A bed-ridden detective explores the long-buried mystery of the alleged murder by King Richard III of his young nephews. The book argues for a less-common view of King Richard III. I wasn't convinced, but many are. This is a fun read to complement English history for those students who always want to read more. (received from a member of PaperBackSwap)

The Randy by Dorothy Sanders - I thought this would be a nice addition to our home library because we have relatively few books set in Australia or New Zealand. I picked it up when ordering something else from Living Book Press. There's mystery, excitement, and history as well as a little geography. It would make a good supplemental reading book for Level 4, when Mater Amabilis students are studying twentieth century history. Though not without sorrow and touching on war, there's much less violence and horror than many of the books set in Europe during that time. (purchased new from the publisher; this link is not an affiliate link)

Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery - A few years ago, I began to re-read the Anne books, wondering how they'd stand up to my memories. As a girl, this was my least favorite of the series. It might still be my least favorite, but I enjoyed it much more now that I am a mother myself. (copy I was gifted as a girl)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to PaperBackSwap, Amazon, and Bookshop are affiliate links.

July 2021 Book Reports

The Frontlines of Peace: An Insider's Guide to Changing the World by Séverine Autesserre - link to my post (library copy)

While the Kettle's On poetry by Melissa Fite Johnson - I read this book to complete my local library's 2021 reading challenge. I needed a Kansas Notable book. It's a small book of poetry centered on modern life. There were a few poems I enjoyed, most especially "Ode to Washing Dishes" and "Something about a Walk." (library copy)

Alone by Megan E. Freeman - In this middle grade free verse novel, a twelve year old girl wakes up to find herself alone in her small town. She learns to fend for herself, leaning heavily on a neighbor's sweet and protective dog. It's marvelous, and apparently worth reading more than once since my own twelve year old swiped it from my stack to re-read it. The ending wraps everything up a bit too quickly, but my older daughter pointed out the reasons behind her predicament are not the point. It's all about her own development and growth. (library copy)

If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha - This book was mentioned in an alumni magazine I read recently, and I grabbed it from the library. I'm always keeping a look-out for books set around the world for our high school geography studies, especially ones written by people who are within the culture. (The author has lived in both the US and South Korea as well as Hong Kong. The book weaves together the stories and lives of a group of young women living in the same apartment building in South Korea. It's not a particularly flattering depiction of life there, but the women grow into new dreams as they support each other, strengthening their relationships and recognition of their worth. In any book written from different characters' points of view, it can be a little confusing to remember who is telling the story at any given time, but this one is pretty clear. The plot is subtle. At first I was disappointed in the ending, but the more I thought about it, the more I appreciated it. There's a little too much talk of intimacy, not generally not in a flattering way, for me to want to share it with my high school students, but I enjoyed it. (library copy)

That Quail, Robert by Margaret A. Stanger - This little book introduces a quail who moved into a house, becoming one of the family. It would work for a family read-aloud, but it's not as much fun as (copy from PaperBackSwap.com)

New Worlds to Conquer by Richard Halliburton - Halliburton is always a delight to read, though also always obviously playing to the 1920s audience in his depictions of indigenous peoples and cultures, as well as happy to include anything that hinted of scandal and the ridiculous. This book includes a story of a friend who accidentally surfed nude into an unsuspecting group of nuns and their female students on a picnic outing. In this book, he writes about his exploits in Central and South America, many of which are included in his Book of Marvels. I began reading thinking I might include this book on our high school list of geography books for the Americas, but I decided against it. As much as I might have enjoyed reading it, there were far too many instances of 1920s racism for me to want to hand it off to one of my students as an official school book. If one of my high schoolers sees it on my shelf and wants to read it, I'll allow it, but there's no need to assign it for narration. (purchased used at a library sale)

Wood, Water, and Wild Things: Learning Craft and Cultivation in a Japanese Mountain Town by Hannah Kirshner - link to my post (library copy)

Ourselves Book 1 by Charlotte Mason - I only read the first part of the book, because I was thinking of assigning it to my older daughter this year. It's a great easy introduction to habit and character formation. I'll write more about it when I read the second book...which may be next year. (purchased copy)

Creator and Creation by Mary O. Daly - link to my post (purchased copy)

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon, Bookshop, and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

Finding the Light: A Wish in the Dark

A Wish in the Dark

by Christina Soontornvat

I saw this book recommended months ago, so I can't remember where. At the time, I requested it from our library and all three of my younger kids read it (14, 12, and 10 years old). Then I started recommending it, but decided I really needed to read it myself.

It's a middle grade fantasy novel in which some people wield unexpected powers, set in a world the inside flap calls "Thai-inspired." A young boy escapes from prison but has to return to his city to learn who he really is. It raises questions about justice, mercy, forgiveness, and love. 

