Kindle Deals for November 4, 2019
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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Black Women in Science, by Kimberly Brown Pellum, $0.99. This delightful collection of biographies profiles scientists in many fields. Some are more famous than others, but all have interesting and inspirational stories to discover. This book will encourage your middle grade reader to envision a life in science.
What I Know Now, edited by Ellyn Spragins, $2.99. Do you ever wish you could go back and give your younger self some advice? This book is based on that premise. Forty women who have accomplished great things have written letters to their younger selves. Each has unique insight. If you’re familiar with the woman writing, the letter can offer interesting background, but the lessons are broadly applicable.
Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet, by Charlie N. Holmberg, $1.99. I’ve read other YA books by Holmberg, and I’m pretty taken with this description: “Maire is a baker with an extraordinary gift: she can infuse her treats with emotions and abilities, which are then passed on to those who eat them. She doesn’t know why she can do this and remembers nothing of who she is or where she came from. When marauders raid her town, Maire is captured and sold to the eccentric Allemas, who enslaves her and demands that she produce sinister confections, including a witch’s gingerbread cottage, a living cookie boy, and size-altering cakes.”
STILL ON SALE
Chalk, by Bill Thomson, $0.99. This is a picture book with no words, perfect for kids who would like to make up the story on their own. Or, if you have a kid like mine, who really loves words and reading, it may be deeply unsettling. Use your best judgment. Told through gorgeous, realistic illustrations, Chalk is the story of what happens one day when kids’ chalk drawings come to life.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith, $1.99. You’re either going to love this or hate it. Seth Grahame-Smith has expanded Austen’s classic novel to add in scenes of a zombie plague in Meryton. More than 80% of Austen’s original text remains, with modern and gruesome enhancements. This is an over-the-top parody that also seriously addresses some of the interesting details and side plots of the original work. It’s ridiculous, yes, but also fairly entertaining and fodder for an excellent discussion about literary adaptations. If this sounds like your kind of thing, you may also want to check out Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.
Lives in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble, by Marilyn Johnson, $1.99. Indiana Jones is by far the most famous and exciting archaeologist, running through the jungle digging up bones and fighting off Nazis. But what does the job a real archaeologist look like? Johnson spends time with archaeologists doing work around the world to discover the sweat, cultural discussions, and technology that shape modern research.
Before They Were Authors: Famous Writers as Kids, by Elizabeth Haidle, $2.99. This charming graphic novel tells the stories of many famous authors when they were kids. The backgrounds are varied and interesting, and the illustrations look both cute and historical. This stories will inspire kids and make them consider whether they could become famous writers too.
Other Words For Home, by Jasmine Warga, $1.99. This middle grade story about a Syrian girl moving to Cincinnati is a tough but lovely read. Told in lyrical verse through Jude’s eyes, Other Words For Home traces her path from Aleppo to the U.S., her confusion about the differences in American customs, and her path to how she will fit into her new home. Read this book for a great opportunity to see the world from a new perspective.
A Closed and Common Orbit, by Becky Chambers, $1.99. This is the award-winning second book in a scifi series, but it can be read as a standalone. Chambers writes space opera scifi that really focuses on relationships between the characters. The plot is complicated, so I’ll let the publisher describe it: “Lovelace was once merely a ship’s artificial intelligence. When she wakes up in a new body, following a total system shut-down and reboot, she has no memory of what came before. As Lovelace learns to negotiate the universe and discover who she is, she makes friends with Pepper, an excitable engineer, who’s determined to help her learn and grow. Together, Pepper and Lovey will discover that no matter how vast space is, two people can fill it together.”
Don’t Know Much About Mythology, by Kenneth C. Davis, $2.99. I’m sure my HSL readers know a lot of things about mythology, but this book is pretty comprehensive. Davis looks at myths from around the world. Dig deeper than Greeks and Romans to learn about Druid myths, Incan gods, and more.
Better Than Normal: How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional, by Dale Archer, $4.99. I have not read this, but the concept sounds intriguing. Dr. Archer looks at 8 common behavior traits that can be problematic when extreme to discover the ways they can also be beneficial. He suggests that attentiveness, anxiety, shyness, and other issues lie along a spectrum. Everyone’s personality is shaped by one or more of these traits, and Archer offers ways to harness them to work for you.
