We tackled another classic as part of our homeschool reading curriculum, Treasure Island. I knew the antiquated language would prove plenty challenging for my tween boys, but I really wanted them to experience the original instead of an abridged version. So I read it to them. It was a good move. Treasure Island is classic adventure story. […]
The Stone of Valhalla, by Mikey Brooks
Wow! I’m afraid I might have to do a little gushing on this one. This is middle grade fiction at its best. An epic adventure I’d put side-by-side with names like Spiderwick and Fablehaven. I actually listened to this one as an audiobook from Audible.com to give myself a break during our read aloud time. […]
The Selection (Selection Series, 1), by Kiera Cass
I just finished a really cute young adult novel that’s been called a cross between Hunger Games and The Bachelor. I’d call it more of a Miss America pageant with intrigue. It is a romance, and you all know by now that I don’t go there often, but since I’m including a bit of romance in my […]
brown girl dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson
Today the 2015 Newbery Award is scheduled to be announced. I’ve heard on good authority, from a fellow in tight with the School Library Journal, that brown girl dreaming is high on the list. In his opinion, it is the most deserving book of the year. I have not read all the entries, but I have […]
The Midwife's Apprentice, by Karen Cushman
I’d read this book many years ago. I happened across it in the library and picked it up for some Christmas break reading. Winner of the 1996 Newberry, it is a story of failure, courage, and finding that everybody is somebody, no matter how low their beginnings. Brat had no name. Cold and hungry, she […]
Annals of Alasia Series, by Annie Douglass Lima
Over the summer, I started this series by reading the last book. I didn’t do it intentionally; I just didn’t research very well when the title was recommended to me. After I read it (and loved it–my review is here), I realized that the three books in the series stand alone. They can be read […]
The Adventures of Robin Hood, by Roger Lancelyn Green, 1956
Roger Lancelyn Green has put together a fabulous retelling of Robin Hood. Drawing on old folk tales and ballads, he’s compiled the sometimes disjointed pieces and created a single comprehensive narrative. It’s a rousing tale of chivalry, adventure, and courage. Robin lives in the days of Richard the Lionheart, Norman king of England during the […]
Quest Adventure
Happy New Year from all the Authors in the Ultimate Reading Quest! What is the Ultimate Reading Quest? It’s the brainchild of teacher and MG author Sharon Skretting–a unique choose-a-book experience that I found myself a part of. Sharon runs the Quest Teaching blog, that seeks to equip teachers to use literature in the classroom. I’ve […]