Kindle Deals for July 27, 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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Stitch and the Samurai, Volume 1, by Hirota Wada, $1.99. So many manga-style Disney stories are on sale right now (go check them out!), but this one is especially interesting! When Stitch escapes galactic detention, he finds himself in samurai era Japan. He is taken in by a weary warrior with trust issues. Can these two help each other? This is a reimagining of the original Lilo and Stitch plot, with some familiar tropes and some entirely new situations.
Human Body Theater: A Non-Fiction Review, by Maris Wicks, $2.99. Get ready for a performance like you’ve never seen before! In this funny and informative graphic novel, body parts put on a show. Each major system has an act, and the silliness is so engaging that kids won’t even realize how much they are learning.
Science Comics: Volcanoes — Fire and Life, by Jon Chad, $3.99. I have been waiting for Science Comics to go on sale for ages. I’m delighted that one of my favorites just dropped in price. Learn (nearly) everything you need to know about volcanoes, geology, and ecosystems in this fun non-fiction graphic novel! There’s a light framing story, but Chad quickly gets down to the earth-shaking business of volcanology!
Best Friends, by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham, $3.99. Do you have a tween girl? If so, you need to put this series in her hands. Shannon Hale (known for The Princess in Black and numerous other books) has created an semi-autobiographical graphic novel series that hits on all of the best and worst aspect of middle school. In Best Friends, Shannon is entering sixth grade and navigating group dynamics when she is suddenly part of the popular crowd.
STILL ON SALE
The Civil Rights Movement for Kids: A History with 21 Activities, by Mary C. Turck, $1.99. Over my homeschooling years, I’ve collected many of the books in this “For Kids” series. They provide excellent introductions to a topic. What I appreciate the most, though, is the well-considered, easy-to-implement activities that accompany the chapters. In this book, kids will learn about segregation, boycotts, marches, and major players in the Civil Rights Movement. Activities include setting up a freedom walk, writing a Freedom Ride journal, recording oral histories, and many more.
The Spy with the Wooden Leg: The Story of Virginia Hall, by Nancy Polette, $1.99. Tweens and teens won’t want to miss this fascinating WWII story! From the publisher: “Virginia Hall had a dream to become the first woman ambassador for the United States. Turned down by the US State Department time and again, she could not stand idly by while the Nazi German army swept through Europe conquering country after country. She volunteered to drive an ambulance in WWII France. She rescued downed airmen, radioed vital information to the Allies, and led three battalions of French Resistance forces in guerrilla warfare—all with a wooden leg! Known as la dame qui boite or the Limping Lady, Virginia became a master British spy, rose to the top of the Gestapo's Most Wanted list, and turned the course of history!”
Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America’s Presidents, by David Stabler, $1.99. Presidents — they are just like us! Did you know that young Bill Clinton broke his leg jumping rope? Or that John F. Kennedy was so disorganized that his teacher wrote that “he can seldom locate his possessions”? Kids will enjoy both the insightful and entertaining stories and the amusing illustrations that accompany them.
How to Tell Stories to Children, by Silke Rose West and Joseph Sarosy, $1.99. From the publisher: “Stories help children manage their emotions, empathize with others, and better understand the complex world we live in. More importantly, storytelling cultivates a rich and meaningful bond between storyteller and listener, building intimacy and trust between parent and child. In this delightful book, Silke Rose West and Joseph Sarosy—early childhood educators with thousands of storytelling hours between them—distill the key ingredients of storytelling into a surprisingly simple method that can make anyone an expert storyteller. Their intuitive technique uses events and objects from your child’s daily life to make storytelling easy and accessible. By shifting the focus from crafting a narrative to strengthening your relationship with your child, this book will awaken skills you never knew you had. Complete with practical advice, helpful prompts, and a touch of science to explain how stories enrich our lives in so many ways, How to Tell Stories to Children is a must-read for parents, grandparents and educators. “
The Musical Child: Using the Power of Music to Raise Children who are Happy, Healthy, and Whole, by Joan Koenig, $1.99. Koenig has operated a music school for the past 30 years, and in this book she shares all that she has learned about teaching music to the very young. She intersperses practical tips and exercises with insightful stories from her teaching experience. This book focuses on the first six years of life, but there are lots of ideas that would be suitable for older kids as well.
The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction, by Meghan Cox Gurdon, $1.99. This is a love letter to the readaloud. Many parents spend hours reading to their pre-literate children, but this book makes the case for continuing reading together as a family activity through the teenage years. Detailed references highlight the cognitive and emotional benefits of focusing on listening. At the end, you’ll also find excellent book lists for all ages and stages.