Raising a Sensory Smart Child, by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske, $4.99. This recently revised book is a great resource for parents of children with sensory sensitivities. The authors provide detailed information on the science behind sensory issues, then offer practical tips for dealing with the challenges that can come with sensory avoidance or seeking. Practical suggestions about the learning environment will be helpful to homeschoolers and those trying to partner with a school to meet a child’s needs.
A History of the World in 100 Objects, by Neil MacGregor, $4.99. This book is fantastic! I own the giant doorstop that is the print edition, and it sits in my living room at all times as a handy reference or exploration guide. The title is fairly descriptive. MacGregor has gathered a collection of artifacts from all over the world that illustrate some major stops in the human journey of innovation. From early jewelry to cookware to the modern credit card, each object’s significance is carefully described. This is the kind of book you can read sequentially or dip into when curious about a time period or geographic area.
Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, $1.99. This is a classic of coming-of-age literature found on many high school curricula. A group of boys is stranded on an island after a school trip gone horribly wrong. With no adults to guide them, they must govern themselves and find a way off of the island. They have some remarkable successes and some very memorable failures. Read this book to start a discussion of human nature.
How to Be a Happier Parent, by KJ Dell’Antonia, $4.99. I’ve really enjoyed Dell’Antonia’s New York Times parenting column. This book collects and connects some of the recurring themes about how to find a greater sense of happiness and peace through the parenting journey. From the publisher: In this optimistic, solution-packed book, KJ asks: How can we change our family life so that it is full of the joy we'd always hoped for? Drawing from the latest research and interviews with families, KJ discovers that it's possible to do more by doing less, and make our family life a refuge and pleasure, rather than another stress point in a hectic day. She focuses on nine common problem spots that cause parents the most grief, explores why they are hard, and offers small, doable, sometimes surprising steps you can take to make them better.
Moby-Duck: The True Story of 28,800 Bath Toys Lost at Sea & of the Beachcombers, Oceanographers, Environmentalists & Fools Including the Author Who Went in Search of Them, by Donovan Hohn, $4.99. A few years ago, an entire shipping container full of rubber ducks went missing in transit. The ducks were carried along by ocean currents and began showing up on beaches around the world. Donovan Hohn decided to track down some ducks and find out more about the natural forces behind the story. He learned way more than he expected. This book follows him on what became an epic adventure into ocean currents, shipping conglomerates, global economics, and more.
The Savage Garden: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, by Peter D’Amato, $4.99. No, we are not talking about the ‘90s band, we are talking about plants that eat insects and other small creatures. My kid has been fascinated by meat-eating plants for years; they go against the basic biology we teach small children. This book describes in great detail the most common types of carnivorous plants and how you might grow them at home. With a chapter called “Other Savage Plants from the Demented Mind of Mother Nature,” this book feels perfect for some spooky fall reading. The well-researched plant descriptions and beautiful photos make this book an interesting pick even if you have no intention of growing your own carnivorous plants.
Catherine, Called Birdy, by Karen Cushman, $3.99. From our Great Epistolary Novels list: It’s problematic, of course, to pretend that we can understand what might have gone on in the head 14th century girl, but Cushman makes a solid effort here, and this novel — which takes the form of Catherine’s journal — paints a fascinating (and well researched) picture of medieval life. Catherine doesn’t have a lot of agency: She’s going to have to do what her father says, including marrying the man he’s picked out for her, however much she might rebel against the idea in her diary. That rebelling feels a little anachronistic, but I’m not sure a middle grades reader would be able to identify with Catherine at all without it so I think it’s an understandable conceit. If you’re studying the Middle Ages any time soon, you will definitely want to have this one on your list.
Daughters of the Night Sky, by Aimie K. Runyan, $4.99. This novel highlights a lesser known story of WWI, that of the Russian Night Witches. This all female regiment of pilots terrorizes the Nazis, flying dangerous but crucial missions. Runyan takes readers along on the harrowing flights, then considers how life must change once the war is over.
The Final Six, by Alexandra Monir, $1.99. This exciting YA novel reads somewhat like The Martian, but with teens in the main roles. From the publisher: When Leo and Naomi are drafted, along with twenty-two of the world’s brightest teenagers, into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever changed. Overnight, they become global celebrities in contention for one of the six slots to travel to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—and establish a new colony, leaving their planet forever. With Earth irreparably damaged, the future of the human race rests on their shoulders. For Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, this kind of purpose is a reason to go on after losing his family. But Naomi, an Iranian-American science genius, is suspicious of the ISTC and the fact that a similar mission failed under mysterious circumstances, killing the astronauts onboard. She fears something equally sinister awaiting the Final Six beneath Europa’s surface.
Ingredients: A Visual Exploration of 75 Additives and 25 Food Products, by Dwight Eschliman and Steve Ettinger, $0.99. What is really in the food we eat? What is caramel color, anyway? What does xanthan gum actually do, and where does it come from? This fascinating collaboration between a photographer and a science writer will answer all of these questions and more. They break down all the ingredients in more than two dozen common foods to explain how all the pieces fit together. You may never look at Cool Ranch Doritos the same way, but you’ll enjoy learning about the process!
Unfamiliar Fishes, by Sarah Vowell, $4.99. I’ve loved Sarah Vowell since I first heard her contributions to This American Life. Her quirky history books cover unusual topics in her signature quippy style. This book takes on the Americanization of Hawaii, from the first settlers to the annexation. It’s a story of imperialism, native culture, and more.
What She Ate: Six Remarkable Women and the Food that Tells Their Stories, by Laura Shapiro, $4.99. This is biography told in a very different way; it absolutely fascinates me. From the publisher: What She Ate is a lively and unpredictable array of women; what they have in common with one another (and us) is a powerful relationship with food. They include Dorothy Wordsworth, whose food story transforms our picture of the life she shared with her famous poet brother; Rosa Lewis, the Edwardian-era Cockney caterer who cooked her way up the social ladder; Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady and rigorous protector of the worst cook in White House history; Eva Braun, Hitler’s mistress, who challenges our warm associations of food, family, and table; Barbara Pym, whose witty books upend a host of stereotypes about postwar British cuisine; and Helen Gurley Brown, the editor of Cosmopolitan, whose commitment to “having it all” meant having almost nothing on the plate except a supersized portion of diet gelatin.
Monsters You Should Know, by Emma Sancartier, $1.99. This is the cutest book about horrifying monsters that you will ever see. Truly creepy monsters from folklore around the world are illustrated in a scary but still somehow charming style. This is a picture book, but probably best for ages 8+. You could shape an interesting unit study around researching these monsters.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
Guitar Zero, by Gary Marcus, $4.99. You’re never too old, or too young, to learn music. Gary Marcus was nearly 40 when he decided he wanted to learn the guitar despite having little musical experience or skill. Marcus is a scientist, and he describes both his personal musical journey and the science behind how the brain integrates new skills.
The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease, $4.99. Every household should have a copy of this book, a guide to awesome books to read with children. The first half of the book explain why you should read aloud to the children in your life. There are sections on problem solving for reluctant readers or listeners, as well as a section specifically on getting dads involved in the reading process. The second half of the book is a giant compendium of read-aloud books. Each book listed has a short summary, suggested age group, notes about any sensitive topics, and a list of related books. This edition was released in 2013; an updated version was just published, but it is not on sale.
Ivy and Bean Books 1-3, by Annie Barrows, $1.99. These sweet and funny stories are perfect for your new reader. My daughter has moved far beyond this series, but still often picks up one of these books to reread in a single sitting. From my junior reviewer: “I really love these books because the characters are believably drawn with just the right amount of humor. They tie in hilarious and unusual circumstances, including magic sometimes, with things I have experienced. They have a very specific sense of humor, which I share, and I can relate to almost all of the characters.”
The House in Poplar Wood, by K.E. Ormsbee, $1.99. When I saw this book described as “Haunted Mansion meets Stranger Things,” I was totally hooked. The publisher has written a better summary than I possibly could: “For as long as the Vickery twins can remember, Lee and his mother have served Memory, while Felix and his father assist Death. This is the Agreement. But one Halloween, Gretchen Whipple smashes her way into their lives. Her bargain is simple: If the twins help her solve the murder of local girl Essie Hasting, she'll help them break the Agreement. The more the three investigate, however, the more they realize that something's gone terribly wrong in their town. Death is on the loose, and if history repeats itself, Essie's might not be the last murder in Poplar Wood. Simultaneously heartwarming and delightfully spooky, The House in Poplar Wood is a story about a boy's desire to be free, a girl's desire to make a difference, and a family's desire to be together again.”
Emily’s Runaway Imagination, by Beverly Cleary, $4.99. This is a charming but lesser-known middle grade book from beloved children’s author Beverly Cleary. Emily reminds me of Pippi Longstocking without the clearly impossible situations. From the publisher: “Spunky Emily Bartlett lives in an old farmhouse in Pitchfork, Oregon'at a time when automobiles are brand-new inventions and libraries are a luxury few small towns can afford. Her runaway imagination leads her to bleach a horse, hold a very scary sleepover, and feed the hogs an unusual treat. But can she use her lively mind to help bring a library to Pitchfork?”
Tangled in Time: The Portal, by Kathryn Lasky, $1.99. This charming middle grade novel is a time travel story. Rose finds a time portal in her grandmother’s greenhouse that transports her to the the court of Henry VIII. She befriends the young Princess Elizabeth and discovers a mysterious locket that may hold a secret connecting Rose to the Tudor world.
Dear Data, by Giogia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec, $2.99. This book has a fascinating concept: two friends in different countries sent each other a postcard every week for a year. Every week had a theme, and the two friends recorded data about their lives and created a way to represent it visually. The result is more than 100 postcards illustrating the details of their lives. You’ll find this a great discussion starter about ways to visually represent ideas.
Talking Across the Divide: How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World, by Justin Lee, $4.99. I run a large homeschool co-op, which puts me in the position to get to know a wide variety of people. Books like Talking Across the Divide in invaluable in the current political climate for helping people find ways to connect.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $3.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $1.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Mind’s Eye, by Oliver Sacks, $4.99. What would your life be like if you lost a fundamental part of your sensory experience? Neuroscientist Oliver Sacks explores what makes us who we are in this collection of profiles. From the concert pianist who loses the ability to read music to the woman who finds herself unable to speak, Sacks deftly recreates the breadth of human experience.
Cut in Half: The Hidden World of Everyday Objects, by Mike Warren, $2.99. The cover says it all. This is a book of objects cut in half by a high-powered waterjet cutter. If you’ve ever wondered what was going on inside a telephone or a waffle maker, this book is for you. All the parts are labeled, with brief information about what each element does. I was completely fascinated by all of the inner workings, and I suspect you will be too. (This book really needs to be viewed in color for full effect.)
Art Before Breakfast: A Zillion Ways to be More Creative No Matter How Busy You Are, by Danny Gregory, $2.99. My daughter loves doing art, and fills lots of her spare time making things. I’ve never considered myself an artist and struggle to find time to develop my skills. This book is a great place to start. Danny Gregory has created short, fun activities that take 10 minutes or less. They will encourage you to make art a regular part of your life. This book is a great way to add some art education to your homeschool, or to carve out a bit of time for your own creativity.
50 Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy, by Tim Harford, $4.99. I love this kind of book, a history through specific objects. Here’s how the publisher describes it: “Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy paints an epic picture of change in an intimate way by telling the stories of the tools, people, and ideas that had far-reaching consequences for all of us. From the plough to artificial intelligence, from Gillette’s disposable razor to IKEA’s Billy bookcase, bestselling author and Financial Times columnist Tim Harford recounts each invention’s own curious, surprising, and memorable story.”
A Glorious Freedom: Older Women Leading Extraordinary Lives, by Lisa Congdon, $1.99. This one’s for all the homeschool parents pondering what they are going to do with their lives once this season of schooling is over. Lisa Congdon has profiled dozens of women over 40 who are creating fulfilling lives on their own terms. Each woman has taken a unique path, and many feature fascinating twists and turns. Congdon’s beautiful illustrations make this book something special. (The glorious hardcover version is something you might want to keep in mind as a gift this holiday season.)
Hamstersaurus Rex, by Tom O’Donnell, $1.99. Is this another creepy book for Halloween? Yes and no. This wild middle school story will entertain and delight while still addressing some tougher emotional issues. From the publisher: “When a mysterious growling hamster appears at the back of his class, Sam knows just what to call him: Hamstersaurus Rex. Sam tries to protect Hammie from an overzealous Hamster Monitor, and from the meanest bully in the history of Horace Hotwater Middle School. The bully isn’t afraid of some weird little class pet. But maybe he should be. Hamstersaurus Rex is no ordinary hamster.”