Kindle Deals for February 1, 2022
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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Our Lunar New Year, by Yobe Qiu, $4.99. Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries. This charming picture book introduces families celebrating in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Thailand. Each story is illustrated in a different style, making for a unique reading experience.
Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade, by Lyla Lee, $4.99. Meet Mindy, a Korean-American girl who is perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean. In this illustrated early chapter book, Mindy is getting ready to celebrate Lunar New Year, but she worries that it just won’t be the same without her mom (Note: Mom has died from cancer, but it is not discussed in detail.). Mindy and her dad make traditional food and participate in the Orlando New Year Parade. Short chapters and engaging illustrations make the Mindy books a good choice for emerging readers.
Tet Together, by Alice Trinh, $2.99. The illustrations in this book are oh so cute! From the publisher: “Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time of celebration and it involves much preparation. This festive story is a great introduction to the most important Vietnamese cultural holiday. Readers will learn the significance of each tradition during this special time.
As families prepare to celebrate Tết, it is also a time of reflection and togetherness. Families come together to help sweep out the old year, hang dazzling decorations, and prepare lavish meals to share. Discover how the anticipation of Tết and the days of festivities that follow, all culminate in the celebration of families and the Vietnamese cultural heritage.”
Playing with Lanterns, by Wang Yage and Helen Wang, $3.99. I learned something new from this picture book originally published in China! Zhao Di and her friends go out every night with paper lanterns to celebrate Chinese New Year, until they smash the lanterns on the fifteenth day. The illustrations show both a ground and aerial view of the festivities!
STILL ON SALE
The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Carlos Gets the Sneezes, by Judy Katschke, $2.99. Scholastic’s Branches books are great, high-interest titles for readers just moving into chapter books. This book is set within the world of the updated Magic School Bus series. When the class gets a new pet and Carlos can’t stop sneezing, it’s time to get on the bus and explore the body’s response to allergens!
The Sawbones Book: The Hilarious, Horrifying Road to Modern Medicine, by Justin McElroy and Sydnee McElroy, $4.99. I’ve really enjoyed listening to the Sawbones podcast (not for those with a weak stomach), and this book is very true to the content and feel of the McElroy’s medical show. I also love this description from the publisher: “Every week, Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin amaze, amuse, and gross out (depending on the week) hundreds of thousands of avid listeners to their podcast, Sawbones. Consistently rated a top podcast on iTunes, with over 15 million total downloads, this rollicking journey through thousands of years of medical mishaps and miracles is not only hilarious but downright educational. While you may never even consider applying boiled weasel to your forehead (once the height of sophistication when it came to headache cures), you will almost certainly face some questionable medical advice in your everyday life (we’re looking at you, raw water!) and be better able to figure out if this is a miracle cure (it’s not) or a scam.”
Who Says You’re Dead? Medical and Ethical Dilemmas for the Curious and Concerned, by Jacob M. Appel, $1.99. There are so many fascinating ethical issues in the practice of medicine! Appel has spent several decades on his hospital’s ethics committee and is full of practice examples of medical decision-making at work. He looks at everything from fertility treatment to sex selection to privacy concerns. This book is a fascinating read. Parents may want to preview, as sensitive issues abound.
Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day: Exercises to Feel Calm, Stay Focused, and Be Your Best Self, by Jennie Marie Battistin, $4.99. Is health part of your local homeschool requirements? Are you trying to incorporate a little bit of mental health awareness into your every day schedule? This book is a friendly, accessible resource with more than 60 activities suitable for a wide age range.
Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes that Stick, by Wendy Wood, $2.99. As you can probably tell, I love learning about the science of how our brains work! From the publisher: “Wendy Wood draws on three decades of original research to explain the fascinating science of how we form habits, and offers the key to unlocking our habitual mind in order to make the changes we seek. A potent mix of neuroscience, case studies, and experiments conducted in her lab, Good Habits, Bad Habits is a comprehensive, accessible, and above all deeply practical book that will change the way you think about almost every aspect of your life.”
How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety, by Ellen Hendriksen, $2.99. In my experience, a lot of homeschool parents are introverts and/or have some degree of social anxiety. If this sounds like you, you might want to hear what Hendriksen has to say. From the publisher: “Weaving together cutting-edge science, concrete tips, and the compelling stories of real people who have risen above their social anxiety, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen proposes a groundbreaking idea: you already have everything you need to succeed in any unfamiliar social situation. As someone who lives with social anxiety, Dr. Hendriksen has devoted her career to helping her clients overcome the same obstacles she has. With familiarity, humor, and authority, Dr. Hendriksen takes the reader through the roots of social anxiety and why it endures, how we can rewire our brains through our behavior, and—at long last—exactly how to quiet your Inner Critic, the pesky voice that whispers, ‘Everyone will judge you.’ Using her techniques to develop confidence, think through the buzz of anxiety, and feel comfortable in any situation, you can finally be your true, authentic self.”
