An Early American Christmas

Another classic by this author.  Brings you back to old time celebrations of Advent and Christmas.  I think we'll be using this book as the basis of our own celebration this Christmas.  We'll Change things a bit and give our preparations a 19th century flavor.  Hmmm.... that's an idea.  Have a different "theme" for each Christmas we celebrate.

The Great Brain Does It Again

Great Brain Does It Again

What the book is about: Tom D. Fitzgerald is up to his usual tricks with his great brain and money loving heart.

Favorite Part: Chapter 4, Tom and the Dude, pg. 49

-Migi 11 year

The Great Brain Reforms

What the book is about: Tom Dennis Fitzgerald was always a trickster; but when he goes too far and endangers the lives of two of John's best friends, his brother and all of the kids of Adenville put him on trial in their barn on one summer day.

Favorite Part: The Great Raft Explorer

-Migi 11 year

The Great Brain Is Back

What the book is about: In this part of the series, Tom Fitzgerald is thirteen now and still up to his tricks, from the slippery soap deal, to the magic numbers trick and more.

Favorite Part: Chapter 5: The Dogfights


-Migi 11 year

Thank You, Sarah

This book is about Sarah Hale.  She saved Thanksgiving by writing letters to presidents, but she didn't get "Yes" until Abe Lincoln was president.  - Yena, 8

Our Abe Lincoln

The book tells about the life of Lincoln, our great President in a song. -- Migi

Mrs. Lincoln's Vanilla Almond Cake recipe is on the back of the book -- don't miss it! - Mom

Some dates this book would be good for:  

• February 12, Lincoln's birthday
• September 22, Emancipation Proclamation
• November 19, Gettysburg Address

What the book tells about Kids acting out  the story of Abe Lincoln.-- Yena  

Betsy-Tacy

Wonderful book on girls' friendships.  Like the simplicity (and at the same time, complexity) of their play.  Excellent introduction to chapter books for young readers.  Yena loves these books!

The thing i love about these books is the adventures and fun Betsy and Tacy have.-- Yena 

Betsy-Tacy and Tib

Fun book for girls!  They can be naughty and nice, but always enjoyable.  It's the kind of book that stays with you and becomes part of you (it's also part of a series so don't neglect the others).  You can grow with Betsy, Tacy and Tib.  Good for a history supplement too (19th-20th century). - Mom

One Hundred Shining Candles

Lovely book about siblings helping each other to make Christmas a little lovelier. Sacrifices are made, mistakes are made, humility is learned, but overall there is a theme of giving up things for the good of others.

Homeplace

I love Wendy Anderson Halperin's (the illustrator) books.  Of course, the poetic text is very moving as well.  Together the pictures and words evoke such peace and loveliness in our memories of times gone by.  This book is about family, about the way life changes through the generations... an excellent read aloud for preschoolers but also to teach older children about the past, and help them to reflect on the present, and hopefully inspire them to preserve some of the old things for the future as well.  It's a beautiful book to linger and pore over and reminisce on how life was at a simpler time.  Being somewhat of a Luddite at times, this is one book that makes me wistful and a bit sad.