Kindle Deals for February 18, 2022 (Copy)
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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City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction, by David Macaulay, $2.22. David Macaulay brings his meticulous historical detail and intricate architectural illustrations to a study of Roman urban planning. He describes the creation of the fictional city of Verbonia, including building styles, irrigation and draining, market areas, public baths, spaces for animals, and more. Macaulay’s books are hard to classify by intended audience. While young children can gain much from the detailed illustrations, the text is probably easier absorbed by upper elementary/middle school kids.
Cities, by John Reader, $2.99. From the publisher: “From the earliest example in the Ancient Near East to today’s teeming centers of compressed existence, such as Mumbai and Tokyo, cities are home to half the planet’s population and consume nearly three-quarters of its natural resources. They can be seen as natural cultural artifacts—evidence of our civic spirit and collective ingenuity. This book gives us the ecological and functional context of how cities evolved throughout human history—the connection between pottery making and childbirth in ancient Anatolia, plumbing and politics in ancient Rome, and revolution and street planning in nineteenth-century Paris. This illuminating study helps us to understand how urban centers thrive, decline, and rise again—and prepares us for the role cities will play in the future.”
Architecture for Teens: A Beginner’s Book for Aspiring Architects, by Danielle Willkens, $4.99. This book is an awesome resource for kids who are interested in learning more architecture. Willkens is a professor of architecture at Georgia Tech who is eager to spread her love for the art and science of designing new buildings. Learn more about the basic elements of architecture, career opportunities, trends in sustainability and design, and spectacular building from around the world. I wish there were books like this for other career fields!
National Geographic Kids: Skyscrapers, by Libby Romero, $4.99. The National Geographic readers really excel in visual imagery. This Level 3 reader is full of eye-popping pictures of buildings from around the world. Kids will learn about the history of tall buildings, their construction process, and how these buildings intersect with the natural world.
STILL ON SALE
First Class: The Legacy of Dunbar, America’s First Black Public High School, by Alison Stewart, $2.99. Learn more about the history of segregation in this profile of a Washington, D.C. public school. Here are more details from the publisher: “Combining a fascinating history of the first U.S. high school for African Americans with an unflinching analysis of urban public-school education today, First Class explores an underrepresented and largely unknown aspect of black history while opening a discussion on what it takes to make a public school successful. In 1870, in the wake of the Civil War, citizens of Washington, DC, opened the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth, the first black public high school in the United States; it would later be renamed Dunbar High and would flourish despite Jim Crow laws and segregation. Dunbar attracted an extraordinary faculty: its early principal was the first black graduate of Harvard, and at a time it had seven teachers with PhDs, a medical doctor, and a lawyer. During the school’s first 80 years, these teachers would develop generations of highly educated, successful African Americans, and at its height in the 1940s and ’50s, Dunbar High School sent 80 percent of its students to college. Today, as in too many failing urban public schools, the majority of Dunbar students are barely proficient in reading and math. Journalist and author Alison Stewart—whose parents were both Dunbar graduates—tells the story of the school’s rise, fall, and possible resurgence as it looks to reopen its new, state-of-the-art campus in the fall of 2013.”
The Black History Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained, by DK Publishers, $1.99. This book series for DK is great for quick reference. The sweeping history covers everything from the rise of homo sapiens to the Black Lives Matter movement, focusing on both African history and the diaspora cultures. As always in DK books, each section is heavily illustrated with photos and infographics.
The Black Woman: An Anthology, edited by Toni Cade Bambara, $1.99. This collection was first released in the 1970s, and many of the women included have only become more well known since then. Supplement your language arts and social studies curricula with essays, poetry, and stories from such women as Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni, and Shirley Williams.
God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop, by Kathy Iandoli, $1.99. From the publisher: “For far too long, women in hip-hop have been relegated to the shadows, viewed as the designated “First Lady” thrown a contract, a pawn in some beef, or even worse. But as Kathy Iandoli makes clear, the reality is very different. Today, hip-hop is dominated by successful women such as Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, yet there are scores of female artists whose influence continues to resonate. God Save the Queens pays tribute to the women of hip-hop—from the early work of Roxanne Shante, to hitmakers like Queen Latifah and Missy Elliot, to the superstars of today. Exploring issues of gender, money, sexuality, violence, body image, feuds, objectification and more, God Save the Queens is an important and monumental work of music journalism that at last gives these influential female artists the respect they have long deserved.”
Lucy Tries Hockey, by Lisa Bowes, $4.99. Lucy is a plucky girl who loves trying new things. When she is at the ice rink, she sees a hockey practice and wants to know more. If you enjoy this one, Lucy also tries luge, short-track speed skating, and more in her other books. You’ll also find related activity pages at the author’s website.
Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women’s Football League, by Britni de la Cretaz and Lyndsey D’Arcangelo, $3.99. Did you know that there was a professional Women’s Football League? I had no idea until I stumbled across this book. Learn more about this important moment in women’s athletic history in this entertaining sports story.
Across the River: Life, Death, and Football in an American City, by Kent Babb, $1.99. Part Friday Night Lights, part Treme, Babb reports the ups and downs of a high school football team in an area troubled with intense violence. From the publisher: “In Across the River, award-winning sports journalist Kent Babb follows the Karr football team through its 2019 season as Brown and his team—perhaps the scrappiest and most rebellious group in the program’s history—vie to again succeed on and off the field. What is sure to be a classic work of sports journalism, Across the River is a necessary investigation into the serious realities of young athletes in struggling neighborhoods: gentrification, eviction, mental health issues, the drug trade, and gun violence. It offers a rich and unflinching portrait of a coach, his players, and the West Bank, a community where it’s difficult—but not impossible—to rise above the chaos, discover purpose, and find a way out.”
Fans: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Understanding, by Larry Olmsted, $1.99. Why do humans love to watch other people play sports (or video games)? Olmsted attempts to quantify the value of supporting a team or individual athlete. In his research, he has found surprising links to physical and emotional well-being, as well as sense of community.
Over the Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe, by Laurence Bergreen, $1.99. If you were not 100% sure the Earth was round, would you set off in a sailboat to see how far you could go? Ferdinand Magellan did just that. Bergreen has translated first-person accounts from Magellan and his contemporaries to paint a vivid picture of the three-year voyage. Note: In attempting to keep the story exciting, Bergreen leans toward the sensationalist. Sex and violence abound.
Tuxedo Park: A Wall Street Tycoon and the Secret Palace of Science that Changed the Course of World War II, by Jennet Conant, $1.99. The atomic bomb gets more press, but the development of radar detection may have played an even more critical role in WWII. Much of the radar research took place in a secret private laboratory in Tuxedo Park, New York. Conant, a descendant of one of the project’s scientists, tells the story of this remarkable collaboration involving Einstein, Heisenberg, Fermi, and many others.
Women and Weapons in the Viking World: Amazons of the North, by Leszek Gardeła, $3.99. The standard image of a Viking is a burly man with a giant axe. But recent research has uncovered archeological evidence that women played a much more active role in Viking culture. Gardela, a researcher at the National Museum of Denmark, presents evidence for female warriors and explorers.
Ripped From the Headlines: The Shocking True Stories Behind the Movies’ Most Memorable Crimes, by Harold Schechter, $1.99. So many of the plotlines from famous movies have been taken from true-life events. Historian Harold Schechter reveals all the fascinating stories behind films like Scream, Psycho, and Dirty Harry. This is a fun exploration for true crime fans and movie buffs alike!
In Deeper Waters, by F.T. Lukens, $1.99. There’s a prince with a magical secret and a pirate with a mysterious past. An unexpected connection forms between them in this romantic YA adventure story. If you enjoyed The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, this one’s for you.
Cinderella is Dead, by Kalynn Bayron, $1.99. Are you ready for a queer reimagining of the Cinderella story? In the kingdom where Sophia lives, teen girls are paired off to male suitors at the annual ball, and those that don’t find a good match are disappeared. Sophia doesn’t want a male partner, but doesn’t want to vanish either. She teams up with Constance, one of Cinderella’s descendants, to challenge the status quo.
The Will and the Wilds, by Charlie N. Holmberg, $1.99. From the publisher: “Enna knows to fear the mystings that roam the wildwood near her home. When one tries to kill her to obtain an enchanted stone, Enna takes a huge risk: fighting back with a mysting of her own. Maekallus’s help isn’t free. His price? A kiss. One with the power to steal her soul. But their deal leaves Maekallus bound to the mortal realm, which begins eating him alive. Only Enna’s kiss, given willingly, can save him from immediate destruction. It’s a temporary salvation for Maekallus and a lingering doom for Enna. Part of her soul now burns bright inside Maekallus, making him feel for the first time. Enna shares Maekallus’s suffering, but her small sacrifice won’t last long. If she and Maekallus can’t break the spell binding him to the mortal realm, Maekallus will be consumed completely—and Enna’s soul with him.”
Strange the Dreamer, by Laini Taylor, $2.99. School Library Journal said it better than I can: “There is a mythological resonance to her tale of gods and mortals in conflict, as well as in Lazlo's character arc from unassuming, obsessed librarian to something much more. VERDICT This outstanding fantasy is a must-purchase for all YA collections.”
