Kindle Deals for June 1, 2021
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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Clothesline Clues to the Jobs People Do, by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook, $1.99. Introduce young kids to the wide variety of jobs available in the community with the fun picture book. Each page brings a new set of clothes drying on the clothesline and encourages kids to guess at who might need those items for work. Pay close attention to the background and you will find workers from previous pages going about their days!
Let’s Meet a Construction Worker, by Bridget Heos, $4.99. This is only one in a series of short books introducing community helpers of all sorts. Fun cartoon-style illustrations accompany interesting information about construction machinery, safety procedures, and more.
What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z, by Tiffani Teachey, $2.99. This short and sweet book highlights a wide variety of STEM careers. There is not a lot of detail about each field, but this would make an excellent jumping off point for further research. I particularly appreciate the ethnic and gender diversity in the illustrations. Every kid will find someone who looks like them within the pages.
Roadmap: The Get-It-Together Guide for Figuring Out What to Do with Your Life, by Nathan Gebhard, $2.99. Roadtrip Nation is a career-exploration project that travels the world to interview people about their jobs and the paths they took to make their careers. Their lessons and suggestions have been compiled into a great resource for teens and young adults trying to choose an initial career path (and for older adults looking to make a change).
STILL ON SALE
Ace of Shades, by Amanda Foody, $2.99. If you enjoy the idea of Game of Thrones but not high level of graphic violence, this YA series about a complicated underworld dynasty might be a good fit. From the publisher: “New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin, is no place for a properly raised young lady. But when her mother goes missing, Enne Salta must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail in the city where no one survives uncorrupted. Frightened and alone, Enne’s only clue leads her to Levi Glaiyser—a street lord and a con man in desperate need of the compensation Enne offers. Their search sends this unlikely duo through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets, and into the clutches of a ruthless Mafia donna. But as Levi’s enemies close in on them, a deadly secret from Enne’s past comes to light and she must surrender herself to the City of Sin — to a vicious game of execution… Where the players never win.”
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
Moo, by Sharon Creech, $3.99. Reena’s family moves to Maine in the middle of the summer, and she and her brother don’t know anyone. She’s looking forward to exploring her new surroundings, but her parents arrange for Reena and her brother to work on an elderly neighbor’s farm. Creech tells the story of a summer of animal mishaps and cow appreciation in entertaining verse.
Redwood and Ponytail, by K.A. Holt, $2.99. There are not a lot of books about queer kids in middle school, and this warm novel in verse about a budding relationship between two girls is a charming addition to the category.
National Geographic Kids: Bees, by Laura Marsh, $4.99. This level two reader is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs. Bright photo illustrations highlight bees’ anatomy, role in the ecosystem, life cycle, and many other topics.
Insects: By the Numbers, by Steve Jenkins, $3.99. You may be familiar with Steve Jenkins awesome nature books and his signature cut-paper illustration style. This book is part of a series pitched at slightly older kids and just jam-packed with facts. You’ll learn all about insect anatomy, habitats, and behavior in this fun book. Jenkins provides an excellent introduction to infographics for young readers.
A Butterfly is Patient, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $0.99. I’ve featured other book by Aston in the Kindle deals, and they are all great. Sylvia Long’s gorgeous illustrations bring the world of butterflies to life. You’ll learn about all the phases in the life cycle of a butterfly in detailed and evocative text.
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Loving vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case, by Patricia Hruby Powell, $2.99. What’s a documentary novel? I wasn’t quite sure when I opened this book. In this case, it’s a true story told in verse from alternating perspectives, interspersed with historical artifacts. Richard and Mildred Loving married in the 1950s, despite local laws prohibiting interracial marriage. When they were jailed for the crime of marriage, they appealed. The resulting Supreme Court case led to a ruling that ensured the legal right to marriage for all (heterosexual) couples, regardless of race.
Guilty Admissions: The Bribes, Favors, and Phonies Behind the College Cheating Scandal, by Nicole Laporte, $3.49. I have followed the recent college admissions scandal with great interest. I went to an Ivy League university, and I will admit that I encountered several people there who did not seem like the typical overachievers. If you are also curious about the behind-the-scenes machinations of the rich and shady, you’ll find lots of details in this nonfiction page turner.
House Arrest, by K.A. Holt, $0.99. There are not a lot of middle grade books about kids involved in the justice system. When Timothy is caught stealing a wallet, he is put on probation and only allowed out of the house for school and appointments. He keeps a journal of his time at home, reflecting on the dire situation that caused him to steal in the first place. This novel in verse is fast-paced but deeply felt, funny but intensely sad in parts.
