Kindle Deals for June 7, 2021
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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Rags and Bones: New Twists on Timeless Tales, edited by Melissa Marr and Tim Pratt, $1.99. This fascinating short story collection reimagines classic stories in new genres. Big names in YA literature (e.g., Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix) have contributed stories to the collection. Some of the stories that provide original inspiration are obscure but worthy of exploration in their own right. Use this collection as a springboard for further literary explrations!
Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters, $1.99. I loved this book; it made me laugh so much. Winters does an excellent job of mimicking Austen’s style while peppering her original text with a new plot involving mutant sea creatures. All the major elements of the original plot remain. For instance, Colonel Brandon is not merely dreadfully old; he has been transformed into part octopus. While classified as horror, the descriptions are not too gory. If you love Jane Austen or wry, quirky horror, you don’t want to miss this book.
William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Mean Girls by Ian Doescher, $2.99. Introduce your teens to Elizabethan language style with this weird and wonderful retelling of Mean Girls in Shakespearean verse. The entire film is reimagined in authentic meter and rhyme.
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire, $2.99. Get to know the book that spawned an incredibly popular musical! The Wicked Witch of the West is brought to life as the misunderstood Elphaba, who is persecuted for her green skin. She becomes an activist for the sentient animals who are being mistreated by the other people of Oz. Note: While the musical was inspired by this book, the book is significantly darker than the play and isn’t suitable for younger kids.
STILL ON SALE
The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife, by Nancy Lawson, $2.99. My family absolutely loves watching all the creatures who share our yard. I’ve had to stop my husband from leaving out meat for the foxes, but in general I am very interested in encouraging creatures to feel at home. If you’d like to increase your odds of seeing adorable baby animals, take Nancy Lawson’s advice on creating favorable areas for nests and dens!
Foraging with Kids: 52 Wild and Free Edibles to Enjoy with Your Children, by Adele Nozedar, $2.99. Foraging feels a bit like magic; you walk around the world and food springs up around you! If you’d like to try out a little bit of foraging with your family, this is a great place to start. Note: This book was originally published in the UK, and not all of the plants mentioned are common in America.
Play the Forest School Way, by Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton, $2.99. Whether you are looking to set up your own forest school program or you just want to shake up your outdoor time a bit, this book is sure to provide inspiration. There are sections on cooperative games, foraging, nature-based crafts, and many other activities.
The Tree Identification Book, by George W. D. Symonds, $1.99. Want to know what that tree in the woods behind your house is? This book will get to the bottom of it. With more than 1,500 photos of leaves, bark, and blossoms, Symonds makes it easy to identify any common species. The first section identifies trees by general type, and then each following section breaks down the specific differences within the family.
Girls Garage: How to Use Any Tool, Tackle Any Project, and Build the World You Want to See, by Emily Pilloton, $2.99. Emily Pilloton is on a mission to bring building skills to women and girls. It can feel daunting to get started with power tools, and there’s a certain degree of assumed knowledge in many DIY manuals. This book starts with the very basics of tool names and how to use them, then proceeds to some unique and fun projects.
Everything Below the Waist, by Jennifer Block, $2.99. This book about the current status of women’s healthcare is an excellent companion to Invisible Women (my favorite book of 2019). Block considers the history of medicine since the 1970s through a feminist eye, with particular emphasis on reproductive health. While scientific knowledge has progressed rapidly in recent years, common medical practice lags behind.
Yale Needs Women: How the First Group of Girls Rewrote the Rules of an Ivy League Giant, by Anne Gardiner Perkins, $2.51. Most of the Ivy League universities were only open to men for much longer than you might expect. In 1969, the first group of women arrived on Yale’s campus, and the transition was not smooth. This is the story of that early group of women who fought against decades of traditions to carve out a place for themselves.
Stay Gold, by Tobly McSmith, $4.99. This one has only been out for a couple of weeks, so I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but the reviews look really promising. Pony is a transgender boy who is trying to keep a low profile at his new school, but when he meets Georgia, things do not unfold as planned. Be advised, there’s a lot of tough stuff in the book, including strained relationships with parents, thoughts of suicide, and transphobic bullying.