A wise Buddhist monk in the book asks, "Is happiness the goal of a person's life?"

Later, when the girl, Nok, is trying to arrest the boy, Pong, she argues:

You don't get to break the law just because you think it's not fair. You don't get to just decide for yourself what's right and what's wrong!"

And he responds, "Then who does?" And suddenly, a question that might surface in a meaningless classroom debate startles her for a moment out of her comfortable convictions. 

In the end, it is only by looking for what is good and bright in the world that we can make anything better.

It's also a deliciously fun book to read.

There are some mystical elements, and the only religion portrayed is Buddhism, or a semblance of it. I don't know enough about Buddhism to judge how accurate it is. An extramarital affair is a part of the plot, though it is something that happened in the past and is portrayed as a terrible mistake.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. I checked the book out from the library. Links to Bookshop are affiliate links.

November and December 2018 Book Reports

Lots of reading, not lots of time at the computer when I can write about what I've read. Here's a quick look at November and December, not including all the school pre-reading I'm trying to juggle in between getting kids to their activities and appointments.

Ship's Boy with Magellan by Milton Lomask - link to my post (purchased copy)

On Blue's Waters, In Green's Jungles, and Return to the Whorl by Gene Wolfe - These three books make up the Short Sun trilogy, which follow the Book of the Long Sun (mentioned in the last book report). Overall, I enjoyed the trilogy more. If I had more time, I'd write an entire post about some of my thoughts on the series. Wolfe's story is enjoyable, but also dabbles in ideas of what it means to be human, how to worship that which is superior, and how to be good and loving when so much of existence is not. Ultimately, I think he fails to describe the complete answer, but I suppose he might point in the right direction. (As much as books "say" what an author "wants" them to say, that is.) (two books from our local library, one from inter-library loan)

History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach (from The Great Courses) by Gregory S. Aldrete - I listened to this course with the children in the van (ages 14, 12, 10, and 8). There were a few references to adult themes, but mostly this went over the younger one's heads and were few in number. There is, of course, a great deal of death, much of it unnecessary and therefore more tragic. The professor had an annoying habit of over-emphasizing every third of fourth word for no explicable reason. My children never complained about that, but I found it distracting. I was surprised at how interested the kids were, even the younger ones, and at how much they picked up. After one lecture, my 8 year old asked me to get out an atlas and show him the former boundaries of Prussia as the Russian army would have encountered them in the battle described. My 12 year old enjoyed them so much, she has listened to the entire series again.  As with many of The Great Courses, there is a PDF with lecture notes. It has some illustrations, but I wish it included some maps. (purchased with an Audible credit)

One Beautiful Dream by Jennifer Fulwiler - I bought this Kindle book during a sale and then let it sit on my Kindle until I suggested it to my book club. At first I wasn't sure how this book reflected my own life, but after contemplating it for a while, I came to a new understanding about my life as a homeschooling mom: I love planning and organizing our homeschool lessons. It is unfortunate I cannot monetize it as Fulwiler has her writing (or, perhaps I could, but I'm not willing to take those steps). I also haven't managed to balance my desire to plan our lessons with the way those lessons play out in real life, but at least I have an idea of how I might be able to prioritize my focus to be more balanced in the future. I figure I'll hit that stride right about the time Second Son, my youngest, graduates from high school. Ha! (purchased Kindle copy at a sale price)

Nature's Everyday Mysteries by Sy Montgomery - link to my post (purchased copy)

How to Read and Understand Shakespeare (from The Great Courses) by Professor Marc C. Conner - link to my post (purchased with an Audible credit)

Hi Bob! by Bob Newhart and friends - This is a kind of series of podcasts by Bob Newhart during which he interviews a bunch of famous comedians. It was one of the free books offered to Audible members in recent months and I picked it thinking I might be able to share it with First Son, who appreciates humor more than any other medium. I'm not sure how much he'd enjoy it, given the number of references to older movies and shows, without more context. There were many references I didn't quite catch myself. It was an entertaining book, though, and I often laughed to myself while listening (and folding laundry or washing dishes). (one of the free monthly selections with Audible membership)

Black Panther: The Young Prince by Ronald L. Smith - I purchased this during an Audible sale for a deep discount because I thought the kids would enjoy it. They did! It was a middle-grade kind of fan fiction novel full of inconsistencies. Sometimes I couldn't stop myself from pausing the playback to tell them about how school would really work (being homeschooled they wouldn't have known) and I was gratified to hear them counseling T'Challa to tell his father all or talk to another responsible adult. Even with all its problems, they all enjoyed it and would probably gladly listen again. (Audible, purchased during a sale)

Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an affiliate with Amazon, I receive a small commission if you follow one of my links, add something to your cart, and complete the purchase (in that order). Links to RC History and PaperBackSwap.com are affiliate links. Any other links (like those to Bethlehem Books) are not affiliate links.