Let’s Build, by Sue Fliess, $0.99. In this fun rhyming book, a dad and son work together to build an excellent fort. The story follows the building process from initial plants to shopping for supplies to finished project. The author has put together an activity guide with some fun building projects.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. Inspire your little architects! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
The Truth About Keeping Secrets, by Savannah Brown, $1.99. Psychological YA suspense with LGBTQ+ representation? Yes please! This description from the publisher seems very promising: “Sydney's dad is the only psychiatrist for miles in their small Ohio town. He knows everybody's secrets. Which is why it's so shocking when he's killed in an accident Grief-stricken Sydney can't understand why the police have no explanation for what happened the night of her dad's car crash. And when June Copeland, the homecoming queen whose life seems perfect, shows up at the funeral, Sydney's confusion grows. Sydney and June grow closer in the wake of the accident, but it's clear that not everyone is happy about their new friendship. What is picture-perfect June hiding? And does Sydney even want to know?”
A Danger to Herself and Others, by Alyssa Sheinmel, $1.99. Get ready for a dark YA thriller with a fascinatingly unreliable narrator. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Hannah knows there's been a mistake. She doesn't need to be institutionalized. What happened to her roommate at that summer program was an accident. As soon as the doctors and judge figure out that she isn't a danger to herself or others, she can go home to start her senior year. Those college applications aren't going to write themselves. Until then, she's determined to win over the staff and earn some privileges so she doesn't lose her mind to boredom. Then Lucy arrives. Lucy has her own baggage, and she's the perfect project to keep Hannah's focus off all she is missing at home. But Lucy may be the one person who can get Hannah to confront the secrets she's avoiding—and the dangerous games that landed her in confinement in the first place.”
Welcome to the United States of Anxiety: Observations from a Reforming Neurotic, by Jen Lancaster, $1.99. Jen Lancaster is a witty writer, an anxious person, and a keen observer of American culture. This book is part memoir, part self-help, as Lancaster talks about the methods that have helped her manage her anxiety. She’s funny and doesn’t take anything too seriously, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing at times.
Why Smart Kids Worry: And What Parents Can Do to Help, by Allison Edwards, $2.99. When my daughter was younger, I looked to parenting books for advice, but none of them had much to say about an 8 year old who had trouble sleeping because she was worried about the vastness of the universe. This is the book I needed a few years ago: a guide for parents of anxious, gifted kids who worry about things well beyond their years.
This is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids: A Question and Answer Guide to Everyday Life, by Dannielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo, $2.99. This book is on the older side (from—gasp—2014), and the discourse about sexuality and gender expression has shifted somewhat over the last decade. I’ve read a sample, and the questions and answers seem straightforward and compassionate towards both kids and parents.
The Last 8, by Laura Pohl, $1.99. It’s the end of the world as they know it. Aliens attack, and all that remains of humanity is a small band of misfit teenagers. This book is a high-action survival novel, with lots of twists and a surprisingly diverse array of characters. Clover, the lead character, is both Latinx and aromantic, and other ethnicities and orientations are also well represented.
Merriam-Webster’s Rhyming Dictionary, $4.74. If you’ve ever felt stumped in finding the right rhyme for a poem or song, you’ll appreciate this handy reference book. Entries are listed by vowel sound (e.g., “ack” with tack, wrack, humpback, etc.). The search function in your e-reader or app will help to find exactly what you are looking for.
I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems By Cats, by Francesco Marciuliano, $1.99. There are poems about pets, and then there are poems written from the perspective of the pets! This collection of very funny poems is all about what goes on inside a cat’s head. Cat lovers will be delighted by verses that feel equally absurd and true.
Who Swallowed Harold? And Other Poems About Pets, by Susan Pearson, $0.99. There are 18 poems in the collection, featuring both common and unusual pets. The illustrations are vivid and hilarious.
The Poem That Will Not End, by Joan Bransfield Grantham, $0.99. This book is so clever! It’s a story in verse about a boy who can’t stop writing poetry. Hijinks ensue, and along the way, kids will learn about many forms of poetry. There are examples of 15 poetic forms, with a handy reference section in the back.
