Kindle Deals for July 29, 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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Dinosaur Boy, by Cory Putman Oakes, $1.99. This weird and wonderful book about a boy who grows stegosaur plates at puberty is sure to entertain middle grade readers. Sawyer is bullied for his bizarre new appearance, but starts to grow concerned when his bullies being disappearing. What is going on? Dinosaur Boy combines high-concept antics with a sensitive look at friendships, bullying, and peer pressure.
Fins, by Randy Wayne White, $2.99. Future marine biologists, get ready — this is a novel for you! Three kids are spending their summer helping a scientist tag sharks for his research when they come across poachers who are hoping to illegally harvest some shark fins. You’ll find scary storms, a bit of danger, and a lot of nature details in this first book in a series.
Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye, by Tania Del Rio, $2.99. I can’t wait to dig into this series with some serious Lemony Snicket vibes. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Warren the 13th is the lone bellhop, valet, groundskeeper, and errand boy of his family’s ancient hotel. The strange, shadowy mansion is full of crooked corridors and mysterious riddles—and it just might be home to a magical treasure known as the All-Seeing Eye. But if Warren is going to find the hidden treasure, he’ll need to solve several other mysteries first: What is the strange creature lurking in the hotel boiler room? Who is the ghostly girl creeping around the garden’s hedge maze? And why is the hotel’s only guest covered in bandages? Full of puzzles, secret codes, outrageous inventions, and hundreds of intricate illustrations, Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye will delight and confound readers of all ages.”
Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark, by Ridley Pearson, $0.99. Do you know a tween who loves Disney but is also looking to feel a little more grown up? The Kingdom Keepers series is perfect for this transitional age. When Disney villains escape their rides and movies to take over the Magic Kingdom, five kids find themselves trapped and fighting for their survival. Ridley Pearson writes great suspense and action scenes for kids and adults. My 11 year old loved the creepy, uncanny setting of an empty theme park. Just be advised that despite the Disney tie-in, the villains are genuinely dark; there is real peril that may be too much for sensitive or younger readers.
STILL ON SALE
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.
The Good Luck Girls, by Charlotte Nicole Davis, $2.99. I’m not really sure how to describe this YA novel. It dabbles with several genres — western, fantasy, dystopian. After an evening gone horribly wrong, five teens escape from the brothel where they have been held and flee into the wilderness. The story is very dark in places (content warning for rape and coercion) but ultimately uplifting. If this sounds like your kind of thing, you’ll be pleased to know that the sequel is coming in August!
Sky in the Deep, by Adrienne Young, $2.99. This book comes recommended by some of the biggest names in YA fantasy! Young builds off of Norse mythology to create a sweeping new world filled with action, love, intrigue, and gore. Meet Eelyn, a young warrior who finds herself captured by a rival clan and must find a to unite the two sides in the face of an even greater threat.
Truly, Madly, Deadly, by Hannah Jayne, $1.99. When Sawyer’s controlling boyfriend dies in a car accident, she feels like she can breathe a little easier. That is, until she gets a note in her locker that says, “You’re Welcome.” Now she has to find out what really happened. This twisty, YA thriller will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Not Your Sidekick, by C.B. Lee, $1.99. This younger YA novel has something for everyone. Jess is the only person in her family who doesn’t have superpowers, and she is resigning herself to an ordinary life and a normal internship. Things get a little more complicated when she realizes that she’ll be working with the girl she has a major crush on. Oh, and that’s actually working for the town’s supervillain. Lots of fun, great Asian American and LGBTQ+ representation, high action, and heart!
Who is Greta Thunberg? by Jill Leonard, $4.99. Get to know Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg in this elementary biography. From the publisher: “When she was just fifteen years old, Greta Thunberg knew she wanted to change the world. With a hand-painted sign that read "School strike for the climate" in Swedish, Greta sat alone on the steps of the Swedish parliament to call for stronger action on climate change. Her one-person strike would soon spark a worldwide movement. This exciting story details the defining moments in Greta's childhood that led up to her now-famous strike and all the monumental ones that have fueled her revolution since, including being named Time's Most Influential Person of the Year in 2019.”
Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change, by Robin Stevenson, $2.99. I love this series of middle grade biographies focusing on the childhood years of famous people. From the publisher: “Every activist started out as a kid—and in some cases they were kids when their activism began! But even the world’s greatest champions of civil liberties had relatable interests and problems--often in the middle of extraordinary circumstances. Martin Luther King, Jr. loved fashion, and argued with his dad about whether or not dancing was a sin. Harvey Milk had a passion for listening to opera music in different languages. Dolores Huerta was once wrongly accused of plagiarizing in school. Kid Activists tells these childhood stories and more through kid-friendly texts and full-color cartoon illustrations on nearly every page. The diverse and inclusive group encompasses Susan B. Anthony, James Baldwin, Ruby Bridges, Frederick Douglass, Alexander Hamilton, Dolores Huerta, Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Iqbal Masih, Harvey Milk, Janet Mock, Rosa Parks, Autumn Peltier, Emma Watson, and Malala Yousafzai.”
Make It Happen: A Handbook to Tackling the Biggest Issues Facing the World in 2021, by Amika George, $0.99. Teenager Amika George saw a huge problem in her community — girls couldn’t afford needed period products — and set out to make sure schools in the UK provided these needed supplies. Now Amika is sharing her lessons learned, as well as advice from experts, to help young activists around the world make a difference.
Am I Overthinking This? Over-answering Life’s Questions in 101 Charts, by Michelle Rial, $2.99. This is not a particularly serious book, but it is a lot of fun. Rial asks both important and trivial questions, then answers them by way of whimsical charts (e.g., the line chart for “Am I Flossing Enough?” is crafted from dental floss). I like using these charts to discuss ways of organizing information with middle and high school kids.
Molecules: The Elements and Architecture of Everything, by Theodore Gray, $0.99. If you’ve already gotten to know the periodic elements, it is time to step up to learning about molecules. Theodore Gray starts by explaining the basics of bonding and how bond types affect physical structure. The rest of the book is made up of profiles of different compounds, detailing their composition, usage, and history. As in all of Gray’s books, there are copious detailed photo illustrations.
Cut in Half: The Hidden World Inside Everyday Objects, by Mark Warren, $1.99. 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.)
Encyclopedia of Rainbows: Our World Organized by Color, by Julia Seabrook Ream, $1.99. The concept of this book is simple: Ream collects and arranges objects in every color of the rainbow. They are fascinating to look at. The adjacent page provides labels, which would make a good starting point for deep-dive research. You’ll find arrangements of everything from eggs to beans to currency.
The Dinosaur Artist: Obsession, Betrayal, and the Quest for Earth’s Ultimate Trophy, by Paige Williams, $3.99. Who knew that dinosaurs were a big black market trade? Williams tells the compelling story of a fossil hound and his quest to put together a complete Tyrannosaurus skeleton. The process ends up costing huge amounts of money, involving the governments of multiple countries, and depending on an asssortment of unique and shady characters.
The Spider Network: The Wild Story of a Math Genius, a Gang of Scheming Backstabbing Bankers, and One of the Greatest Scams in History, by David Enrich, $1.99. From the publisher: “In 2006, an oddball group of bankers, traders and brokers from some of the world’s largest financial institutions made a startling realization: Libor—the London interbank offered rate, which determines interest rates on trillions in loans worldwide—was set daily by a small group of easily manipulated functionaries. Tom Hayes, a brilliant but troubled mathematician, became the lynchpin of a shadowy team that used hook and crook to take over the process and set rates that made them a fortune, no matter the cost to others. Among the motley crew was a French trader nicknamed ‘Gollum’; the broker ‘Abbo,’ who liked to publicly strip naked when drinking; a Kazakh chicken farmer turned something short of financial whiz kid; an executive called ‘Clumpy’ because of his patchwork hair loss; and a broker uncreatively nicknamed ‘Big Nose.’ Eventually known as the ‘Spider Network,’ Hayes’s circle generated untold riches —until it all unraveled in spectacularly vicious, backstabbing fashion.”
A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, by Kathryn Harkup, $1.99. Agatha Christie did love her poisons. Many of her mysteries relied on poison, ideal for a crime because it is harder to detect than shooting or stabbing. Harkup takes a closer look at 14 Christie stories featuring poison to describe the mechanisms of action and means of detecting their use, both when Christie was writing and today.
Ripped From the Headlines: The Shocking True Stories Behind the Movies’ Most Memorable Crimes, by Harold Schechter, $1.99. So many of the plotlines from famous movies have been taken from true-life events. Historian Harold Schechter reveals all the fascinating stories behind films like Scream, Psycho, and Dirty Harry. This is a fun exploration for true crime fans and movie buffs alike!