These reports are my honest opinions.

Faith and Adventure: Ship's Boy with Magellan

Ship's Boy with Magellan

by Milton Lomask

This is an enjoyable and exciting fictional account of Magellan's voyage around the world from the point of view of a boy escaping his murderous uncle. Milton Lomask, the author, also wrote some of the Vision saint books. This book is part of our history work this year which is pulled mostly from Connecting with History.

I initially planned to read this aloud, and I still think it would be a marvelous family read aloud, but if we don't have time for it, it's one my ten-year-old could easily read independently. (In fact, my eight-year-old probably can, too, though I can't remember if that's normal for eight.)

The book shares plenty of information about what sailing was like at the time of Magellan and how a ship's boy would be treated (by a kind captain). Magellan's slave, Enrique, is treated as an honest, courageous, and kind friend for the young boy.

I had no idea Magellan was such a staunch evangelist, ensuring preaching to people they encountered on their voyage was a top priority. At first I thought the book exaggerated the details, but a little research seems to indicate it is true.

The author of the book claims the Philippines were predominantly Christian as a direct result of Magellan's lingering to allow a priest to instruct and baptize people on island after island.

Young as he was, Pedro recognized that these were the great moments of the great voyage. He could not, however, look into the future of foresee the long-lasting effects of what Father Valderrama was doing with Magellan's help.

Despite pleas from priests (according to Lomask) later explorers were much more ruthless.

They were often cruel to the natives of the new countries to which they were sent by their kinds. Some explorers did little or nothing to assist the priests who traveled with them. Instead of trying to Christianize the natives, they enslaved them.

It's probable there is much more to the story than just Magellan's effect on the Philippines; the islands have a long and nuanced history. We'll leave more details until the kids are older.

The fictional account mainly follows the story of Magellan. After he dies (gallantly defending his sailors in their ill-fated attack), the story rushes ahead to the return of the beleaguered ship to Spain. I would have liked to hear more about the rest of the voyage, but the book is plenty exciting.

This edition by Hillside Education is nicely bound. The illustrations in the book by William Plummer are superior to the cover art. Hillside is one of those publishers I regard highly for their excellent craftsmanship and their dedication to republishing worthy books.

I purchased this book (from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts - not an affiliate link). I have not received anything in exchange for this honest review. I did learn of the book from RC History in the Connecting with History syllabus and lesson plans. The links to RC History in this post are affiliate links. The book is also available at Amazon (another affiliate link).

July and August 2018 Book Reports

The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise by Robert Cardinal Sarah with Nicolas Diat - link to my post. (library copy)

In the Steps of the Master by H. V. Morton - link to my post. (purchased used)

Calde of the Long Sun by Gene Wolfe - I'm reading this series again and enjoying it more the second time around I think. Sometime in the past few years, the library copy of the last book was damaged or lost so here's hoping they buy another one for me. (library copy)

Echoes by John Ciardi - I picked this book out of the library catalog when I was searching for poetry books for the children. (How to Tell the Top of the Hill is delightful.) This book is beautifully printed on lovely paper. Many of the poems seemed melancholy or dispirited to me, but a few near the end of the book appealed to me. I liked Ten Minutes my Captive in which he describes a turtle he allows to escape "into the green flecked edge of water and home." (library copy)

Joan of Arc by Hilaire Belloc - link to my post. (purchased Kindle version)

Ember Rising by S.D. Smith - We started listening to this audiobook with Kansas Dad, but he asked us to finish it without him because he found it upsetting that the main characters seemed to suffer worse and worse fates as the book progressed. I'm going to have to go against the current on this series and admit I often find the writing almost painful. There's far too much alliteration and minute descriptions; I'm always thinking there should have been more editing. The story is reasonably good, though, and the children enjoy it. I bought it thinking it would be the last of the trilogy, but it's not. I suppose I'll buy the rest of the books for the children to read but I think I'll pass on the audiobook. (Audiobook received from our contribution to the funding page.)

Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe by Robert Matzen - This incredibly researched book tells Jimmy Stewart's wartime story based on extensive interviews and governmental reports. It gives detailed accounts and descriptions of life for bombers living in England and flying missions over Europe. Stewart's life in Hollywood (with all his exploits) is described just as openly as the often graphic scenes of carnage and struggle in war, so this is a book for mature readers, but it could be a fascinating read for anyone interested in World War II. (borrowed from my dad)

The Blood-Red Crescent by Henry Garnett - link to my post. (purchased used on Cathswap)

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw - One of the historical fiction books recommended by RC History for Connecting with History volume 1, this is an exciting story of an inadvertent double spy in the time of Queen Hatshepsut. There's a Novel Inquiries guide for the novel which I own, but I haven't decided if we'll use it. First Daughter (sixth grade) is going to read this for independent reading and I might not ask her to do anything in particular other than reading it. It's a good choice for a middle schooler or older student as there is some violence and romance. It's exciting and I enjoyed the story, but I was a little upset at some of the scenes where she flirts with a guard (to get him to let her out of the gate) or her love interest because they reaffirm stereotypes, but First Daughter hears me talk about those things enough for me not to be concerned about her reading them here and there. (purchased used)

Baptism of Fire by Andrezej Sapkowski - This is the third book in the Witcher series. After I read the second book, I wrote that I wouldn't recommend them due to the use of the rape myth in the plot line. Of course, I kept reading them myself and discovered this book has a surprising pro-life message. Entertaining fantasy and moral questions for a mature audience. (library copy)

Crosstalk by Connie Willis - This is a light-hearted science fiction book set in the near future when the instant messaging and texting creates a constant bombardment. I read this book in the twenty-four hours before and during my daughter's surgery. It was nothing major, just pins in a broken finger, but I was worried and this book was the perfect companion as I tried to relax and waited for the results. (library copy)

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children by Thornton W. Burgess - link to my post. (purchased used)

Much Ado about Nothing by Shakespeare - First Son is reading this as his first Shakespeare play of high school so I read it to help myself be prepared. I read the No Fear Shakespeare version (linked) and the one he will read. It helps a lot to have the modern translation and some editorial helps to understand the references. It doesn't include any essays on the meaning, but I found a Cliff's Notes with a bit of information for him to read after he reads the play. (I just requested whatever was available on PaperBackSwap.com.) Reading even those short notes gave me some added dimensions for understanding the play, the characters, and the themes. I am absurdly excited to be reading Shakespeare with First Son and First Daughter this year. (They'll be reading different plays.) I've scheduled three plays for each of them this year, but even if we only make it through two of them, I'll be thrilled. Realizing I didn't encounter Shakespeare at all in college, I've decided this must be a priority for us in middle school and high school. It might be their only experience with the Bard. (purchased book for the play, requested book for the supplementary reading from
PaperBackSwap.com)

The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson - link to my post. (purchased used)

Usually here I list all the books I'm reading, but that would take too long because I'm reading everything First Son is reading for high school. Yikes! It's a lot.

Healing after Vietnam: All the Broken Pieces

All the Broken Pieces
a novel in verse by Ann E. Burg

Given up by his mother in Vietnam, Matt is adopted by an American family where he learns to play the piano and baseball. He has the luxury of a relationship with Vietnamese veterans, including the talented man who is teaching him piano, to help him process and heal from his memories of his war-torn homeland. He carries a secret guilt about an accident with his younger brother in Vietnam that threatens to destroy his new life until he can share it with his new parents.

This is an excellent book of war, baseball, and healing, which would be especially attractive to a middle grade or middle school book who loves baseball and likes a page without too many words on it (because it's in verse rather than prose).

A American Boy from Vietnam: Escape from Saigon

Escape from Saigon: How a Vietnam War Orphan Became an American Boy

by Andrea Warren

This book was inspired by the author's experience of adopting from Vietnam. Because her daughter was just an infant and didn't remember her short time in Vietnam, Ms. Warren conducted interviews with Matt Steiner, who was ten when he was flown out of Saigon as the North Vietnamese soldiers surrounded the city.

Matt's mother was Vietnamese and his father was American. His father left when American troops were pulled out and never returned. His mother fell into deep depression and eventually committed suicide, leaving Matt with his grandmother. She tried to take care of him, but could not afford to keep him properly fed. She took him to an orphanage and gave up her rights so he could be free for adoption. Eventually, Matt was selected for an adoption by an American family. There are lots of photographs of Matt (a few in Vietnam) and many pictures of the orphanage and Vietnam to give a glimpse into the country.

There's one reference to a Catholic priest who was illegally attempting to gather orphans in exchange for cash. I think this is less an anti-Catholic reference, as there are nuns and other Catholic organizations mentioned favorably, as an example of the chaos that reigned in Saigon as the war closed in.

Though an uplifting story, Matt's experiences reveal the abandonment some international adoptees feel as well as ambivalence about losing their culture. There's an afterward in the back that shares more about those experiences as well.

For those who are interested, there's a substantial list for further reading (for young readers, middle readers, and mature readers) and even a few movies.

This book would be a pretty easy read for an eighth grader as far as difficulty, so it would be a good choice for further reading for Level 4 (Level 4 history program at Mater Amabilis™) for a student who still struggled a little with reading. I am tentatively planning to assign it during our Asia study and will ask First Son to read it over two or three weeks to coincide with Vietnam.