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Myth Awakens: Canon, Conservatism, and Fan Reception of Star Wars, edited by Ken Derry and John C. Lyden, $2.99. I’ve seen several books about the science and psychology of Star Wars, but this is the first I’ve found that discusses religion, both within the Star Wars universe and in contemporary world of the viewers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The trailers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens made a strong impression on fans. Many were excited by what they saw as a return to the spirit of George Lucas's 1977 creation. Others--including several white supremacy groups--were upset and offended by key differences, most notably the shift away from a blond, blue-eyed, male protagonist. When the film was finally released, reactions similarly seemed to hinge on whether or not The Force Awakens renewed the "mythic" aspects of the original trilogy in ways that fans approved of. The Myth Awakens examines the religious implications of this phenomenon, considering the ways in which myth can function to reinforce ‘traditional’ social and political values. In their analyses the authors of this book reflect on fan responses in relation to various elements of (and changes to) the Star Wars canon--including toys, video games, and novels, as well as several of the films. They do so using a variety of critical tools, drawing from studies of gender, race, psychology, politics, authority, music, ritual, and memory.”
The Star Wars Book: Expand Your Knowledge of a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Cole Horton, $2.99. Get ready to learn everything you might want to know about Star Wars! This book is full of details about every element of the Star Wars universe, even The Mandalorian! In typical DK style, the book is full of infographics, movie stills, and other diagrams.
A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat, $0.99. This Newberry Honor Book is a lot of things— a story of hope, a lyrical tale set in fantasy Thailand, and (believe it or not) a retelling of Les Miserables. Soontornvat’s vivid descriptions of Thailand paint a captivating picture.
Spirit Hunters, by Ellen Oh, $1.99. You may recognize Ellen Oh’s name from the We Need Diverse Books initiative; she is doing her part to increase diversity in publishing with this middle grade horror novel featuring Korean and Jamaican characters. If you have a kid who enjoys a good, creepy scare, this book is for you. From the publisher: “A riveting ghost story and captivating adventure, this tale will have you guessing at every turn! Harper doesn’t trust her new home from the moment she steps inside, and the rumors are that the Raine family’s new house is haunted. Harper isn’t sure she believes those rumors, until her younger brother, Michael, starts acting strangely. The whole atmosphere gives Harper a sense of déjà vu, but she can’t remember why. She knows that the memories she’s blocking will help make sense of her brother’s behavior and the strange and threatening sensations she feels in this house, but will she be able to put the pieces together in time?”
Make Great Art on Your Ipad: Draw, Paint, and Share, by Alison Jardine, $0.99. My tween loves drawing on the iPad, and I’m constantly impressed by what she can do digitally. I bought her this book to help her take the skills to the next level. It’s full of general tips and step-by-step instructions for working with layers, digital textures, and other elements. My daughter mostly uses Procreate, but there is information on several other popular creativity apps.
Cardboard Box Engineering: Cool, Inventive Projects for Tinkerers, Makers, and Future Scientists, by Jonathan Adolph, $2.99. Have you been accumulating more cardboard boxes than usual in the last year? My recycling bin is constantly full of boxes from deliveries. This book, pitched at upper elementary and middle school kids, is full of projects that can be made with leftover cardboard. From simple projects like gliders, to the more complicated geared tractor, there’s something for all ability levels.
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, and Marjorie Wentworth, $2.99. You probably didn’t know you were missing this ode to poets of the past and present. There are poems in honor of Mary Oliver, William Carlos Williams, Rumi, and many others. A helpful section at the end provides more information about each of the authors referenced.
Kind Regards: The Lost Art of Letter Writing, by Liz Williams, $2.99. There is something really special about getting a personal letter in the mail. Liz Williams taps into this feeling in her short book that is part history, part how-to for establishing your own correspondence habit.
The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate, by Stephen Krensky, $4.99. Get kids excited about nonfiction reading with this beginning reader book about hot chocolate! Suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs with simple language. Learn about the ancient origins of hot chocolate, how cacao is processed, and fun facts about chocolate at various times in history.
Eduardo Guadardo, Elite Sheep, by Anthony Pearson, $0.99. Eduardo is a newly minted FBI (that’s Fairytale Bureau of Investigation) agent with a tough mission: he has to protect Mary from the Wolf, not to mention the Troll and the Witch! This is a high-action, comic-like picture book.
How to Teach a Slug to Read, by Susan Pearson, $0.99. A boy explains the process of learning to read in this funny and charming picture book. Little Slug wants to learn how to read, so the boy tells Mama slug to prop books up where Little Slug can see them, be patient, and sound out new words, among other helpful tips. The illustrations are delightful, with punny book titles that are sure to amuse adults.