Fools in Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales, edited by Ashley Herring Blake and Rebecca Podos, $2.99. YA books can get a little formulaic; you’re likely to find the same tropes over and over (e.g., the Chosen One, the tragically dying). This collection of short stories flips those tropes on their heads. Expect great diversity representation, a variety of genres, and a lot of fun.
No Valentines for Katie, by Fran Manushkin, $2.99. The Katie Woo series is perfect for kids just transitioning into chapter books. Pages have just a few sentences each, and there are loads of engaging illustrations. In this book, Katie is dismayed when she doesn’t get a special Valentine.
We Just Click: Little LEGO Love Stories, by Aled Lewis, $1.99. This funny little collection of LEGO tableaus shows love in all its forms. I love the diversity of age, gender, and sexual orientation represented in this book. Note: I don’t remember any content that would be inappropriate for young readers, but you might want to flip through before handing it to a small child.
Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine, by Jonathan Stutzman, $1.99. Tiny wants to make a very special Valentine for his friend Pointy. He works hard and has several setbacks, but he works to fix his mistakes and make the perfect Valentine. This is a sweet story about friendship and perseverance.
The Dragon Grammar Book: Grammar for Kids, Dragons, and the Whole Kingdom, by Diane Mae Robinson, $4.99. I’ve been waiting for the perfect time to share this charming grammar book with you! I’m a big fan of using a child’s interests to shape the homeschool experience, and this book is the perfect way to pique the interest of a fantasy fan! Robinson covers most major grammar concepts, and her sample sentences are full of mythical creatures and fantasy tropes.
Grammar Girl Presents The Ultimate Writing Guide for Students, by Mignon Fogarty, $3.99. Grammar Girl was one of the first podcasts I ever listened to, and I’ve enjoyed Mignon Fogarty for more than a decade. This book is a compilation of her helpful grammar advice written for middle- and high-school students. She covers everything from parts of speech to frequently misused words to guidelines for letter writing.
The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language, by Stephen Pinker, $1.99. Pinker’s landmark book about the science of language has been updated to include new developments in genetics and neurology. This doorstopper of a book is extremely comprehensive and includes sections on language acquisition, cross-cultural communication, evolution, and many other topics.
Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language, by Gretchen McCulloch, $1.99. It may seem like language in memes is complete chaos, but there are actually linguistic trends and principles that provide order. McCullogh takes a look at the hidden rules of internet language as well as the ways online expression has shifted over time. This book is fascinating for tweens/teens and adults alike. Kids will discover the joys of ASCII art, and parents can get to know doge memes.
The Great Peach Experiment: When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Peach Pie, by Erin Soderberg Downing, $2.99. When a book is compared to The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, I am immediately interested. This book is a similar kind of family story, but it takes the show on the road. When the Peach family gets an unexpected windfall, Dad buys a food truck and makes a plan to travel the country selling pies and living out Mom’s dreams. (Content warning for loss of a parent.)
How to Save a Superhero, by Ruth Freeman, $2.99. I adore the premise of this middle grade book! When her mom starts working at a new retirement home, Maddie is surprised to discover that one of the residents is grumpy retired superhero. There’s another many lurking around the retirement home — is he up to no good? There’s a good bit of sci-fi action and heart in this funny book.
Finding Langston, by Lesa Cline-Ransome, $1.99. Dip into historical fiction with this Coretta Scott King and Scott O’Dell Award winning book! From the publisher: “When eleven-year-old Langston's father moves them from their home in Alabama to Chicago's Bronzeville district, it feels like he's giving up everything he loves. It's 1946. Langston's mother has just died, and now they're leaving the rest of his family and friends. He misses everything-- Grandma's Sunday suppers, the red dirt roads, and the magnolia trees his mother loved. In the city, they live in a small apartment surrounded by noise and chaos. It doesn't feel like a new start, or a better life. At home he's lonely, his father always busy at work; at school he's bullied for being a country boy. But Langston's new home has one fantastic thing. Unlike the whites-only library in Alabama, the Chicago Public Library welcomes everyone. There, hiding out after school, Langston discovers another Langston--a poet whom he learns inspired his mother enough to name her only son after him.”
Beijing Welcomes You: Unveiling the Capital City of the Future, by Tom Scocca, $4.99. From the publisher: “Within the past decade, Beijing has debuted as the defining city of the now and foreseeable future, and China as the ascendant global power. Beijing is the ultimate representation of China's political and cultural capital, of its might-and threat. For so long, the city was closed off to the world, literally built around the Forbidden City, the icon of all that was ominous about China. But now, the country is eager to show off its new openness, its glory and magnanimity, and Beijing is its star. When Tom Scocarrived in 2004-an American eager to see another culture-Beijing was looking toward welcoming the world to its Olympics four years later, and preparations were in full swing to create a renewed city. Scocca talked to the scientists tasked with changing the weather; interviewed designers and architects churning out projects; checked out the campaign to stop public spitting; documented the planting of trees, the rerouting of traffic, the demolition of the old city, and the construction of the new metropolis. Beijing Welcomes You is a glimpse into the future and an encounter with an urban place we do not yet fully comprehend, and the superpower it is essential we get to know better.”
