Kindle Deals for October 14, 2021 (Copy)
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2021, by Sarah Janssen, $1.99. I have such fond memories of the 1989 World Almanac that came with my Carmen Sandiego computer game. I was sure I could find anything that was worth knowing within its pages. The almanac is still a wealth of information on everything from world flags to sports teams to Nobel Prizes. Sure, you could probably find most of this stuff on the internet, but there’s something to be said for the joy of discovery within the pages of a book.
USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder, by DK Eyewitness, $1.99. The National Parks were designated as public land because each of them is of unique natural and/or historical significance. This means that they are must-see destinations, and that they are awfully photogenic. This DK reference book provides information about each park’s significance and offers glorious photos that will inspire you to start booking some trips.
Movie Speak: How to Talk Like You Belong on a Film Set, by Tony Bill, $1.99. As you are waiting for the post-credits scene of the latest blockbuster, you may find yourself thinking, “What is a best boy? What does a key grip actually grip?” You’ll find the answers to these and many other show business questions in this handy guide.
How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide, by Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay, $4.99. The last year has been particularly divisive and challenging for a lot of people. If you are finding yourself in conflict with people you care about (and/or just can’t avoid), this book may be for you. From the publisher: “In How to Have Impossible Conversations, Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay guide you through the straightforward, practical, conversational techniques necessary for every successful conversation—whether the issue is climate change, religious faith, gender identity, race, poverty, immigration, or gun control. Boghossian and Lindsay teach the subtle art of instilling doubts and opening minds. They cover everything from learning the fundamentals for good conversations to achieving expert-level techniques to deal with hardliners and extremists. This book is the manual everyone needs to foster a climate of civility, connection, and empathy.”
STILL ON SALE
Dark Archives: A Librarian’s Investigation into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin, by Megan Rosenbloom, $3.99. I’ll be honest, this book intrigues me but freaks me out enough that I haven’t actually read it. So here’s what the publisher has to say: “In Dark Archives, Megan Rosenbloom seeks out the historic and scientific truths behind anthropodermic bibliopegy—the practice of binding books in this most intimate covering. Dozens of such books live on in the world’s most famous libraries and museums. Dark Archives exhumes their origins and brings to life the doctors, murderers, and indigents whose lives are sewn together in this disquieting collection. Along the way, Rosenbloom tells the story of how her team of scientists, curators, and librarians test rumored anthropodermic books, untangling the myths around their creation and reckoning with the ethics of their custodianship.”
The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister’s Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine, by Lindsey Fitzharris, $3.99. A perfect book for homeschooling in October — it is gruesome and a little disturbing, but also a solid history and science resource. Having surgery in the 19th century was astonishingly painful and often ended in death. Lister was critical in developing the germ theory of disease and, subsequently, the basic sanitation procedures that underlie modern medicine.
Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy, edited by Kelly Jensen, $1.99. This collection of essays, comics, and art explores the good and bad of having a body. Disability advocates and big names in YA literature write about illness, body image, gender, size, and more. Each piece is a great discussion starter.
Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything, by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen, $1.99. Lydia Kang is both a doctor and a YA author! When she explores this history of bad medicine, she knows what she is talking about! This funny, sometimes gruesome non-fiction book is full of stories of medical mayhem. Old photos and advertisements bring these tales to life.
A Camping Spree 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 are off on a camping trip in their trailer. Things don’t go as planned when the trailer breaks free and starts rolling down the mountain! 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.
Steam Train, Dream Train, by Sherri Duskey Rinker, $4.74. 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.
The Rescue Rabbits, by Eric Seltzer, $1.99. These rabbits are always ready to hop to aid their fellow animals. This crew of intrepid first responders uses specialized equipment (like the Super-Chopper 9000) to come to the aid of elephants, kangaroos, and others. There’s high action, comic-style text bubbles, and a lot of humor.
The Dog Who Could Fly: The Incredible True Tale of a WWII Airman and the Four-Legged Hero Who Flew at His Side, by Damien Lewis, $1.99. Our history is so US-focused, so it’s no surprise that I hadn’t heard of this remarkable story. When a shot-down Czech gunner rescued a tiny puppy, they became fast friends and constant companions. Ant the dog accompanied Bozdech on multiple missions and was awarded a medal for his service.
Super Simple Physics: The Ultimate Bitesize Study Guide, by DK Publishers, $1.99. Whether you have a high schooler working their way through a formal physics program or you have a curious younger kid, this handy illustrated guide is a great resource. DK’s illustrations are particularly useful in describing forces. Relevant experiment guides are great for high school lab science requirements.
How to Read Books Like a Professor: For Kids, by Thomas C. Foster, $1.99. If you need a starting point for deepening your literature discussions with middle and high schoolers, Thomas Foster is here to help. This book covers lots of literary devices in all forms of media. The content is solid, and the examples are chosen with kids in mind (Dr. Seuss, movies, literary classics).
Marvel Indigenous Voices #1, by Various Authors, $4.99. This fun collection from Marvel features Indigenous creators and characters from the Marvel Universe. Big names in literature like Rebecca Roanhorse and Darcie Little Badger contribute stories illustrated by Native artists!
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, by Anton Treuer, $4.68. Do you have questions about the history or current practices of Indigenous People in the Americas? I certainly did. My daughter and I have been reading through the young readers’ version of this book, and it’s full of excellent information about terminology, the real stories behind historical events, religious practices, modern governance, and more.
Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce, by Kent Nerburn, $1.99. Nerburn is known for his writings about Native American communities. From the publisher: “The story has been told many times, but never before in its entirety or with such narrative richness. Drawing on four years of research, interviews, and 20,000 miles of travel, Nerburn takes us beyond the surrender to the captives' unlikely welcome in Bismarck, North Dakota, their tragic eight-year exile in Indian Territory, and their ultimate return to the Northwest. Nerburn reveals the true, complex character of Joseph, showing how the man was transformed into a myth by a public hungry for an image of the noble Indian and how Joseph exploited the myth in order to achieve his single goal of returning his people to their homeland.”
Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia, by Christina Thompson, $1.99. The indigenous people of the Pacific Islands are separated by hundreds of miles but share many cultural and genetic links. The islands have been populated for hundreds of years, but exactly how they were settled has been the source of anthropological controversy. Thompson explores the linguistic, geographic, and navigational factors that provide evidence of an adventurous culture of exploration.
The Devouring Gray, by Christine Lynn Herman, $2.99. Enter a new world with some serious Stranger Things vibes. The town of Four Paths lives uneasily alongside The Gray, an alternate dimension that houses a terrifying monster. When newcomer Violet accidentally releases the monster, she must band together with members of the founding families to stop it.
The Walls Around Us, by Nova Ren Suma, $1.99. This YA book is told in two voices, and only one of them is still alive. From the publisher: “The Walls Around Us is a ghostly story of suspense told in two voices--one still living and one dead. On the outside, there’s Violet, an eighteen-year-old ballerina days away from the life of her dreams when something threatens to expose the shocking truth of her achievement. On the inside, within the walls of a girls’ juvenile detention center, there’s Amber, locked up for so long she can’t imagine freedom. Tying these two worlds together is Orianna, who holds the key to unlocking all the girls’ darkest mysteries: What really happened on the night Orianna stepped between Violet and her tormentors? What really happened on two strange nights at Aurora Hills? Will Amber and Violet and Orianna ever get the justice they deserve--in this life or in another one?”
The Things She’s Seen, by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina, $1.99. The premise of this chilling mystery is fascinating — Beth is dead, and the only person who can see her is her grief-stricken father. When Australian outback is rocked by another death and mysterious fire, Beth is in a unique position to help solve the case, and help her father come to terms with living. I’ve not come across many YA books written by Aboriginal authors; this is a great opportunity to diversify your bookshelf!
Asylum, by Madeline Roux, $1.99. Like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, this deliciously creepy YA novel is intersperse with found photos from actual asylums. When the normal dorms are closed for renovation, the teens at a summer program have to stay in a former home for the criminally insane. As the kids explore their new surroundings they begin to discover disturbing secrets about the past that might impact their future.
The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane, by Julia Nobel, $1.99. Amy really liked this one when she read it earlier this year. Here’s her review: Emmy’s dad is MIA, and her mom is so busy explaining how other people can be great parents that she never has time to just be Emmy’s parent. Emmy is crushed when her mom ships her off to a fancy British boarding school — until she gets pulled into a mystery involving a super-secret order that may involve her long-missing father. It’s true that I’m a sucker for a boarding school book, but this is the kind of middle grades book I like best: It assumes a smart reader who can connect the pieces, and there’s plenty of action to keep the plot moving and mostly likable, individual characters who make you care about what’s happening. I recommend this one!
Nightbooks, by J.A. White, $1.99. A movie based on this book was just released on Netflix! In a deliciously creepy take on 1001 Nights, a boy is kidnapped by a witch and must tell her a new scary story every night. Alex is making up the stories on the fly, and the book also includes a crash course in putting together an amazing tale.
Spirit Hunters, by Ellen Oh, $1.99. This middle grade mystery/horror novel packs a seriously scary punch! Sensitive readers may want to avoid this one; the descriptions of the actions of the angry spirits haunting the main character’s house are intense. Harper has moved to a new town, and there rumors that her house contains evil spirits. Could that be the reason her brother is acting strangely? Both Korean and Jamaican culture are integral parts of the story!
