Margaret's Corner

Margaret is our sunshiny 6-year-old. She just finished kindergarten and loves books. We try to find books that are well-written but still at her reading level. Here are a couple she has been reading this week:

Amelia Bedelia's tendency to take things literally makes as mess, which is always fun to see. The books also allow us to talk about different idioms and what they mean.

The Frances books by Russell and Lillian Hoban are so adorable. I loved her as a child, and I love reading the books to my kids. This one is at her reading level, so she's read to me! 

Of course everyone knows about Eric Carle. We love so many of his books, but she has been reading and re-reading this book lately, reminiscing about kindergarten.

Margaret says her favorite bedtime read-aloud is still James and the Giant Peach (Roald Dahl), even though Daddy has finished reading that one and has moved on to Little House in the Big Woods (Laura Ingalls Wilder).

Author Spotlight: Jan Brett

One of our favorite author and illustrators is Jan Brett. Her work is mainly focused on retelling folk tales and fairy tales with incredibly rich and detailed illustrations. Young and old will enjoy snuggling together and reading aloud from these books, taking time to explore the margins, borders, and expressive characters. Some of our favorite Jan Brett books are:

You can explore Jan Brett's website together as well! 

What is your favorite Jan Brett book?

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeliene L'engle

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13

A great book that has science and fantasy. I haven't read it in a long time, so I can't remember some, but I remember it was good. With cool time travel ideas, strange worlds, and interesting characters. This was my mom's favorite book as a kid, and she loved a lot of books. Read it.

Genre: Fantasy/ Science Fiction

Setting: Other worlds

Introduction:

A girl's father has not returned. He has not returned from a secret mission. They do not know if he's dead, because the government hasn't told them. He may still be alive. Meanwhile, she is living with her mother and brother. When three strange old ladies come into their lives and offer to help find their father, the girl and her brother follow them on an adventure they never would have dreamed of.

Themes: Family, kids, courage, 

Recommended Age:  9 and up

Full Disclosure: nothing I can think of

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13

A cool sci-fi war with crazy battle strategy and interesting philosophy. A good read. I couldn't put it down and wanted to know what happened next.

Genre: Science-fiction

Setting: Future

Introduction:

In the first invasion by the "buggers" the human race was almost wiped out. By the second war the humans had prepared. But technology isn't enough. The government begins to recruit people as young as six. Ender is recruited to train as a soldier. But it turns out he is better than they expected.

Themes: Bravery, brain over brawn, determination, "Wars not make one great"-Yoda, friendship

Recommended Age: 13 and up

Full Disclosure: Frequent swearing by some characters. (S***, B***h, Ba*****)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Other Books:  This book branches off to two series: 
Ender in Exile, Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide,  and Children of the Mind make up one.
Ender's Shadow, Shadow of the Hegemon, Shadow Puppets, Shadow of the Giant, A War of Gifts, and Ender in Exile make up the second.

Nora's Picks of the Week

Nora is our 2 1/2 year old. She has a tendency to pick the same books over and over every time we read to her. Luckily, they switch up every week or so! We'll be featuring her picks of the week.

Mom's verdict: Olivia books make me laugh. Olivia is such a character that parents can enjoy her as well (if for different reasons than the kiddos do). Blueberries for Sal is a classic that never gets old. Nora has been insisting that I substitute her name for Sal's and my own for Sal's mother for the past couple of nights. Children Make Terrible Pets is a silly tale of reversal that you and your kids will love reading together. Verdict-- this week isn't so bad!

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Reviewed by: Michal, the mom (does age matter?)

This exquisite book was one that I wanted to immediately re-read once it was finished. It tells the story of its two main characters so beautifully and poignantly. The ending wasn't what I had hoped for, but did feel like the right ending, if that makes any sense. I am glad to have read it.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Time Period: World War II

Introduction:

The book tells the story of two people who seem completely unconnected, but artfully connects them throughout their experiences. One is an orphan boy growing up in Nazi Germany, the other a blind girl in Paris. The author jumps around in time and between the two characters, but it works.

Themes: family, light, overcoming, racism, war, 

Recommended Age: 14 and up

Full Disclosure:

There is occasional swearing and one minor character who makes a few crass (sexual) comments. There is some violence, although not as much as you would expect for a book about war. Some heavy content, thus the older recommendation.

Rating: 5 stars