The Project, by Courtney Summers, $2.99. After Lo’s parents died in a car accident, her sister Bea left to join a mysterious community. Lo has spent 6 years trying to find her sister, and the closer she gets, the more she realizes that Bea is in danger. You won’t want to miss this YA psychological thriller about cults, family, and belonging.
The Mary Shelley Club, by Goldy Moldavsky, $2.99. A teen horror-movie club takes a turn for the real-life danger in this action-packed thriller. The group has a tradition of “Fear Tests", in which club members are forced to face things that scare them. When the fear scenarios get increasingly specific and deadly, the teens find themselves over their heads.
The Wrong Side of Kai, by Estelle Maskame, $1.99. This YA revenge story looks like a lot of fun. From the publisher: “Vanessa Murphy doesn't do relationships. With a father who doesn't notice her, it's easy for her to sneak around with her latest fling, Harrison Boyd. But when an explicit video of Vanessa hooking up with Harrison is leaked the morning after she ends things with him, her life is thrown into chaos. And Vanessa wants payback. Enter Kai. With his own vendetta against Harrison, Kai proposes revenge, and the two pair up to ruin Harrison Boyd's life. At first, they are nothing more than an illicit partnership. Teammates working towards the same mission. But – between late-night stakeouts and crime committing – Vanessa is drawn into Kai's life. And, as the two grow closer, she finds herself letting Kai into hers.”
The Summer We Forgot, by Caroline George, $1.99. The discovery of a science teacher’s body kicks off this tense YA thriller. Darby and Morgan are former friends who haven’t talked since something bad happened at summer camp. With a murder investigation in the works, the former friends must confront memories they have chosen to forget.
Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking: From Toddlers to Teens, by Tamar Chansky, $2.99. If you know a kid who struggles with anxiety, perfectionism, or intensely negative thoughts, this is the book for you. Chansky introduces techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy to help parents manage big emotions in kids of all ages.
Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond — and How Parents Can Help, by Phyllis L. Fagell, $4.99. Middle school is a major time of transition! Kids are facing mental, physical, and social changes that can be difficult to naviage. Fagell, a school counselor, offers parents guidance about setting up positive home culture, helping with social conflicts and bullying, providing academic support, and encouraging resilience in the face of obstacles. The book is geared toward families attending school, but most of the issues are likely to come up in homeschool situations as well.
How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids, by Jancee Dunn, $4.99. As you can probably tell from the title, Dunn packs this useful, practical book with loads of humor. From the publisher: How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids tackles the last taboo subject of parenthood: the startling, white-hot fury that new (and not-so-new) mothers often have for their mates. After Jancee Dunn had her baby, she found that she was doing virtually all the household chores, even though she and her husband worked equal hours. She asked herself: How did I become the 'expert' at changing a diaper? On the brink of marital Armageddon, Dunn plunges into the latest relationship research, solicits the counsel of the country's most renowned couples' and sex therapists, canvasses fellow parents, and even consults an FBI hostage negotiator on how to effectively contain an "explosive situation." Instead of having the same fights over and over, Dunn and her husband must figure out a way to resolve their larger issues and fix their family while there is still time. As they discover, adding a demanding new person to your relationship means you have to reevaluate -- and rebuild -- your marriage. In an exhilarating twist, they work together to save the day, happily returning to the kind of peaceful life they previously thought was the sole province of couples without children.”
How to Be a Calm Parent: Lose the Guilt, Control Your Anger and Tame the Stress, by Sarah Ockwell-Smith, $0.99. Owkwell-Smith has written other books about parenting, but this one is a bit different because it focuses on the parent. You can know exactly what to do or say, but if you are not in control of your own emotions, it is hard to put those things into practice. She discusses everything from inherited family patterns to remembering to meet your own basic needs.
Tides and the Ocean: Water’s Movement Around the World, from Waves to Whirlpools, by William Thomson, $3.99. We learn the basics of water’s movement around the world in elementary and middle school, but if you’ve ever wanted to know more than “the moon’s gravity causes tides” you will want to pick up this detailed book. Thomson explains all sorts of ocean phenomena with simple, clear infographics and prose. The text is also peppered with fascinating and sometimes harrowing asides from Thomson’s own ocean adventures.
Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, by Wallace J. Nichols, $2.99. This book is sitting on the shelf next to me, just waiting to be taken out to the beach! From the publisher: “Why are we drawn to the ocean each summer? Why does being near water set our minds and bodies at ease? In BLUE MIND, Wallace J. Nichols revolutionizes how we think about these questions, revealing the remarkable truth about the benefits of being in, on, under, or simply near water. Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with compelling personal stories from top athletes, leading scientists, military veterans, and gifted artists, he shows how proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success.”
Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion, by Loree Griffin Burns, $1.99. The Scientists in the Field series from the Smithsonian is a fantastic collection of books that dive deep into the daily work of scientists. Use them as both longer-form nonfiction reading material and a way to introduce career exploration! In Tracking Trash, scientist study global ocean currents with the help of citizen scientists who comb beaches around the world. Good for upper elementary and middle school readers.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
Flora: Inside the Secret World of Plants, by DK, Smithsonian Institution, and Kew Gardens, $1.99. This book is simply gorgeous. Botany experts from the Smithsonian and Kew Gardens have collaborated to collect spectacular photo illustrations that help to explain all the major groupings of plants, as well as the magnificent variety in all every area of plant anatomy.
Ivy and Bean Make the Rules, by Annie Barrows, $0.99. Ivy and Bean are back in the perfect summer adventure. When Bean’s older sister goes away to camp, the girls decide to create their own summer camp, where they will (of course) be in charge of everything. Beginner readers will love reading about Ivy and Bean’s adventures with nature, crafts, and chaos. The humor is sophisticated enough that parents won’t get bored during readalouds.
The Boy Who Steals Houses, by C.G. Drews, $0.99. Keep a box of tissues handy; multiple reviews have called this one poignant and likely to tug at your heart strings. From the publisher: “Can two broken boys find their perfect home? By turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is a gorgeously told, powerful story. Sam is only fifteen but he and his autistic older brother, Avery, have been abandoned by every relative he's ever known. Now Sam's trying to build a new life for them. He survives by breaking into empty houses when their owners are away, until one day he's caught out when a family returns home. To his amazement this large, chaotic family takes him under their wing - each teenager assuming Sam is a friend of another sibling. Sam finds himself inextricably caught up in their life, and falling for the beautiful Moxie. But Sam has a secret, and his past is about to catch up with him.”
Five on a Treasure Island, by Enid Blyton, $0.99. Enid Blyton is one of the most famous children’s authors in Britain, but I’ve found that few people in the US are familiar with her books. The Famous Five series was originally published more than 50 years ago, but the stories feel timeless. Fresh illustrations are designed to hook contemporary readers. Middle grade readers will enjoy the mysterious adventures of 4 kids and a dog in the British countryside.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
The Silver Arrow, by Lev Grossman, $2.99. This was one of my daughter’s favorite books of 2020, and the second book in the series just came out! When Kate’s uncle bring her a very unusual birthday present (a sentient train), Kate and her brother set off on an amazing adventure. Along the way, they pick up and drop off countless animals and begin to understand the purpose of the magic train. Grossman has created a really interesting world with a subtle environmental allegory.
The Mandalorian: Allies and Enemies, by Lucasfilm Press, $3.99. This book is not great literature, but if you are looking for a high interest book for a reluctant reader or big Star Wars fan, this book will do the trick. It’s not a story, per se, but a guide to all the characters in The Mandalorian (think “a nonfiction take on a fictional world”).
Choose Your Destiny: A Finn and Poe Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. Choose your own path in this fun adventure story! Finn and Poe are on a mission for the Resistance. The reader gets to make choices and can go through the book multiple times to find all the different endings.
The Concise Human Body Book: An Illustrated Guide to its Structure, Function, and Disorders, by DK Publishing, $1.99. When your students are ready for a deep dive into anatomy, this book is an excellent starting point. Don’t let the word “concise” fool you, there are more than 300 pages of illustrations covering every major body system. from the cell level up.
iOpeners: Skeletons Inside and Out, by DK Children, $0.99. This short DK guide is a great introduction of skeletal anatomy for elementary readers. Detailed photo and drawn illustrations show skeletons in standard poses and in motion. While there’s a lot of detail about human skeletons, the book also covers all major vertebrate animals (and even insects).
Natural Wonders of the World, by DK Publishers, $1.99. The Earth is a majestic place, full of breath-takingly unique landscapes. This gorgeous DK books is full of pictures from remarkable places, paired with expert information from geologists and biologists. You’ll find terrain maps and explanations of the geological processes that created the features.
Annabelle and Aiden in The Story of Life, by J.R. Becker, $3.99. I had the pleasure of meeting J.R. Becker at a secular homeschooling conference, and my daughter loved his books when she was younger. His books combine charming, rhyming text with serious science. In this volume, Annabelle and Aiden learn about evolution and how humans are related to other animals.