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.”
Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not Quite Ruining Your Child, by James Breakwell, $4.99. This is obviously a tongue-in-cheek parenting guide, designed for laughs. That doesn’t mean it is short on the useful tidbits, though. If you are ready to laugh about the parenting journey, pick up this entertaining book.
How to Raise a Feminist Son, by Sonora Jha, $1.99. I haven’t read this one (I don’t have sons), but this description from the publisher sounds excellent. “Informed by Jha's work as a professor of journalism specializing in social justice movements and social media, as well as by conversations with psychologists, experts, other parents and boys--and through powerful stories from her own life--How to Raise a Feminist Son shows us all how to be better feminists and better teachers of the next generation of men in this electrifying tour de force. Includes chapter takeaways, and an annotated bibliography of reading and watching recommendations for adults and children.”
Dirk Bones and the Mystery of the Haunted House, by Doug Cushman, $1.99. Meet Dirk Bones, a detective and journalist who happens to be a skeleton. When a house is filled with weird noises, it is up to Dirk to find out what is going on.
Lulu Goes to Witch School, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. The little witch in this story from Fancy Nancy creator Jane O’Connor is precious. Lulu is starting witch school, where she will learn to do magic and use her broom. She loves everything about the new school, except for one kid who seems intent to show off. It’s more of a day-in-the-life story than something with an exciting plot, but the adorable illustrations and simple language make it a good choice for young readers.
At the Old Haunted House, by Helen Ketteman, $0.99. Get ready for a fun remake of the classic song “Over in the Meadow.” This spooky twist on a counting song will be perfect for your Halloween math lessons. Count up the monsters, cats, goblins, witches and other creatures. There are lots of classic horror characters, but don’t worry — they are all having a good time and aren’t very scary.
In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories, by Alvin Schwartz, $1.99. Some kids just LOVE to be creeped out, and it’s never too early to get a delightfully spooky book into their hands. This is a collection of scary stories for beginning readers. Turn down the lights and let your child give a haunted story hour. The vibrant and twisted illustrations add to the fun.
Three Cheers for Kid McGear! by Sherri Duskey Rinker, $1.99. I’ve read Rinker’s construction site books more times than I can count. In the latest addition, Kid McGear is the newest team member looking to prove herself. Kid is smaller than the other machines, but that doesn’t mean she can’t save the day when needed!
Stella Brings the Family, by Miriam B. Schiffer, $1.99. I love it when I find a sweet story with LGBTQ+ representation. From the publisher: “Stella's class is having a Mother's Day celebration, but what's a girl with two daddies to do? It's not that she doesn't have someone who helps her with her homework, or tucks her in at night. Stella has her Papa and Daddy who take care of her, and a whole gaggle of other loved ones who make her feel special and supported every day. She just doesn't have a mom to invite to the party. Fortunately, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this sweet story about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.”
Hippo Goes Bananas! by Marjorie Dennis Murray, $0.99. When Hippo wakes up with a bad toothache, he begins acting strangely. Cuckoo sees what he is doing and starts telling the other animals, who each slightly embellish the story. What’s really going on with Hippo, and what can they do to help? Kids will love this fun, over-the-top story.
Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krauss Rosenthal, $0.99. This fun picture book takes its premise from a classic optical illusion. The simple story reminds the reader to consider all sides of an argument. You can also use it to start a discussion about how to present a persuasive argument with evidence.
The Ecology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained, by DK Publishing, $1.99. This DK book is packed full of information about developments in the field of ecology, in approximately chronological order. Short sections cover basic scientific principles like evolution, heredity, food webs, mutualisms, and biodiversity. The text is a bit dense, but the frequent illustrations and diagrams help to reinforce concepts. Note: Several books in this DK series are on sale this week — don’t miss them!
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.
Erosion: How Hugh Bennett Saved America’s Soil and Ended the Dust Bowl, by Darcy Pattison, $0.99. The Moments in Science series is a great choice for elementary readers! Pattison delves into the the human factors at play in major scientific discoveries. In this book, she looks at a lesser-known episode in science history: the creation of the Soil Conservation Service, which was started in the 1930s to combat severe erosion in the Dust Bowl. The fun illustrations and just the right number of words per page will make this an enjoyable read for younger kids.
The Eye of Ra, by Ben Gartner, $0.99. Action meets time travel meets ancient mythology in this exciting middle-grade read! From the publisher: “Exploring a mysterious cave in the mountains behind their house, John and his sister Sarah are shocked to discover they’ve time traveled to ancient Egypt! Now they must work together to find a way back home from an ancient civilization of golden desert sand and a towering new pyramid, without parents to save them. The adventures abound—cobras, scorpions, a tomb robber, and more! The two kids have to trust each other, make friends who can help, and survive the challenges thrown at them . . . or be stuck in ancient Egypt forever. For readers graduating from the Magic Tree House series and ready for intense action, dive into this middle grade novel rich with meticulous historical detail.”
The Enneagram of Parenting, by Elizabeth Wagele, $1.99. If you are new to the Enneagram personality descriptions or are curious about how you might apply them to children, this breezy primer could be the answer. Wagele describes the nine major personality types and how they are expressed in children of various ages. The book does not offer a comprehensive test to determine type, but it provides general descriptions and useful advice for common parenting issues.
Why I Love Homeschooling Neurodiverse Kids: 25 Parents Share the Joys and Challenges of Educating Their Kids Who Have ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Giftedness, or are Otherwise Differently Wired, by Kathy Oaks and Brynn Steimle, $0.99. It can be hard for public schools to meet the needs to neurodivergent kids. I’ve found that ND families are very well represented in homeschool groups. Kathy Oaks shares stories from parents of ND kids that highlight the challenges and great rewards of homeschooling. In this book, you’ll find real-world tips for adapting the learning environment to your child, as well as encouragement and a wide variety of perspectives. Bonus: Kathy’s other homeschooling books are also on sale this weekend! Check out Homeschoolers are not Hermits, Road Schooling, Why I Love Homeschooling, and The Homeschoolers Are Not Hermits Quick Start Guide to Homeschooling.
We are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World, by Malala Yousafzai, $3.99. From the publisher: “Malala's experiences visiting refugee camps caused her to reconsider her own displacement — first as an Internally Displaced Person when she was a young child in Pakistan, and then as an international activist who could travel anywhere in the world except to the home she loved. In We Are Displaced, Malala not only explores her own story, but she also shares the personal stories of some of the incredible girls she has met on her journeys — girls who have lost their community, relatives, and often the only world they've ever known.” Best for older middle-grade readers, this book has content warnings for violence.
Flora and the Flamingo, by Molly Idle, $1.99. Another fun wordless book! Flora is a budding dancer. When she encounters a flamingo, they both learn moves from each other. The illustrations are exuberant and charming, and kids can make up the words as they go. Many will be delighted to try to recreate Flora’s dances!
Fossil, by Bill Thomson, $0.99. This book is a great language arts opportunity! The story is told through vivid illustrations, but without words. Kids can create their own narrative about a child who discovers a fossil on the beach that comes to life when touched. At first, this is exciting, but when a pterodactyl carries away a dog, the kid must figure out how to return the creatures to their fossil state.
Ender’s World: Fresh Perspectives on the SF Classic Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card and others, $3.99. Ender’s Game (not so much the sequels) is a masterpiece of YA literature, and a touchstone for many gifted kids. This collection of essays from big names in literature and and even military strategists offers a deeper dive into the Ender’s universe.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones, $3.50. Amy used this book and others to create a massive Studio Ghibli unit study. Here is her review: “Sometimes a curse can be just what you needed, as Sophie discovers in this delightful fantasy about a hat maker's daughter who's cursed to premature old age by the Witch of the Waste. To break the curse, Sophie will need to team up with the mysterious wizard Howl, who happens to be stuck under a curse of his own—but first, she'll have to get to his castle, which has a habit of wandering around. I love this as a readaloud, on its own, or (of course) a companion piece to the equally wonderful (though often quite different) movie adaptation.”
Stinkiest! 20 Smelly Animals, by Steve Jenkins, $3.99. Can you name 20 smelly animals? I’m not sure I could without reading this fun picture book. There’s a skunk on the cover, but Jenkins introduces readers to opossoms, hoopoes, millipedes, and lots of other big and little stinkers. If your kids are into gross facts (and who isn’t?), they will have a great time with this book.
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.
How Art Can Make You Happy, by Bridget Watson Payne, $1.99. A lot of homeschoolers I know have trouble working art into their education plans. This little book can help to bring some fresh ideas to your school year! With a focus on finding joy in experiencing and making art, this collection of tips, quotes, and pep talks is useful and inspiring.
The Brothers Grimm: Illuminated Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm, $1.99. Occasionally you find a book that is uniquely designed for the ebook format. This collection of Grimm Fairy Tales is beautifully illustrated, with subtly animated elements! As you read, you can watch the witch threaten Hansel and Gretel. Each story is illustrated in a different artist, and you could compare and contrast their styles for a fun art lesson.
The Jane Austen Handbook, by Margaret Sullivan, $2.99. Both Austen newbies and proper Janeites will find this delightful little guidebook very useful. A light, tongue-in-cheek tone pairs well with a serious vault of knowledge about Regency England. Not sure whether a Marquis outranks a Duke? Or how rich Mr. Darcy would be in modern terms? This book will help fill in all the gaps.