The Finest Hours, by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman, $1.99. Narrative nonfiction that reads like an adventure novel! This harrowing story of a daring Coast Guard rescue in the face of a severe storm has been made into a disaster movie. Though written for an adult audience, the book is relatively short and fast-paced — a good choice for high school nonfiction reading.
Nugget & Fang: Friends Forever—or Snack Time? by Tammi Sauer, $1.99. Nugget and Fang have been friends for ages, but when little Nugget goes to school, he finds out that sharks are dangerous predators! Fang is determined to win back Nugget’s trust and prove that sharks and minnows can be friends.
Rise of the Jumbies, by Tracey Baptiste, $1.99. I’ve featured The Jumbies in the Kindle deals before. If your kids enjoy Rick Riordan books, they will get excited about this series based on Carribbean folklore. In the second book, Corinne must venture into to sea to request the help of the powerful jumbie Mama D’Leau. Mama D’Leau’s price for help is a powerful object, and Corinne and her friends must set off on a dangerous quest to retrieve it.
Old MacDonald Had a Boat, by Steve Goetz, $1.99. Old MacDonald is still on the farm, but he’s breaking out the tools and leaving the animals behind. With a BANG BANG here and a BLOW BLOW there, he and Mrs. MacGregor are putting all their skills into fixing up a boat and getting it on the water. This is a fun one for kids who are fascinated by construction and like onomatopoeia.
Sharp: The Definitive Introduction to Knives, Sharpening, and Cutting Techniques, with Recipes from Great Chefs, by Josh Donald, $1.99. The biggest difference between professional chefs and home cooks is in knife skills. If you are looking to beef up your ability, this book is an excellent primer. Donald walks through selecting knives, sharpening and caring for them, and using them safely and efficiently. Once you have mastered the skills, you can put them to work on the included recipes.
Grow Your Own Herbs: The 40 Best Culinary Varieties for Home Gardens, by Susan Belsinger and Arthur O. Tucker, $1.99. I am really not a gardener, but I have been known to keep a pot of basil alive for a season. I’m fascinated by the idea of building my little herb garden. This book is full of tips on how to grow both common herbs and some I had never heard of (e.g., monarda and salad burnet).
Tasting the World: One Country at a Time, by Nicole O’Donnell, $2.99. This book is so cool! O’Donnell has collected recipes from more than 200 countries. I wish there were pictures, but I do appreciate her ratings system for ease of preparation, availability of ingredients, and degree of divergence from American flavor profiles. Pair this book with your geography lessons for a delicious enrichment.
Recipes from the World of Tolkein: Inspired by the Legends, by Robert Tuesley Anderson, $1.99. Supplement your reading to The Lord of the Rings with some “authentic” recipes! This small volume has many recipes (Brandywine Fish Pie, Beorn’s Twice-Baked Cakes) and beautiful watercolor illustrations. Essays about the importance of food in Middle Earth make for delicious reading.
The Oddmire: Changeling, by William Ritter, $1.99. In this fast-paced middle grade fantasy, twin boys grow up not knowing that one of them is actually a goblin changeling. On their thirteenth birthday, they receive a message calling them to protect the fading magic in their world. Ritter’s writing is witty and engaging, and his world-building skills are impressive.
The Language of Spells, by Garret Weyr, $1.99. Amy liked this book, but warns that it is SAD. It’s a metaphor of the Holocaust through dragon-based fantasy. Here’s a bit of her review: “A lonely Viennese girl teams up with a dragon to solve the biggest mystery of World War II and figure out what happened to all the dragons. You’re plunged into an alternate magical world, where cats can run government agencies and dragons can spend decades trapped inside a teapot, and it’s a thrilling plunge. It’s alternate history! And magic! And lonely girls finding their people (or, you know, dragons) for the first time.”
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell, by Chris Colfer, $1.99. Leap into a world of fairy tales in this series from Glee actor Chris Colfer. Twins Alex and Conner get a much bigger adventure than they bargained for when they fall into the world of a magical book. Middle-grade fantasy readers will be delighted; Colfer is a prolific author and has written half a dozen long novels in this series.
The Classical Music Book, by DK Publishing, $1.99. This book is overflowing with music history information. Inside, you’ll find details about famous (and less famous) composers, instruments, musical styles, and much much more.
All Summer Long, by Hope Larson, $2.99. I love the recent proliferation of middle-grade graphic novels that take on the complications of tween/teen friendships. Bina has always hung out with Austin, but this year he is off to soccer camp. Stuck at home, she finds herself spending more time with Austin’s sister and her musical friends. Will things be werid when Austin comes home? This charming story is full of heart… and rock!
How Music Works: The Science and Psychology of Beautiful Sounds, from Beethoven to the Beatles and Beyond, by John Powell, $1.99. From the publisher: “What makes a musical note different from any other sound? How can you tell if you have perfect pitch? Why do ten violins sound only twice as loud as one? Do your Bob Dylan albums sound better on CD vinyl? John Powell, a scientist and musician, answers these questions and many more in How Music Works, an intriguing and original guide to acoustics. In a clear and engaging voice, Powell leads you on a fascinating journey through the world of music, with lively discussions of the secrets behind harmony timbre, keys, chords, loudness, musical composition, and more. From how musical notes came to be (you can thank a group of stodgy men in 1939 London for that one), to how scales help you memorize songs, to how to make an oboe from a drinking straw, John Powell distills the science and psychology of music with wit and charm.“
Secret Lives of the Great Composers, by Elizabeth Lunday, $1.99. Discover a new side of some of the most famous names in music history! The short biographies of everyone from Bach to Berlioz are never boring. Note: Some of thes stories are PG-13. These composers got up to some wild adventures.
The Silence of Bones, by June Hur, $2.99. I love the way good fiction can transport you to a totally unfamiliar time. This YA book, set in 1800s Korea, opens up a new world. Seol is a young orphan indentured to the police bureau as an assistant. When her boss becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a noblewoman, it is up to Seol to find out what really happened.
Nicola and the Viscount, by Meg Cabot, $1.99. Meg Cabot, who you may know from The Princess Diaries, is back with a historical YA romance. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Nicola Sparks, sixteen and an orphan, is ready to dive headlong into her first glittering London society season. She's also ready to dive headlong into the arms of handsome and debonair Lord Sebastian Bartholomew. Nicola's dream is a proposal from the viscount—a dream she's about to realize at last! So naturally, Nathaniel Sheridan's insinuations about her fiancé's flawed character annoy her mightily. But when Nicola's natural curiosity gets the best of her, she begins to piece together a few things for herself. To her great surprise, Nicola realizes she's had the wrong viscount all along . . . but is it too late to make things right?”
Nobody’s Secret, by Michela MacColl, $0.99. This historical mystery has a surprising heroine — a 15-year-old Emily Dickinson! When Emily encounters a mysterious stranger, she is intrigued and begins a bit of flirtation. When that same stranger turns up dead in her pond, Emily is determined to discover who he was and how he ended up dead.
The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For, by David McCullough, $3.99. David McCullough is a distinguished historian who has made speeches all over the world. This speech collection reflects upon the American identity and historical events that have shaped who we are. His thoughts are hopeful but not idealized; he acknowledges the highs and lows of American history.
Lost States: True Stories of Texlahoma, Transylvania, and Other States That Never Made It, by Michael J. Trinklein, $3.99. This is another odd history book to round out your American History or geography studies. Our current 50 states were not the only borders and territories proposed, but the others just didn’t work out. Lost States explains why with fascinating stories from history.
Signing Their Rights Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the United States Constitution, by Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese, $2.99. Get to know the Founding Fathers in this collection of short biographies. There are famous names, for sure, but you are certain to discover people you have never encountered before in this comprehensive collection. The short chapters (one for each signer) are written in a light and engaging tone.
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
City Signs, by Zoran Milich, $3.99. Help your child get to know the words they might find around a city! The only text in this book is found on the signs themselves, but flipping through the photos is an excellent starting point for conversations about all the workers, transportation, and businesses you can find in an urban environment.
DK Readers: Homes Around the World, by Max Moore, $2.99. This level 1 reader will takes kids around the world to visit houses on stilts, in caves, and high up in trees. As always, DK’s gorgeous photo illustrations bring each setting to life.
The Sun is a Compass: My 4,000-Mile Journey Into the Alaskan Wilds, by Caroline Van Hemert, $4.49. Caroline Van Hemert is an ornithologist who was feeling frustrated with how much time she was spending in the lab. