My knowledge of the first World War was sparse, I knew a ruler was assassinated which sparked conflict, but the rest was fuzzy. When these three books landed in my lap it felt serendipitous. All the history snapped together to and fell into place. War is devastating, but it is necessary to understand our history in order to understand our present. Read these three books and you will have a good picture of what led to the first world war and ultimately the second world war. Happy Reading!
Who Was Winston Churchill by Ellen Labreque
A children’s book? Yes! All adults should read a few pieces of literature written for children. This book will take you less than 2 hours to read and will give you a perfect overview of the major events which took place during both world wars. Additionally, Churchill’s life is highly inspiring, he overcame major career setbacks and some of his best work was accomplished after 50 years of age.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Who Was Winston Churchill?
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
Unrest in Europe is simmering as the Lusitania, an enormous, luxury passenger vessel is setting sail from New York to Liverpool. The day before the Lusitania was to leave port in the US, Germany stated in the New York Times they were going to be using submarines to torpedo ships to their hearts desire. The United States was remaining neutral while Europe was on the brink of war. Dead Wake explains the tension in world relations, the physics of ocean liners, submarines, u-boats, and torpedoes, all in a gripping narrative. The story is tragic and fascinating. The events in this book are vital to understanding how World War I unfolded, and the catalyst that moved the United States out of their neutral stance. The sinking of the Lusitania proves minute, mundane decisions matter, history matters, and global relations matter.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania
The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming
The plight of last reigning Tzar of Russia is a haunting story of privilege, power, and revolution. All of this history was happening while World War I was happening, yet at this time Russia and the United States had a peace agreement. This book is impeccably researched and incredibly readable. Candace Fleming creates a narrative of life in imperial Russia, and it is captivating. While Nicholas and his family dined on the finest of foods, even by today’s standards, the average person in Russia was starving in a small shack. While they adorned their gowns with jewels and traveled to monstrous houses, conflict was brewing and it would prove fatal. Before reading this book I knew the basic history of Russia and the Romanov family. However, now I understand all the factors and political powers leading up to their execution. If you get bogged down with non-fiction, try this, it reads effortlessly, and the story is riveting. If you love Non-fiction, or if you read to be informed, rather than entertained, this is a perfect novel.
Drake was simply picking onions like a young farming peasant does, when one of the King’s soldiers appears. Drake is pulled onto the soldier’s horse and told he is chosen. He heads to the castle, and meets other children, all chosen as Dragon Masters. Drake is assigned a dragon, and adventure awaits him at every turn. Short paragraphs, engaging pictures, and an exciting plot line for beginning chapter book readers.
Gordon Blue is just an ordinary chicken with a big secret. He was accidently dropped into a vat of toxic sludge by his scientist uncle. Now he has, you guessed it, SUPER POWERS! He has a secret identity as Kung- Pow Chicken. He fights bad guys with his brother and super- secret side kick, Egg Drop. These books are full of puns, fast paced action scenes, and engaging illustrations.
The Princess in black is visiting at a proper tea when she is called off for secret spy work. She lives a double life, part time princess, part time ‘Princess in Black’ solving problems and fighting bad guys. These books are delightful, funny, and appeal to boys and girls. Do not let boys be deterred by a Princess on the cover, she solves mysteries, fights trolls, and swoops in to save the day at the last minute. This series is a perfect choice for any reader who likes funny adventures.
Mercy is a lovable pet pig owned by Mr. and Mrs. Watson. She gets into all sorts of mishaps. These books are lighthearted, upbeat, and funny. The illustrations are colorful and appealing. Kate DiCamillio has a gift for using varied and rich vocabulary. If you are home-schooling, I would use them as a vocabulary teaching tool. Challenge your child to find the 10 most unusual words and write a story using them all. Just an idea! I love Mercy Watson! Your child will too.
The Miniature World of Marvin and James
Ruby lives on 20th Ave W and could charm a binky away from a baby. Every child will relate to her, and parents will love her as well. She is spirited, but smart, clever, and kind-hearted. She lives on Beacon Hill and attends Kimball Elementary four blocks from her house. This series is a true gem. The voice of Ruby is funny, strong, and endearing. Diversity is included respectfully, without stereotyping. The Ruby series resonates with the voice the beloved Ramona Quimby. Read these!
Logan Pryce lives on a farm with his family. He loves inventing new gadgets out of old junk, and caring for the animals. These books are a good prelude to the Little House Series, a manageable size with simple text, pictures, and large type face. They are wholesome and focus on working together as a family.
Cute and funny chickens with major kid appeal get up to many misadventures. These have lots of pictures to break up the text, they are silly, and with a plot that engages children. Parents will love the Chicken Squad as well.
I can attest to boys reading and loving these books as well as girls. The boys in my class who were ready for chapter books eagerly read this series. Eva has many sweet and endearing adventures. The Owl Diaries have so much visual appeal, which engages all children.