The Man with the Violin, by Kathy Stinson and Dusan Petricic, $3.99. More than 10 years ago, renowned violinist Joshua Bell performed on a train platform in Washington, D.C., during morning rush hour. Thousands of people, including me, passed by but did not stop (though I remember feeling particularly buoyed by the music that morning). This picture book tells the story of a young boy who does notice the marvel happening underground but can’t get his mom to stop.
The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature, by Daniel J. Levitin, $4.99. There are quite a few “history of the world in X” books out there, and this one is an interesting twist on that format. Levitin, a musician and neuroscientist, looks at six basic types of songs (e.g. Friendship, Comfort, Love) to discover the many roles this music plays in the development and maintenance of human society. The result is a fascinating combination of music history, anthropology, and neuroscience!
The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture, by Chris Thomas King, $3.99. Musician and actor Chris Thomas King has created an in-depth history of Blues music. From the publisher: “All prior histories on the blues have alleged it originated on plantations in the Mississippi Delta. Not true, says author Chris Thomas King. In The Blues, King present facts to disprove such myths. For example, that as early as 1900, the sound of the blues was ubiquitous in New Orleans. The Mississippi Delta, meanwhile, was an unpopulated sportsman's paradise—the frontier was still in the process of being cleared and drained for cultivation. Moreover, this book is the first to argue the blues began as a cosmopolitan art form, not a rural one. Protestant states such as Mississippi and Alabama could not have incubated the blues. New Orleans was the only place in the Deep South where the sacred and profane could party together without fear of persecution. Expecting these findings to be controversial in some circles, King has buttressed his conclusions with primary sources and years of extensive research, including a sojourn to West Africa and interviews with surviving folklorists and blues researchers from the 1960s folk-rediscovery epoch. They say the blues is blasphemous; the devil's music—King says they're unenlightened. Blues music is about personal freedom.”
Year of Wonder: Classical Music to Enjoy Day by Day, by Clemency Burton-Hill, $1.99. Perhaps you are looking for a way to add a little bit of music appreciation to your routine. This book by a British musician and radio presenter is just the ticket! She presents one classical piece for every day of the year, with a short discussion of historical context and musical elements to seek out when listening. I dip into that day’s selection when we have a free moment, figuring we will cover the whole book over a few years.
1493 for Young People: From Columbus’s Voyage to Globalization, by Charles C. Mann, $3.99. We live in an intricately connected world, and these connections have been steadily growing for more than 500 years. Mann highlights surprising ways in which global events have come together to create the modern environment. This young readers’ version has been adapted for middle and high school readers.
Sprinting Through No Man’s Land: Endurance, Tragedy, and Rebirth in the 1919 Tour de France, by Adin Dobkin, $1.99. When war ends, the transition back to “normal life” is often challenging and a bit surreal. From the publisher: “On June 29, 1919, one day after the Treaty of Versailles brought about the end of World War I, nearly seventy cyclists embarked on the thirteenth Tour de France. From Paris, the war-weary men rode down the western coast on a race that would trace the country’s border, through seaside towns and mountains to the ghostly western front. Traversing a cratered postwar landscape, the cyclists faced near-impossible odds and the psychological scars of war. Most of the athletes had arrived straight from the front, where so many fellow countrymen had suffered or died. The cyclists’ perseverance and tolerance for pain would be tested in a grueling, monthlong competition. An inspiring true story of human endurance, Sprinting Through No Man’s Land explores how the cyclists united a country that had been torn apart by unprecedented desolation and tragedy. It shows how devastated countrymen and women can come together to celebrate the adventure of a lifetime and discover renewed fortitude, purpose, and national identity in the streets of their towns.”
Forgotten Continent: A History of the New Latin America, by Michael Reid, $1.99. Despite being connected to our own continent, Central and South America are often neglected in history and geography study. Reid has put together an excellent overview of modern history and culture, with a particular emphasis on how oil and other natural resources have shaped the South American economy.
The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe, by Kirstie Watson and Magdalena Sawko, $2.99. A witch’s cat decides to try making potions on his own, but disaster ensues. Kids will enjoy the madcap action and the very descriptive language. Parents will appreciate the collection of educational materials (maze, crossword, coloring page, etc.) included with purchase.
Carnivores, by Aaron Reynolds, $1.99. The carnivores have a problem — they are getting a bad reputation for being mean! They are only doing what they were born to do: eat other creatures. Looking for acceptance, they try various ways to fit in, but in the end they must be true to themselves. This book is perfect for kids who like a bit of dark humor.
The GayBCs, by M.L. Webb, $1.99. Introduce your kids to LGBTQ+ concepts and vocabulary in a welcoming, joyful way with this picture book. Words like Aromantic, Equality, and Trans will give you lots of topics to discuss.
At the Same Moment, Around the World, by Clotilde Perrin, $1.99. This picture book is so cool. An introduction to both world cultures and the concept of time zones, At the Same Moment is a series of vignettes about what people are doing in Bulgaria, Peru, and even on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. There’s great educational extension material at the end of the book.
Mirage, by Somaiya Daud, $2.99. If Dune was merged with Moroccan culture, you’d find something like the world created in Mirage. Amani dreams of adventure but gets more than she bargained for when she is kidnapped and forced to become the stand-in for the much-hated Princess Maram. Amani is thrust into a world of court intrigue and colonial power, and her survival depends on her ability to take on another’s identity.
The Chosen: Contender, by Taran Matharu, $2.99. This YA series became a viral hit when people were drawn into the strange dark world Matharu has created. Cade finds himself in a strange world full of things and people that have been pulled out of time. Cade and a group of other teens have been chosen as contenders in some kind of deadly game they do not fully understand.
Up All Night: 13 Stories Between Sunset and Sunrise, edited by Laura Silverman, $1.99. Late night is really for young people, and this YA anthology is full of stories about what can happen when the adults are asleep. Some of the biggest names in YA literature have contributed stories about campouts, dances, and other night-time action. You’ll appreciate the diversity of voices spanning ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations.
H2O, by Virginia Bergin, $1.99. You’ll never look at rain the same way once you read this postapocalyptic YA tale. When the rain turns deadly, less than 1% of the world’s population survives. Ruby is one of the few, and she must find a way to survive in a world where fresh water is rapidly running out. Ruby is not the most sympathetic narrator, but her dark humor makes her endearing in her own way.
Astronuts Mission One: The Plant Planet! by Jon Scieszka, $1.99. Picture book author Scieszka has created a hilarious series for somewhat older readers. With his trademark wit and Steven Weinberg’s vibrant illustrations, Astronuts will keep kids turning the pages. Here’s the publisher’s description: “AstroWolf, LaserShark, SmartHawk, and StinkBug are animals that have been hybridized to find other planets for humans to live on once we've ruined Earth. So off they rocket to the Plant Planet! Will that planet support human life? Or do Plant Planet's inhabitants have a more sinister plan? AstroNuts Mission One is a can't-put-it-down page-turner for reluctant readers and fans ready to blast past Wimpy Kid.”
Ivy and Bean No News is Good News, by Annie Barrows, $0.99. My daughter has long outgrown these early chapter books, but she sometimes grabs one to read in one sitting at the library because they are just that fun. In this one, the girls want to raise some money and come up with a plan to spy on their neighbors and write a neighborhood newspaper about what they find.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. This new series has delightful Lemony Snicket feel. The publisher’s description gives you a great sense of the book’s tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometime confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Now in paperback, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Secrets of the Book, by Erin Fry, $0.99. Looking for a fun middle-grade adventure with a diverse cast of characters? This action-filled story is packed with fun historical cameos. From the publisher: “Sixth grader Spencer Lemon has a degenerative eye disease—and he’s rapidly losing his eyesight. So he has no idea why he was chosen to guard Pandora’s Book. When Ed, the old guy at the nursing home, hands over the book, he doesn’t get a chance to explain any of the rules to Spencer. Spencer only knows that the book contains famous dead people—people who can be brought back to life. Spencer and his autistic best friend, Gregor, soon figure out how to get people out of the book, but not how to get them back in. Then Ed disappears, and a strange man shows up on Spencer’s doorstep—and he seems to know a lot about Spencer and about Pandora’s Book. Is he one of the bad guys? Or is here to help Spencer unravel the secrets of the book? But there are others interested in Pandora’s Book, others who might use its powers to take over the world. And it’s up to Spencer, along with Gregor and Ed’s mysterious (and cute) granddaughter Mel, to protect the book—and save the world.”
The Train to Impossible Places: The Cursed Delivery, by P.G. Bell, $2.99. All aboard! Time for a fantastical adventure! Suzy is stunned when the Impossible Postal Express rolls through her home one night. She suddenly finds herself Deputy Post Master, delivering packages to extremely unlikely places. Middle grade readers will love the humor, non sequitur action, and imaginative details.