How Evolution Explains Everything About Life: From Darwin’s Brilliant Idea to Today’s Epic Theory, by New Scientist, $0.99. If you are looking for a quick but comprehensive explanation of evolution, this book will give you everything you need in less than 250 pages. Chapters cover Darwin’s initial work, the role DNA evidence plays in understand evolution, common misconceptions, and even the evolution of behavior over time.
Malamander, by Thomas Taylor, $1.99. Get ready for a strange, fast-paced adventure by the sea! When Violet bursts into the Grand Nautilus Hotel, she is in the process of tracking down her long-lost parents. Herbert works the Lost and Found office, but can he help her find what she needs? They’ll have their work cut out for them; the town of Eerie-On-Sea is home to many odd characters and a legendary monster.
The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst, by Jaclyn Moriarty, $2.99. Moriarty has a great ear for dialog, and this middle grade fantasy, written largely in first person, is full of witty and relatable conversations. This novel manages to poke at some fantasy conventions in a subtle and surprising way. Esther is just an ok student at her boarding school, so when she begins to suspect that strange things are happening, she doubts whether she could make a difference. In this charming story, ogres and faeries share space with ennui and pop quizzes.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, $2.99. I’ve read this book aloud more times than I can count. If there’s a dinosaur lover in your life, you’ll definitely want to snag this book. The delightful illustrations follow enormous dinosaurs going through a nightly routine.
Steam Train, Dream Train, by Sherri Duskey Rinker, $0.99. All aboard the Dream Train! This bedtime story is the perfect balance of wacky action and soothing repetition. In the dream world, the train is staffed by animals — giraffes, kangaroos, monkey, and more — who load each car with unusual items. Tom Lichtenheld’s drawings are perfect as always.
A Seed is Sleepy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $1.99. Sylvia Long’s accurate, detailed illustrations are a big part of what makes this book such a great addition to your nature library. Kids will learn about all kinds of seeds, from the ones light enough to float on the breeze to ones that can weigh up to 60 pounds.
What I See: Asian-American Racism From the Eyes of a Child, by Christine T. Leung, $1.99. The pandemic has led to an increase in racism and hate crimes against Asian people. Leung has written a book about what it feels like to experience racist mistreatment. The topic is heavy, but the text is accessible for young readers (the author suggests 8+).
Tua and the Elephant, by R.P. Harris, $0.99. This illustrations in this middle grade book really bring Chiang Mai to life. From the publisher: “Ten-year-old Tua—Thai for "peanut"—has everything she needs at home in Chiang Mai, Thailand, except for one thing she's always wanted: a sister. In the market one day, Tua makes an accidental acquaintance—one with wise, loving eyes, remarkable strength, and a very curious trunk. And when Tua meets Pohn-Pohn, it's clear this elephant needs her help. Together, the unusual team sets off on a remarkable journey to escape from Pohn-Pohn's vile captors. From the bustling night market to the hallowed halls of a Buddhist temple and finally, to the sanctuary of an elephant refuge, this clever girl and her beloved companion find that right under their noses is exactly what each has been searching for: a friend.”
The Storm Keeper’s Island, by Catherine Doyle, $4.79. Attention, Rick Riordan fans! This mythological Irish adventure tale is for you! From the publisher: “Fionn Boyle comes from a long line of brave seafarers, people with the ocean behind their eyes. But he can't help but fear the open sea. For years, Fionn's mother has told him stories of Arranmore Island, a strange place that seems to haunt her. Fionn has always wondered about this mysterious island, and from the day he arrives he starts noticing things that can't be explained. He can sense the island all around him, and it feels like the island is watching him, too. Once in a generation, Arranmore Island chooses a new Storm Keeper to wield its power and keep its magic safe from enemies. The time has come for his grandfather, a secretive and eccentric old man, to step down. But as Fionn and the other descendants of Arranmore's most powerful families fight to become the island's next champion, a more sinister magic is waking up, intent on rekindling a long-ago war and changing Fionn's life and the island's future forever.”
The Young Time Traveler’s Guide to Really Interesting People: Grace O’Malley, The Pirate Queen of Ireland, by Megan Stringfellow, $1.99. I only recently discovered this history series, and I’m please to be able to share it with you today. Stringfellow puts readers in the position of time travelers, taking them to discover events and people from the past. In this book, she profiles Grace O’Malley, who was born into the nobility but found a life of adventure on the high seas. Stringfellow’s books have a scrapbook feel, with maps, sketches, and other embellishments.
The Story of the Leprechaun, by Katherine Tegen, $1.99. This cheerful picture book tells the story of a leprechaun slyly defeating a greedy man determined to steal the leprechaun’s gold. Warm, magical illustrations make this a pleasant read-aloud experience to share with your favorite children.
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!
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.
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.