I have seen many children reluctant to read non-fiction devour these biographies. They have illustrations, and explain complicated history in a way that children understand and care about. Every person you want to learn about has been featured. I read about Winston Churchill today and learned a plethora of facts I never knew.
This book pierced my heart. I ached with the characters, cried for their pain, and rejoiced in their victories. Ada and her brother Jamie have lived with their mother void of all care and love for their entire existence. Ada was born with a clubfoot and has never left her small flat in London. The best thing to happen to these two children was World War II. The children are sent away from London for fear of bombing, and their life opens up great and wide. They land on the doorstep of a kind woman, not at all prepared for tending to children. They are all rescued through love. This is a story that proves the people you choose to love are your family. It is tender and full of redemption. It teaches children history, and a heaping serving of empathy and compassion.
Esperanza has only known luxury, comfort, and love on her large ranch in Mexico. Her father is a good boss, providing well for the workers in his vineyards. When an uprising tears Esperanza’s family apart, her life of luxury is taken, and her world is forever changed. Their family boards a train for the United States, hopeful to find work harvesting crops. I was reminded of The Secret Garden reading Esperanza’s first experiences with class differences and hunger. This book is imperative, it shows children the human side of immigration, and can be a perfect tool to discuss the issues facing our country right now. Esperanza learns to work hard, to humble herself, and that the power of a loving family can sustain you through very rough circumstances. The chapters follow the seasons as they harvest crops. I loved the framework it gave the story. If you teach middle grade novels, add this to your list of must reads. It can open up important discussions about immigration, refugees, and social justice. It is a superb book.
Sixth grade is hard; and even harder when reading seems impossible and bullies are a constant. For Ally Nickerson, school is grim, like living under a raincloud without a sunbreak in sight. However, a teacher named Mr. Daniels and two off beat characters come into Ally’s life, and become the sunbreak she has needed. Hunt writes about dyslexia with a pen of empathy, she brings understanding and compassion to a problem that many students face in school. Many themes resonate through this book, accepting yourself, and standing up for your friends, persevering through struggles, and looking at the world through someone else’s eyes. If I taught intermediate students I would add this to a summer reading list. If I have a voracious reader who enjoys realistic fiction, I would feed it to them. If I knew a child with dyslexia I would read it out loud to them, so they could enjoy a story and cheer with Ally as she finds her courage, faces her challenges, and triumphs.
Written over sixty years ago, this classic story is powerful. Sadly, the themes are still relevant in present day struggles. This simple story exemplifies the pain of bullying and the regret of staying silent instead standing up for another person. Wanda is the child with a single parent lacking resources, a child learning English only at school, a child struggling to read, or any immigrant or oppressed people group. Wanda, the poor immigrant from Poland could be any child. This books shows bullying is wrong and hurtful, but passively letting it happen is equally as wrong. An affecting book to start a discussion.
Living inside a truly brilliant mind is a gift and a trial. For 12 year old willow Chance, both of these are true. Willow is gifted beyond measure with a love of horticulture. If you are my soulmate you read that sentence and thought, you had me at love of horticulture. If you are not my soul mate, I will press on to sell you on this middle grade novel. Willow does not fit in at school but is deeply loved by her parents, this grounds her and gives her the footing she needs in the world, until she enters 7th grade. Her fashion choices, odd interests, and obsessions work against her. Tragic strikes Willow and she is unmoored. This is a story about unlikely heroes, how people change, and taking care of those around you, family or not. This is a sweet and simple story and a quick read, but it will move you. I loved seeing the world through Willow’s detailed and quirky mind. I adored her knowledge of the natural world and the kinship she feels towards plants. My own heart runs green with love for the science of growing things. I hope you give Willow a Chance, it will be time well spent.
Orphan Train, the historical fiction novel set in this time period is outstanding. We meet three characters, Neeve, an orphan in 1929, Molly, aging out of the modern day foster system, and Vivian, a 90 year old woman who Molly is placed to serve community service. Their stories fit together perfectly, their struggles are different, but also a mirror image of one another. Each womans life is rich with emotion, perseverance, and redemption. A perfect historical fiction novel. The Audiobook was fantastic, I think it added to the book because of the characterization through different voices.
Deb Lund captures the joy, wonder, and crazy transformation pregnancy brings to a new mother. This beautiful picture book tells her pregnancy and birth story. If you have a newborn, or a smaller child, write your wife’s pregnancy and birth story in the book. Include the funny, tender, and special memories to make a keepsake for the mother of your children.
Where did moms learn all their amazing skills? They attended Mom School, of course. This is a witty, sweet, and loving way to tell about all ways mothers love and care for their children. If you have older children, ask them what their mom learned at mom school. If they don’t understand, ask them what their mom does well. Write it in the front cover with their age and the year. Any mother will feel appreciated, loved, and special on Mother’s Day.
Beginnings and Book Ends 