Kindle Deals for March 14, 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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The Girls I’ve Been, by Tess Sharpe, $2.99. When three teens are unexpectedly caught up in a bank robbery, they must find a way to come out alive. Fortunately, one of the girls is uniquely prepared to take on the experience; she’s the daughter of a conwoman and has been taught to find ways to exploit any situation. The story alternates between minute-by-minute depictions of the action inside the bank and flashbacks explaining how Nora’s past is shaping her future. The Girls I’ve Been is one of the most “impossible to put down” YA books I’ve read in the last year. Content warnings for physical and sexual abuse.
The Wrath and the Dawn, by Renee Ahdieh, $2.99. I’ve really enjoyed Ahdieh’s short stories, and I’m looking forward to reading this retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi’s wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend. She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.”
Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo, $2.99. Malinda Lo writes fascinating YA books, often with queer characters front and center. She takes on historical fiction in Last Night at the Telegraph Club, venturing to 1950s New Orleans, where 17-year-old Lily finds herself falling in love with Katherine. There’s not a lot of acceptance for lesbians or Asian Americans, much less an interracial relationship in their community, but Lily and Katharine are willing to risk isolation to be together.
On the Come Up, by Angie Thomas, $2.99. This book takes place in the same neighborhood as The Hate You Give, but you don’t need to have read that book to enjoy this one (though you should read it!). Bri is an aspiring teenage rapper who is searching for her big break. When her song goes viral, she is not prepared for media controversy. Bri needs to figure out who she is and how she wants to be seen by the world. Hip-hop fans will enjoy all the music references, but you don’t have to be a music expert to appreciate Bri’s strength and energy.
STILL ON SALE
On Account of the Gum, by Adam Rex, $1.99. When a kid gets gum in their hair, they set off a wild chain of events. An attempt to cut it out results in the scissors getting stuck! The consequences continue to get more severe in this hilarious picture book. Bold and vibrant art brings the story to life.
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. Kids will love the wild and wacky adventures of Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee. Chris Van Dusen is a master at using impressively funny rhymes to tell a story. In this book, Mr. Magee and Dee decide to learn how to ski, but things take a turn when they encounter a moose in their way. My daughter absolutely loved the Mr. Magee books (there are three) when she was younger; the rhymes and charming illustrations give this one high reread potential.
Little Pea, by Amy Kraus Rosenthal, $0.99. Kids will love this subversive little picture book about a pea who can’t have his vegetables for dessert unless he eats all his sweets first!
Juniper Kai: Super Spy, by Laura Gehl and Alexandria Neonakis, $0.99. Juniper knows something is up with her parents, and she is determined to figure out what is going on (Surprise! It’s a new baby!). She uses all her best spy techniques: listening at the door, using binoculars to observe from afar, and wearing clever disguises to go unnoticed. Kids will love this plucky Asian heroine!
Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, From Missiles to the Moon to Mars, by Nathalia Holt, $2.99. The original computers weren't machines, they were people—specifically women who, armed with slide rules and sharpened pencils, performed the complex calculations needed to get the space program (literally) off the ground. This book shines a long overdue spotlight on the women scientists and mathematicians who contributed to the early work of the space program, and it's a great read on its own or as part of a larger study with The Glass Universe and Hidden Figures.
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre, by Anika Aldamuy Denise, $1.99. I first learned of Pura Belpre from the American Library Association award given in her name. Now young readers can discover this remarkable Puerto Rican librarian and puppeteer in a beautiful picture book.
Visionary Women: How Rachel Carson, Jane Jacobs, Jane Goodall, and Alice Waters Changed Our World, by Andrea Barnet, $1.99. This award-winning book introduces readers to four women who shaped the modern environmental movement in very different ways. Carson and Goodall focused on the relationships between humans and creatures of earth and sea, while Jacobs and Waters shaped urban planning and food ways. What they all share is a willingness to reconsider the status quo and fight for what matters.