Ultimate Book of Card Games: The Comprehensive Guide to More Than 350 Games, by Scott McNeely, $2.99. What better way to while away cold winter evenings than with a new card game? This book provides simple instructions for both common and uncommon games. Whether you are in the mood for Gin Rummy or Spite and Malice, you’ll find all the information you need.
We Are The Baby-Sitters Club: Essays and Artwork from Grown-Up Readers, edited by Marisa Crawford and Megan Milks, $2.99. The Netflix adaptation of The Babysitters Club has been an amazing conversation starter for me and my tween, addressing everything from illness to divorce to grief. I grew up with the original book series, which was also groundbreaking for addressing tough issues in an accessible way. This anthology explores the legacy of the book series.
Cinemaps: An Atlas of 35 Great Movies, by Andrew DeGraff and A.D. Jameson, $2.99. Engage your kids in thinking about geography in a new way! This book recreates the environments of dozens of classic movies (e.g., Back to the Future, Guardians of the Galaxy) in detailed maps that show landmarks and lay trails representing the movements of main characters. Each map is accompanied by an essay about how the environment shapes the plot.
The Da Vinci Legacy: How an Elusive 16th-Century Artist Became a Global Pop Icon, by Jean Pierre Isbouts and Christopher Brown, $1.99. Da Vinci is by far the most well-known artist of the Renaissance era, but what sets his work above all the other artists working at the time? Art historians Isbouts and Brown look at both the art itself and the cultural narratives that have led to Da Vinci being considered one of the greatest artists of all time. Copious illustrations provide a great introduction to Da Vinci and other Renaissance artists.
DK Readers: Plants Bite Back, by Richard Platt, $2.99. There is something about carnivorous plants that is both fascinating and unsettling. When my daughter was about 7, she couldn’t get enough of learning about these weird and wonderful living things. The DK illustrators and photographers do an excellent job of showing exactly how the plants capture and digest insects (and occasionally other creatures). The DK reading levels tend to be pitched a little higher than other easy readers. This book assumes a fairly high vocabulary and some comfort with reading up to a paragraph per page.
Wild Edibles: A Practice Guide to Foraging, with Easy Identification of 60 Edible Plants and 67 Recipes, by Sergei Boutenko, $3.99. I’ve recently discovered a wealth of foraging-related accounts on Instagram. Even though I’m not out gathering a lot of food from the woods, I am fascinated by all of the things others find. This books is perfect for someone looking to put that adventurous spirit into use. Detailed photos make it easy to distinguish between edible and harmful plants, and the vegan recipes cover everything from smoothies to crackers. Enjoy the ultimate in “eating local” with this handy guide!
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
The Ultimate Guide to Mushrooms: How to Identify and Gather over 200 Species Throughout North America and Europe, by Guillaume Eyssartier and Julien Norwood, $1.99. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about mushrooms! This book is part identification guide, part science text, part foraging manual. As a bonus, the authors include 40 recipes to use in your mushroom gathering adventures!
Shakespeare’s Wife, by Germaine Greer, $1.99. Scholars have been making assumptions about Shakespeare’s wife, Ann Hathaway, for centuries. In an attempt to get to know more about this little-known woman, Greer dives deeply into the social history of the 17th century. Even if you have no deep interest in Hathaway as an individual, you can learn a lot about domestic life from Greer’s detailed scholarship.
On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein, by Jennifer Berne, $0.99. This charming picture book biography of Einstein begins in the scientist’s childhood, a time when his parents were worried how different Albert was from other children. The ultimate message is a tribute to the power of imagination.
Anne Boleyn: 500 Years of Lies, by Hayley Nolan, $0.99. Whatever you have heard about Anne Boleyn, you probably don’t know her real story. Historical researcher Hayley Nolan also has a theater background, which really helps her bring Tudor figures to life. Her research reframes Boleyn as a powerful woman whose legacy was rewritten after her untimely death. Reviews of this book are polarized; you will either love the fresh, sometimes flippant tone or find it irritating.
The Girl I Used to Be, by April Henry, $2.99. For years, Olivia thought her father murdered her mother and went on the run. Now in her late teens, she is shocked when her father’s body is discovered near the site where her mother was found. She returns to the small town she had left behind to try to find out the truth… and who she can trust. This fast-paced YA thriller is hard to put down.
Cold-Blooded Myrtle, by Elizabeth C. Bunce, $1.99. Victorian 12-year-old detective Myrtle Hardcastle is back! When a local shopkeeper is murdered in his Christmas window, Myrtle uses her tremendous skills to find out what happened and why. Myrtle is bright and fierce, and her stories are fun introduction to the Victorian era.
Blackbird Fly, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $4.49. You may be more familiar with Erin Entrada Kelly’s other children’s books, which have won Newberry and numerous other awards. Blackbird Fly is her debut novel, the story of a 12-year-old Filipino girl who has never felt fully at home in her Louisiana town. Rejected for being too strange, Apple turns to music and finds a surprising passion, as well as new friends who see her for who she is.
Merci Suarez Changes Gears, by Meg Medina, $4.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this 2019 Newberry Medal winner yet, but I’ve heard great things. Merci is dealing with being one of the few scholarship students at her fancy private school; the economic disparity makes middle school bullies extra challenging. At the same time, Merci is facing unexpected challenges at home as her beloved grandfather begins to be affected by dementia. The subject matter can be hard in places, but many reviewers describe the story as warm and moving. A second book about Merci and her family is now available!
The Resilient Sloth: A Children’s Book About Building Mental Toughness, Resilience, and Learning to Deal with Obstacles, by Charlotte Dane, $2.99. Sloth has a really great attitude when things go wrong. When the other animals wonder how Sloth is able to keep going despite injuries, failures, and other problems, he shares some good advice he got from a friend. This story is definitely didactic, but it doesn’t feel heavy-handed. The imagery of a sloth slowly but surely completing strenuous tasks will amuse kids and adults alike.
How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Calmer, Happier Parent, by Carla Naumburg, $1.99. This book comes with a robust language warning (as you can probably tell from the title). Naumburg’s funny, useful advice is perfect for any parent who occasionally finds themselves overwhelmed and angry at home. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Drawing on evidence-based practices, here is an insight-packed and tip-filled plan for how to stop the parental meltdowns. Its compassionate, pragmatic approach will help readers feel less ashamed and more empowered to get their, ahem, act together instead of losing it.”
Calm: Mindfulness for Kids, by Wynne Kinder, $1.99. Especially in this time of heightened uncertainty and increased togetherness, we need to be proactive about supporting our kids’ mental health. Kinder has collected a variety of mindfulness activities to try with your family, with options that will appeal to kids who can easily sit still and those who need some kinetic activity to calm their minds. Activities are aimed at kids ages 7-9, but many would appeal to older or younger children.
Marvel Fearless and Fantastic: Female Super Heroes Save the World, by Sam Maggs, Emma Grange, and Ruth Amos, $4.99. Get to know familiar and less well-known characters from the Marvel universe in this fun compendium. The fierce female characters are grouped by personality: Determined, Daring, Compassionate, and Curious. Each of the 50 plus characters gets a brief biography and illustration. Be prepared to get requests for a lot of new comics!
Movie Night Menus: Dinner and Drink Recipes Inspired by the Films We Love, by Tenaya Darlington and Andre Darlington, $3.99. When I was a kid, any movie in black and white got a lot of side eye from me. If you are looking for a fun way to introduce your kids to some classic movies (from the 1930s through the ‘80s), you may want to consider going big and creating a whole movie-inspired meal to go with the screen time.
A Tiger Like Me, by Michael Engler, $0.99. Spend a day in the life of a tiger… who happens to look a lot like a small boy. You’ll learn about how tigers get ready for the day, what they eat, what they do for fun, and how the get ready for bed. Both the drawing style and the imaginative text remind me of Calvin and Hobbes.
Patterns in Nature: Why the Natural World Looks the Way It Does, by Philip Ball, $2.99. This beautiful nature book has something for every age and interest level. Younger children can scroll through all of the 200+ pictures and begin to make connections between the shapes of tree branches and rivers or flower petals and seashells. Teens and adults can focus more on science writer Philip Ball’s comprehensive text, which attempts to explain the physical processes that shape the world around us.
What If You Had Animal Hair? by Sandra Markle, $1.99. This series is a lot of fun. This book combines fanciful illustrations of kids sporting added animal characteristics with nature photography and facts. Kids will learn about polar bears, porcupines, reindeer, and lions, and how each creature’s hair is perfect for its environment.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, $4.99. I’ve talked about Kate Messner’s books before. These picture books do a lovely job of illustrating the parts of nature that are hard for us to observe. Take a break from your warm summer day to explore how many animals spend their winters.
Fifteen Hundred Miles From the Sun, by Jonny Garza Villa, $3.99. This queer Latinx romance takes on big issues while still working toward a happy ending. Jules is biding his time in Texas, dreaming of going off to college where he can feel free to come out. When he accidentally outs himself on Twitter, he faces rejection from his family but also finds new community in person and online. The characters are heartfelt, snarky, and relatable.