Explore My World: Weather, by Lisa Gerry, $4.99. National Geographic Kids has put together this fun, photo-illustrated guide to weather on earth. Preschoolers will get to know rain, sun, snow, and more in a fun and engaging way.
Storm Song, by Nancy Viau, $3.99. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book. From the publisher: “As thunder and lightning approach, a family gathers inside to play, sing, eat, and snuggle together until the weather clears. This sweet story captures both the excitement of a thunderstorm and the reassurance children need during a storm. The lively, rhythmic text mimics the storm sounds while the bold, playful art conveys this special family time.”
Tale of a Tadpole, by Karen Wallace, $2.99. Follow the life cycle of a frog as it journeys from egg to tadpole to adult in this easy reader from DK. It’s illustrated with the DK’s classic photo style and balances simple language with actually interesting facts about frogs from around the world.
Pond Walk, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $3.99. I really enjoy Wallace’s cut paper illustrations, as well as her blending of narrative storytelling and science information. In this charming picture book, Buddy Bear and his mom go for a walk to the pond, encountering interesting plants and animals and learning about how the ecosystem functions.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar, $0.99. Pipsie loves spending time in nature and figuring things out. When she notices that the neighborhood caterpillar has gone missing, she is determined to find out what happened. This is the first in a cute series that celebrates the scientific process and offers interesting facts about the natural world.
Weeds: In Defense of Nature’s Most Unloved Plants, by Richard Mabey, $1.99. By definition, a weed is a plant that is unwanted in a given area. But this doesn’t mean that these plants are not valuable. Nature writer Richard Mabey brings fresh life to the plants that we frequently ignore or actively try to kill.
H is for Hawk, by Helen Macdonald, $4.96. This book is hard to classify. It’s part grief memoir, part nature writing, part literary musing on T.H. White. It’s a bit polarizing; readers either love it or hate it. Here’s what the publisher has to say: “The instant New York Times bestseller and award-winning sensation, Helen Macdonald's story of adopting and raising one of nature's most vicious predators has soared into the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. Fierce and feral, her goshawk Mabel's temperament mirrors Helen's own state of grief after her father's death, and together raptor and human ‘discover the pain and beauty of being alive’ (People).”
Skin Like Mine, by LaTashia M. Perry, $4.99. The illustrations in this book are fantastic. Each beautiful face seems to glow from within. The simple text celebrates the many shades of brown in human skin.
Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice, by Mahogany Brown, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Olivia Gatwood, $2.99. Middle-grade readers, get ready for some inspiring poetry from women of color! Poems cover a variety of topics, including social justice, activism, empathy, and standing up for oneself. I really like the visual styling of the pages. Lots of bright colors, unusual layouts, and inclusive illustrations.
Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! A Sonic Adventure, by Wynton Marsalis, $0.99. This is such a fun book, with onomatopoeias galore! Musician Wynton Marsalis takes a look at the world around him to uncover all the interesting sounds you can here. Kids will enjoy the cacophony of sounds that fill our everyday lives.
Juba! by Walter Dean Myers, $3.99. This middle-grade fictionalized account of a real 19th century character brings an interesting and challenging period of history to life. William Henry Lane, also known as Master Juba, was a free black man who became famous as a dancing master in America and Britain. His moves helped to shape many more modern dance styles. The story is hard in places, and ripe for discussion about racial inequities and minstrel shows.
Beyonce: Shine Your Light, by Sarah Warren and Geneva Bowers, $1.99. Get to know Beyonce’s childhood in this charming picture book biography. Readers will appreciate both the details of Beyonce’s life and the motivational message to children.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out, by Ralph Fletcher, $3.99. From the publisher: “Poetry matters. At the most important moments, when everyone else is silent, poetry rises to speak. This book is full of practical wisdom to help young writers craft beautiful poetry that shines, sings, and soars. It features writing tips and tricks, interviews with published poets for children, and plenty of examples of poetry by published writers—and even young people themselves. Perfect for classrooms, this lighthearted, appealing manual is a celebration of poetry that is a joy to read. Young poets and aspiring poets of all ages will enjoy these tips on how to simplify the process of writing poetry and find their own unique voice.”
Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem, by Jack Prelutsky, $3.99. Jack Prelutsky has written hundreds of poems for children, and he is now sharing his secret tips and tricks for creating your own poetry! This book is a combination of poetry collection, behind-the-scenes look at how he puts together a poem, and exercises to encourage aspiring poets.