She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs, by Sarah Smarsh, $1.99. Sarah Smarsh places Dolly Parton within a feminist context in this book that is part biography, part music analysis, part cultural commentary. From the publisher: “In this “tribute to the woman who continues to demonstrate that feminism comes in coats of many colors,” Smarsh tells readers how Parton’s songs have validated women who go unheard: the poor woman, the pregnant teenager, the struggling mother disparaged as ‘trailer trash.’ Parton’s broader career—from singing on the front porch of her family’s cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains to achieving stardom in Nashville and Hollywood, from ‘girl singer’ managed by powerful men to self-made mogul of business and philanthropy—offers a springboard to examining the intersections of gender, class, and culture.”
Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation, by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman, $3.99. From the publisher: “In the 15 years since the release of Gender Outlaw, Kate Bornstein's groundbreaking challenge to gender ideology, transgender narratives have made their way from the margins to the mainstream and back again. Today's transgenders and other sex/gender radicals are writing a drastically new world into being. In Gender Outlaws, Bornstein, together with writer, raconteur, and theater artist S. Bear Bergman, collects and contextualizes the work of this generation's trans and genderqueer forward thinkers -- new voices from the stage, on the streets, in the workplace, in the bedroom, and on the pages and websites of the world's most respected mainstream news sources. Gender Outlaws includes essays, commentary, comic art, and conversations from a diverse group of trans-spectrum people who live and believe in barrier-breaking lives.” Note: Due to mature sexual content and descriptions of transphobic abuse, this book is suited to older teens and adults.
Ana On the Edge, by A.J. Sass, $2.99. The world of figure skating is highly gendered. What would it mean to be a competitive figure skater who is also trans or nonbinary? Ana is questioning her gender but feels she must look and perform a certain way to succeed in skating. When Hayden, a transgender boy, arrives at the rink, Ana discovers another potential path. Get this one into the hands of middle grade readers who were enthralled by the Winter Olympics.
Gracefully Grayson, by Ami Polonsky, $1.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this middle-grade novel about Grayson coming to terms with gender identity. From the publisher: “Grayson Sender has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: "he" is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender's body. The weight of this secret is crushing, but sharing it would mean facing ridicule, scorn, rejection, or worse. Despite the risks, Grayson's true self itches to break free. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher's wisdom be enough to help Grayson step into the spotlight she was born to inhabit? Debut author Ami Polonsky's moving, beautifully-written novel about identity, self-esteem, and friendship shines with the strength of a young person's spirit and the enduring power of acceptance.”
Raising Ryland: Our Story of Parenting a Transgender Child with No Strings Attached, by Hillary Whittington, $1.99. When the Hillary Whittington’s young child declared that he was a boy, this mother decided to make sure that her child felt loved and embraced for who he is. In telling their family’s story, Whittington hopes to provide a path for other parents who find themselves in similar situations.
Mooncakes, by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu, $4.99. This supernatural graphic novel is simply delicious. Nova is a young witch working in her grandmother’s bookshop and investigating the supernatural goings-on in her small town. When she stumbles upon a werewolf in the woods, she is surprised to discover that it’s actually her childhood crush, Tam. Romance and adventure ensue. There’s great queer visibility throughout (Nova lives with queer grandmas, and Tam is nonbinary).
Echo North, by Joanna Ruth Meyer, $2.99. Enter a richly developed world in this retelling that draws on several classic tales. From the publisher: “Echo Alkaev’s safe and carefully structured world falls apart when her father leaves for the city and mysteriously disappears. Believing he is lost forever, Echo is shocked to find him half-frozen in the winter forest six months later, guarded by a strange talking wolf—the same creature who attacked her as a child. The wolf presents Echo with an ultimatum: if she lives with him for one year, he will ensure her father makes it home safely. But there is more to the wolf than Echo realizes. In his enchanted house beneath a mountain, each room must be sewn together to keep the home from unraveling, and something new and dark and strange lies behind every door. When centuries-old secrets unfold, Echo discovers a magical library full of books- turned-mirrors, and a young man named Hal who is trapped inside of them. As the year ticks by, the rooms begin to disappear and Echo must solve the mystery of the wolf’s enchantment before her time is up otherwise Echo, the wolf, and Hal will be lost forever.”
Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses, by Kristen O’Neal, $1.99. When Priya joins an online support group for people with chronic illness, she finds a community of young people who understand her daily challenges with Lyme disease. Worried when one group member drops off the radar, Priya makes a snap decision to go check on her in person. She discovers the unexpected: the girl she is looking for can’t be found, and there’s evidence that the girl’s predicament might be more supernatural than medical. If you enjoy snarky and heartwarming stories with a supernatural twist, this one’s for you!
The Wolf and the Woodsman, by Ava Reid, $1.99. Jewish and Pagan mythology meet in this dark fantasy novel inspired by Hungarian history. You’ll find unlikely romance, a hidden prince, and magical powers in this YA novel. Be warned, the body count is fairly high.
Delores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers, by Sarah Warren, $3.99. Dolores Huerta was a teacher who was concerned when she saw students coming to school hungry and without shoes in the 1950s. When she discovers that these are the children of migrant workers living in intense poverty, she becomes a tireless activist working to improve the working and living conditions for marginalized people. This beautiful picture book explains how Huerta got involved with labor rights and how her work has impacted generations of farm workers.
Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping to Protect Our Planet, by Harriet Rohmer, $1.99. Introduce your middle schooler to people who are making a difference in their local communities! From the publisher: “This inspiring book presents the true stories of 12 people from across North America who have done great things for the environment. Heroes include a teenage girl who figured out how to remove an industrial pollutant from the Ohio River, a Mexican superstar wrestler who works to protect turtles and whales, and a teenage boy from Rhode Island who helped his community and his state develop effective e-waste recycling programs. Plenty of photographs and illustrations bring each compelling story vividly to life.”
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909, by Michelle Markel, $2.99. Clara Lemlich was a Ukrainian immigrant who took a job in a garment factory as a child. Appalled by the working conditions, she leads a strike of girls and women who demand safety reforms and fair pay. The picture book has a unique visual style, pairing watercolor paintings with textile collages.
Kids on the March: 15 Stories of Speaking Out, Protesting, and Fighting for Justice, by Michael Long, $1.99 Our history is filled with examples of children standing up against injustice, from textile workers in the early 20th century to kids protesting for gun control in the wake of recent school shootings. Long profiles 15 such movements, offering historical and social context, profiling young leaders, and inspiring readers to get involved in important causes. This is an excellent addition to an upper elementary or middle school history curriculum.
Osnat and Her Dove: The True Story of the World’s First Female Rabbi, by Sigal Samuel, $2.99. I am always delighted when I discover kids’ nonfiction about historical characters I don’t know. The subject matter obviously touches on religion, but the story is also an interesting look at Middle Eastern culture in the 1500s. From the publisher: “Osnat was born five hundred years ago – at a time when almost everyone believed in miracles. But very few believed that girls should learn to read. Yet Osnat's father was a great scholar whose house was filled with books. And she convinced him to teach her. Then she in turn grew up to teach others, becoming a wise scholar in her own right, the world's first female rabbi! Some say Osnat performed miracles – like healing a dove who had been shot by a hunter! Or saving a congregation from fire! But perhaps her greatest feat was to be a light of inspiration for other girls and boys; to show that any person who can learn might find a path that none have walked before.”
Sensational: The Hidden History of America’s Girl Stunt Reporters, by Kim Todd, $1.99. You’ve probably heard of Nellie Bly and her exposes of conditions in asylums and her round-the-world adventure, but you may not know that Bly was one of many women who took on daring undercover journalistic missions. Todd looks at journalists from the 1880s through the present in this fascinating portrait of pioneering women seeking the truth.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.