Ancient China’s Inventions, Technology, and Engineering, by Professor Beaver, $4.99. Ancient Chinese culture is known for some major technological achievements. Introduce young readers to the richness of those innovations with this simple chapter book covering the compass, acupuncture, silk cultivation, clocks, and many others. This book provides a brief overview of each invention and, as such, is a good jumping off point for further research.
Living in… China, by Chloe Perkins, $4.99. Get to know China’s geography, history, and culture in this easy reader. The cute illustrations help with reading comprehension, and pronunciation guides make tricky place names simple to say.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin, $1.99. This book is a pleasure to read aloud. From our World Mythology and Folk Tales reading guide: Grace Lin’s quest novel takes its magic from the Chinese myths and folk tales she grew up with, and the result is a delightful fantasy steeped in Chinese mythic tradition.
Tacky and the Winter Games, by Helen Lester, $4.99. Free-spirited Tacky the Penguin is back with just the right book for this winter. From the publisher: "‘A-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff’ ‘WHAT'S HAPPENING?’ Tacky the penguin wants to know. The Winter Games, that's what's happening. And Tacky and his fellow penguins Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect have to work hard to get in shape so they can represent Team Nice Icy Land in the athletic competitions. After rigorous training, they're ready - but are the games ready for Tacky? Will his antics keep Team Nice Icy Land from winning a medal? From bobsledless racing and ski jumping to speed skating, Tacky lends his unique, exuberant style to each competition. In laugh-out-loud scenes of Tacky and his fellow penguins' athletic debacles, Tacky reminds readers of the underlying joy and enthusiasm that propells athletes to greatness. So get ready to cheer for Team Nice Icy Land and let the games begin!”
The Winter Olympics, by Nick Hunter, $4.70. This is a type of book I mentally classify as a “school project book,” a short nonfiction book about a narrow topic designed for upper elementary/middle school kids. Short chapters cover major sports, the history of the games, Paralympics, and other interesting topics. This book was written just before the Sochi games, so it doesn’t have fully up-to-date information, but it’s still a worthwhile introduction. Full color, high action pictures are likely to pique kids’ interest.
Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics, by Yossi Lapid, $3.99. In this fun, rhyming story, Snowman Paul decides to try out several winter sports and even enter the Olympic! Through Snowman Paul’s attempts at skiing, hockey, and other sports, he learns important lessons about fairness and good sportsmanship. If your kids enjoy Snowman Paul, they will be pleased to know there are several additional books about him looking at other winter sports.
Frederick Douglass: Selected Speeches and Writings, edited by Philip S. Foner and Yuval Taylor, $2.99. Round out your collection of primary sources with this excellent collection of Douglass’s works! You’ll find examples of his speeches, letters to the editor, personal correspondence, and more within this impressive volume. Brief commentary provides context and interpretation.
Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America, by John Lewis, $2.99. From the publisher: “In Across That Bridge, Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful principles for anyone interested in challenging injustices and inspiring real change toward a freer, more peaceful society. The Civil Rights Movement gave rise to the protest culture we know today, and the experiences of leaders like Congressman Lewis, a close confidant to Martin Luther King, Jr., have never been more relevant. Despite more than forty arrests, physical attacks, and serious injuries, John Lewis has remained a devoted advocate of the discipline and philosophy of nonviolence. Now, in an era in which the protest culture he helped forge has resurfaced as a force for change, Lewis' insights have never been more relevant. In this heartfelt book, Lewis explores the contributions that each generation must make to achieve change.”
Spectacle: The Astonishing Life of Ota Benga, by Pamela Newkirk, $0.99. Newkirk shares the bizarre and shocking story of Ota Benga, an African man who was displayed as a zoo exhibit in the early 20th century. Newkirk tells the story of Benga’s life and also takes a hard look at the racist social science of that time period, which allowed this display to be seen as acceptable.
If Your Back’s Not Bent: The Role of the Citizenship Education Program in the Civil Rights Movement, by Dorothy F. Cotton, $1.99. I did not learn about Dorothy Cotton’s tremendous contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in high school. She was responsible for a comprehensive program to teach black citizens in the South about their rights and about the governmental processes by which they could claim them. Cotton describes her work and her time spent with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in this history/memoir.
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.
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!
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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!
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.