Kindle Deals for March 8, 2020
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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Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, by Trevor Noah, $2.99. Suzanne’s got our middle schoolers reading some of this as part of their African literature section. From The New York Times review: “By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”
Amal Unbound, by Aisha Saeed, $1.99. I’ve read great things about this moving middle-grade book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Life is quiet and ordinary in Amal's Pakistani village, but she had no complaints, and besides, she's busy pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher one day. Her dreams are temporarily dashed when--as the eldest daughter--she must stay home from school to take care of her siblings. Amal is upset, but she doesn't lose hope and finds ways to continue learning. Then the unimaginable happens--after an accidental run-in with the son of her village's corrupt landlord, Amal must work as his family's servant to pay off her own family's debt. Life at the opulent Khan estate is full of heartbreak and struggle for Amal--especially when she inadvertently makes an enemy of a girl named Nabila. Most troubling, though, is Amal's growing awareness of the Khans' nefarious dealings. When it becomes clear just how far they will go to protect their interests, Amal realizes she will have to find a way to work with others if they are ever to exact change in a cruel status quo, and if Amal is ever to achieve her dreams.”
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice, by Bryan Stevenson, $1.99. This award-winning book about racial injustice in the judicial system and a lawyer’s work to protect vulnerable individuals has been adapted for younger readers. Share this book with your teens (approximately 12+) as part of a discussion of racism, legal processes, and advocacy.
STILL ON SALE
Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space, by Libby Jackson, $1.99. This collection of short biographies will introduce you to the accomplishments of women who looked up with wonder and determination. From the publisher: “From Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century to the “colored computers” behind the Apollo missions, from the astronauts breaking records on the International Space Station to the scientific pioneers blazing the way to Mars, Galaxy Girls goes boldly where few books have gone before, celebrating this band of heroic sisters and their remarkable and often little known scientific achievements. Written by Libby Jackson, a leading British expert in human space flight, and illustrated with striking artwork from the students of London College of Communication, Galaxy Girls will fire the imaginations of trailblazers of all ages.”
Signs of Resistance: A Visual History of Protest in America, by Bonnie Siegler, $1.99. Protest and dissent are the constant companions of civilization. Bonnie Siegler has created a fascinating history of protest from America’s earliest days to modern times. This book is a look at both the issues that have motivated protest and the techniques that protesters have used to express themselves. There are more than 200 images, each with a short description. This book isn’t a comprehensive history, but it is a great visual resource and a jumping off point for more in-depth explorations.
Because I was a Girl: True Stories for Girls of All Ages, edited by Melissa De La Cruz, $2.99. This collection of stories from girls and women who have faced obstacles because of their gender. The stories are arranged chronologically, making it easy to see how societal expectations and opportunities have changed over time. You’ll meet interesting women from many different fields — astronauts, writers, military members, religious professionals, and more.
Emperors of the Deep: Sharks — The Ocean’s Most Mysterious, Most Misunderstood, and Most Important Guardians, by William McKeever, $1.99. McKeever is determined to clear up misconceptions and dispel fear about sharks. He goes into great detail about tiger, hammerhead, mako, and great white sharks. This book is part scientific exploration, part plea for conservation of this misunderstood creature.
Make & Mend: Sashiko-Inspired Embroidery Projects to Customize and Repair Textiles and Decorate Your Home, by Jessica Marquez, $1.99. Japan has a lovely culture of visible mending and textile reuse. Marquez has created this guide in an attempt to make these techniques accessible to American crafters. Beginners can jump in with confidence. The projects include original embroidery as well as decorative repairs, and all instructions have extensive color illustrations.
The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire, by Jack Weatherford, $1.99. Our first Women’s History Month pick! You’ve probably heard of Genghis Khan and his massive empire, but do you know what happened after his conquest? Here’s what the publisher says: “The Mongol queens of the thirteenth century ruled the largest empire the world has ever known. The daughters of the Silk Route turned their father’s conquests into the first truly international empire, fostering trade, education, and religion throughout their territories and creating an economic system that stretched from the Pacific to the Mediterranean. Yet sometime near the end of the century, censors cut a section about the queens from the Secret History of the Mongols, and, with that one act, the dynasty of these royals had seemingly been extinguished forever, as even their names were erased from the historical record. With The Secret History of the Mongol Queens, a groundbreaking and magnificently researched narrative, Jack Weatherford restores the queens’ missing chapter to the annals of history.”
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.
Legend, by Marie Lu, $1.99. Looking for a YA dystopian novel? This fast-paced novel told in alternating perspectives will keep you turning the pages. I enjoyed this one and read it all in a day because I couldn’t put it down. It’s the first in a trilogy that is now complete, so you’ll be able to dive deeply into this environment. Here’s the publisher’s summary: “What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.”
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, by Caroline Criado Perez, $2.99. Without a doubt, this is the most important book I read in 2019. Even in the 21st Century, most researchers do not collect data on women, or they average the data of women and men. This means that car safety features, medications, and even urban planning fail to adequately meet women’s needs. This book is fascinating and, frankly, infuriating. This is a must read.
El Deafo, by CeCe Bell, $2.99. Being different isn't always easy. When Cece Bell loses her hearing, she has to learn how to navigate the world in all new ways, including wearing a cutting-edge 1970s hearing aid and figuring out how to make friends when she can't always hear what people are saying—or when she hears too much. Cece is a likable, friendly character, and her story—part memoir, part graphic novel—is one that almost every middle schooler can relate to. This is one of the graphic novels designed specifically for the Kindle, so you don't have to worry about weird formatting issues.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
A Friend for Henry, by Jenn Bailey, $1.99. Henry sees the world a bit differently from many kids, and he worries about making friends. This sweet picture book about new beginnings never mentions autism by name in the text, though Henry’s thought patterns and sensory sensitivities fit that description. Share this book with the small people in your life.
Math Magic: How to Master Everyday Math Problems, by Scott Flansburg, $1.99. Is there someone in your life who is a little math-phobic? This book may help by offering a fresh perspective and some tricks for making calculations easier. Topics include addition, fractions, multiplication, cube roots, tax and tips, and even a little bit of algebra. The tone is geared toward older kids and adults who need a confidence boost.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
How Plants Work: The Science Behind the Amazing Things Plants Do, by Linda Chalker-Scott, $1.99. This book is designed for gardeners, but it is full of interesting information even if you have more of a black thumb than a green one. Chalker-Scott is an expert in plant physiology, and instead of just giving gardening advice (when to plant, where to prune, etc.), she uses her knowledge to explain why each practice matters.
Foundations of Comic Book Art: Fundamental Tool and Techniques for Sequential Artists, by John Paul Lowe, $4.99. If you or your child has been looking for a truly in-depth guide to comic book creation, this is the text you need. Lowe covers all the steps in the creation process, from sketching to storyboarding to digitizing with copious illustrations and examples.
The Brave Learner, by Julie Bogart, $4.99. It’s rare to find a deal on a book about homeschooling, particularly a book that I actually love. Julie Bogart is the encouraging mentor and friend every homeschooling parent needs. In The Brave Learner, Bogart expands the principles of her Brave Writer language arts program to offer suggestions for creating a joyful and child-centered homeschooling life in all subjects. Let Julie inspire you to bring enchantment into your education.
Get Up, Stand Up, by Bob Marley and Cedella Marley, $1.99. This beautiful picture book combines the words of Bob Marley’s classic song with lovely illustrations that tell a story of bullying and friendship. Though intended for the very young, this book would be a great book to get older kids talking about the power of music or the ways pictures can tell a story.
Unseen: Unpublished Black History from The New York Times Photo Archives, by Dana Canedy, Damien Cave, Rachel L. Swarns, and Darcy Eveleigh, $3.99. News is being made all around us, but not every story makes it into the printed record of history. New York Times photo editor Darcy Eveleigh discovered dozens of unprinted photos in the newspaper’s archives. With the help of her colleagues, Eveleigh researched the context of these photos and brought new stories to light. You’ll find unseen sides of familiar faces and entirely new tales from history.
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker, by Patricia Hruby Powell and Christian Robinson, $1.99. This lovely children’s biography of Josephine Baker covers both her performance career and her civil rights work. It is written in a jazz-style poetry that calls to mind the 1920s. The simple, vivid illustrations won the Coretta Scott King Honor distinction.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
In Progress: Seeing Inside a Lettering Artist’s Sketchbook and Process, from Pencil to Vector, by Jessica Hische, $2.99. I love to learn about how things are made, and this peek into a lettering artist’s work process is really fascinating to me. This is a great introduction to the terminology, tools, and business of lettering. You’ll enjoy this look behind the scenes even if you, like me, have no talent for fancy handwriting.
Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe, by Tim Leong, $1.99. If you love comic books, this is the book for you. If you know very little about superheroes but enjoy infographics, this is also the book for you. Tim Leong breaks down the world of superheroes and supervillians by color, geographic area, height, weight, and more.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley, $1.99. From our Adventure and Suspense reading list: Orphaned girl Harry Crewe is living a perfectly ordinary life — until the day she is kidnapped by the king of the Hillfolk to fulfill a destiny she never imagined. Is Harry really a true warrior who can wield the legendary blue sword? And even if she is, will she believe in herself enough to seize her fate?
Waiting, by Kevin Henkes, $1.99. This sweet picture book captures the emotional essence of childhood. Five toys sit by a window, each waiting for something different to happen. Simple, but resonant text and warm illustrations make this a delightful read.
The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature, by Steven Pinker, $4.99. This book is fascinating and long. I bought it when I couldn’t finish my library copy in time (and I wanted to be able to refer to it again). Word nerds and anthropology fans will love this genre mashup. Find out what the words people use for swearing, humor, and metaphor say about us as human beings.
From the Corner of the Oval, by Beck Dorey-Stein, $4.99. This dishy political memoir describes the Obama White House from an unusual perspective, that of one of his twenty-something stenographers. Dorey-Stein came to the job with no political experience and got thrown into the deep end. The New York Times called this “Bridget Jones goes to the White House” — how can you pass that up?
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.