Night Owls and Summer Skies, by Rebecca Sullivan, $2.99. We’ve got another camp story for you! Emma hates the idea of summer camp and is furious when her mother dumps her there. She immediately starts to plot ways to get kicked out and sent home. When she meets an intriguing and attractive female counselor, she starts to question her decision to leave.
Camp, by L.C. Rosen, $2.99. Hop in a hammock for a little summery reading with this YA novel about queer identity set at summer camp. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Sixteen-year-old Randy Kapplehoff loves spending the summer at Camp Outland, a camp for queer teens. It's where he met his best friends. It's where he takes to the stage in the big musical. And it's where he fell for Hudson Aaronson-Lim -- who's only into straight-acting guys and barely knows not-at-all-straight-acting Randy even exists. This year, however, it's going to be different. Randy has reinvented himself as 'Del' -- buff, masculine, and on the market. Even if it means giving up show tunes, nail polish, and his unicorn bedsheets, he's determined to get Hudson to fall for him. But as he and Hudson grow closer, Randy has to ask himself: How much is he willing to change for love? And is it really love anyway, if Hudson doesn't know who he truly is?”
Juliet Takes a Breath, by Gabby Rivera, $2.99. Juliet knows she is a lesbian, but she’s not sure what that means for her. She’s hoping a summer internship with a famous feminist author will help her figure it out. But her mentor isn’t Latinx and isn’t from the city, so Juliet is going to have to find her own way. This is a fun, funny coming-of-age story about coming out and figuring out where you fit in the world.
Roadmap: The Get-It-Together Guide for Figuring Out What to Do with Your Life, by Nathan Gebhard, $2.99. Roadtrip Nation is a career-exploration project that travels the world to interview people about their jobs and the paths they took to make their careers. Their lessons and suggestions have been compiled into a great resource for teens and young adults trying to choose an initial career path (and for older adults looking to make a change).
What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z, by Tiffani Teachey, $2.99. This short and sweet book highlights a wide variety of STEM careers. There is not a lot of detail about each field, but this would make an excellent jumping off point for further research. I particularly appreciate the ethnic and gender diversity in the illustrations. Every kid will find someone who looks like them within the pages.
Clothesline Clues to the Jobs People Do, by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook, $1.99. Introduce young kids to the wide variety of jobs available in the community with the fun picture book. Each page brings a new set of clothes drying on the clothesline and encourages kids to guess at who might need those items for work. Pay close attention to the background and you will find workers from previous pages going about their days!
Let’s Meet a Construction Worker, by Bridget Heos, $4.99. This is only one in a series of short books introducing community helpers of all sorts. Fun cartoon-style illustrations accompany interesting information about construction machinery, safety procedures, and more.
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.”
Moo, by Sharon Creech, $3.99. Reena’s family moves to Maine in the middle of the summer, and she and her brother don’t know anyone. She’s looking forward to exploring her new surroundings, but her parents arrange for Reena and her brother to work on an elderly neighbor’s farm. Creech tells the story of a summer of animal mishaps and cow appreciation in entertaining verse.
Redwood and Ponytail, by K.A. Holt, $2.99. There are not a lot of books about queer kids in middle school, and this warm novel in verse about a budding relationship between two girls is a charming addition to the category.
National Geographic Kids: Bees, by Laura Marsh, $4.99. This level two reader is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs. Bright photo illustrations highlight bees’ anatomy, role in the ecosystem, life cycle, and many other topics.
Insects: By the Numbers, by Steve Jenkins, $3.99. You may be familiar with Steve Jenkins awesome nature books and his signature cut-paper illustration style. This book is part of a series pitched at slightly older kids and just jam-packed with facts. You’ll learn all about insect anatomy, habitats, and behavior in this fun book. Jenkins provides an excellent introduction to infographics for young readers.
A Butterfly is Patient, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $0.99. I’ve featured other book by Aston in the Kindle deals, and they are all great. Sylvia Long’s gorgeous illustrations bring the world of butterflies to life. You’ll learn about all the phases in the life cycle of a butterfly in detailed and evocative text.
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Loving vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case, by Patricia Hruby Powell, $2.99. What’s a documentary novel? I wasn’t quite sure when I opened this book. In this case, it’s a true story told in verse from alternating perspectives, interspersed with historical artifacts. Richard and Mildred Loving married in the 1950s, despite local laws prohibiting interracial marriage. When they were jailed for the crime of marriage, they appealed. The resulting Supreme Court case led to a ruling that ensured the legal right to marriage for all (heterosexual) couples, regardless of race.
House Arrest, by K.A. Holt, $0.99. There are not a lot of middle grade books about kids involved in the justice system. When Timothy is caught stealing a wallet, he is put on probation and only allowed out of the house for school and appointments. He keeps a journal of his time at home, reflecting on the dire situation that caused him to steal in the first place. This novel in verse is fast-paced but deeply felt, funny but intensely sad in parts.
Let’s Build, by Sue Fliess, $0.99. In this fun rhyming book, a dad and son work together to build an excellent fort. The story follows the building process from initial plants to shopping for supplies to finished project. The author has put together an activity guide with some fun building projects.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. Inspire your little architects! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
Welcome to the United States of Anxiety: Observations from a Reforming Neurotic, by Jen Lancaster, $1.99. Jen Lancaster is a witty writer, an anxious person, and a keen observer of American culture. This book is part memoir, part self-help, as Lancaster talks about the methods that have helped her manage her anxiety. She’s funny and doesn’t take anything too seriously, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing at times.
Why Smart Kids Worry: And What Parents Can Do to Help, by Allison Edwards, $2.99. When my daughter was younger, I looked to parenting books for advice, but none of them had much to say about an 8 year old who had trouble sleeping because she was worried about the vastness of the universe. This is the book I needed a few years ago: a guide for parents of anxious, gifted kids who worry about things well beyond their years.
This is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids: A Question and Answer Guide to Everyday Life, by Dannielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo, $2.99. This book is on the older side (from—gasp—2014), and the discourse about sexuality and gender expression has shifted somewhat over the last decade. I’ve read a sample, and the questions and answers seem straightforward and compassionate towards both kids and parents.
Merriam-Webster’s Rhyming Dictionary, $4.74. If you’ve ever felt stumped in finding the right rhyme for a poem or song, you’ll appreciate this handy reference book. Entries are listed by vowel sound (e.g., “ack” with tack, wrack, humpback, etc.). The search function in your e-reader or app will help to find exactly what you are looking for.
I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems By Cats, by Francesco Marciuliano, $1.99. There are poems about pets, and then there are poems written from the perspective of the pets! This collection of very funny poems is all about what goes on inside a cat’s head. Cat lovers will be delighted by verses that feel equally absurd and true.
Who Swallowed Harold? And Other Poems About Pets, by Susan Pearson, $0.99. There are 18 poems in the collection, featuring both common and unusual pets. The illustrations are vivid and hilarious.
The Poem That Will Not End, by Joan Bransfield Grantham, $0.99. This book is so clever! It’s a story in verse about a boy who can’t stop writing poetry. Hijinks ensue, and along the way, kids will learn about many forms of poetry. There are examples of 15 poetic forms, with a handy reference section in the back.
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Myth Awakens: Canon, Conservatism, and Fan Reception of Star Wars, edited by Ken Derry and John C. Lyden, $2.99. I’ve seen several books about the science and psychology of Star Wars, but this is the first I’ve found that discusses religion, both within the Star Wars universe and in contemporary world of the viewers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The trailers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens made a strong impression on fans. Many were excited by what they saw as a return to the spirit of George Lucas's 1977 creation. Others--including several white supremacy groups--were upset and offended by key differences, most notably the shift away from a blond, blue-eyed, male protagonist. When the film was finally released, reactions similarly seemed to hinge on whether or not The Force Awakens renewed the "mythic" aspects of the original trilogy in ways that fans approved of. The Myth Awakens examines the religious implications of this phenomenon, considering the ways in which myth can function to reinforce ‘traditional’ social and political values. In their analyses the authors of this book reflect on fan responses in relation to various elements of (and changes to) the Star Wars canon--including toys, video games, and novels, as well as several of the films. They do so using a variety of critical tools, drawing from studies of gender, race, psychology, politics, authority, music, ritual, and memory.”
A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat, $0.99. This Newberry Honor Book is a lot of things— a story of hope, a lyrical tale set in fantasy Thailand, and (believe it or not) a retelling of Les Miserables. Soontornvat’s vivid descriptions of Thailand paint a captivating picture.
Spirit Hunters, by Ellen Oh, $1.99. You may recognize Ellen Oh’s name from the We Need Diverse Books initiative; she is doing her part to increase diversity in publishing with this middle grade horror novel featuring Korean and Jamaican characters. If you have a kid who enjoys a good, creepy scare, this book is for you. From the publisher: “A riveting ghost story and captivating adventure, this tale will have you guessing at every turn! Harper doesn’t trust her new home from the moment she steps inside, and the rumors are that the Raine family’s new house is haunted. Harper isn’t sure she believes those rumors, until her younger brother, Michael, starts acting strangely. The whole atmosphere gives Harper a sense of déjà vu, but she can’t remember why. She knows that the memories she’s blocking will help make sense of her brother’s behavior and the strange and threatening sensations she feels in this house, but will she be able to put the pieces together in time?”
Make Great Art on Your Ipad: Draw, Paint, and Share, by Alison Jardine, $0.99. My tween loves drawing on the iPad, and I’m constantly impressed by what she can do digitally. I bought her this book to help her take the skills to the next level. It’s full of general tips and step-by-step instructions for working with layers, digital textures, and other elements. My daughter mostly uses Procreate, but there is information on several other popular creativity apps.
Cardboard Box Engineering: Cool, Inventive Projects for Tinkerers, Makers, and Future Scientists, by Jonathan Adolph, $2.99. Have you been accumulating more cardboard boxes than usual in the last year? My recycling bin is constantly full of boxes from deliveries. This book, pitched at upper elementary and middle school kids, is full of projects that can be made with leftover cardboard. From simple projects like gliders, to the more complicated geared tractor, there’s something for all ability levels.
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, and Marjorie Wentworth, $2.99. You probably didn’t know you were missing this ode to poets of the past and present. There are poems in honor of Mary Oliver, William Carlos Williams, Rumi, and many others. A helpful section at the end provides more information about each of the authors referenced.
Kind Regards: The Lost Art of Letter Writing, by Liz Williams, $2.99. There is something really special about getting a personal letter in the mail. Liz Williams taps into this feeling in her short book that is part history, part how-to for establishing your own correspondence habit.
The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate, by Stephen Krensky, $4.99. Get kids excited about nonfiction reading with this beginning reader book about hot chocolate! Suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs with simple language. Learn about the ancient origins of hot chocolate, how cacao is processed, and fun facts about chocolate at various times in history.
Eduardo Guadardo, Elite Sheep, by Anthony Pearson, $0.99. Eduardo is a newly minted FBI (that’s Fairytale Bureau of Investigation) agent with a tough mission: he has to protect Mary from the Wolf, not to mention the Troll and the Witch! This is a high-action, comic-like picture book.
How to Teach a Slug to Read, by Susan Pearson, $0.99. A boy explains the process of learning to read in this funny and charming picture book. Little Slug wants to learn how to read, so the boy tells Mama slug to prop books up where Little Slug can see them, be patient, and sound out new words, among other helpful tips. The illustrations are delightful, with punny book titles that are sure to amuse adults.
Explore My World: Weather, by Lisa Gerry, $4.99. National Geographic Kids has put together this fun, photo-illustrated guide to weather on earth. Preschoolers will get to know rain, sun, snow, and more in a fun and engaging way.
Storm Song, by Nancy Viau, $3.99. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book. From the publisher: “As thunder and lightning approach, a family gathers inside to play, sing, eat, and snuggle together until the weather clears. This sweet story captures both the excitement of a thunderstorm and the reassurance children need during a storm. The lively, rhythmic text mimics the storm sounds while the bold, playful art conveys this special family time.”
Tale of a Tadpole, by Karen Wallace, $2.99. Follow the life cycle of a frog as it journeys from egg to tadpole to adult in this easy reader from DK. It’s illustrated with the DK’s classic photo style and balances simple language with actually interesting facts about frogs from around the world.
Pond Walk, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $3.99. I really enjoy Wallace’s cut paper illustrations, as well as her blending of narrative storytelling and science information. In this charming picture book, Buddy Bear and his mom go for a walk to the pond, encountering interesting plants and animals and learning about how the ecosystem functions.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar, $0.99. Pipsie loves spending time in nature and figuring things out. When she notices that the neighborhood caterpillar has gone missing, she is determined to find out what happened. This is the first in a cute series that celebrates the scientific process and offers interesting facts about the natural world.
Weeds: In Defense of Nature’s Most Unloved Plants, by Richard Mabey, $1.99. By definition, a weed is a plant that is unwanted in a given area. But this doesn’t mean that these plants are not valuable. Nature writer Richard Mabey brings fresh life to the plants that we frequently ignore or actively try to kill.
H is for Hawk, by Helen Macdonald, $4.96. This book is hard to classify. It’s part grief memoir, part nature writing, part literary musing on T.H. White. It’s a bit polarizing; readers either love it or hate it. Here’s what the publisher has to say: “The instant New York Times bestseller and award-winning sensation, Helen Macdonald's story of adopting and raising one of nature's most vicious predators has soared into the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. Fierce and feral, her goshawk Mabel's temperament mirrors Helen's own state of grief after her father's death, and together raptor and human ‘discover the pain and beauty of being alive’ (People).”
Skin Like Mine, by LaTashia M. Perry, $4.99. The illustrations in this book are fantastic. Each beautiful face seems to glow from within. The simple text celebrates the many shades of brown in human skin.
Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice, by Mahogany Brown, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Olivia Gatwood, $2.99. Middle-grade readers, get ready for some inspiring poetry from women of color! Poems cover a variety of topics, including social justice, activism, empathy, and standing up for oneself. I really like the visual styling of the pages. Lots of bright colors, unusual layouts, and inclusive illustrations.
Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! A Sonic Adventure, by Wynton Marsalis, $0.99. This is such a fun book, with onomatopoeias galore! Musician Wynton Marsalis takes a look at the world around him to uncover all the interesting sounds you can here. Kids will enjoy the cacophony of sounds that fill our everyday lives.
Juba! by Walter Dean Myers, $3.99. This middle-grade fictionalized account of a real 19th century character brings an interesting and challenging period of history to life. William Henry Lane, also known as Master Juba, was a free black man who became famous as a dancing master in America and Britain. His moves helped to shape many more modern dance styles. The story is hard in places, and ripe for discussion about racial inequities and minstrel shows.
Beyonce: Shine Your Light, by Sarah Warren and Geneva Bowers, $1.99. Get to know Beyonce’s childhood in this charming picture book biography. Readers will appreciate both the details of Beyonce’s life and the motivational message to children.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out, by Ralph Fletcher, $3.99. From the publisher: “Poetry matters. At the most important moments, when everyone else is silent, poetry rises to speak. This book is full of practical wisdom to help young writers craft beautiful poetry that shines, sings, and soars. It features writing tips and tricks, interviews with published poets for children, and plenty of examples of poetry by published writers—and even young people themselves. Perfect for classrooms, this lighthearted, appealing manual is a celebration of poetry that is a joy to read. Young poets and aspiring poets of all ages will enjoy these tips on how to simplify the process of writing poetry and find their own unique voice.”
Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem, by Jack Prelutsky, $3.99. Jack Prelutsky has written hundreds of poems for children, and he is now sharing his secret tips and tricks for creating your own poetry! This book is a combination of poetry collection, behind-the-scenes look at how he puts together a poem, and exercises to encourage aspiring poets.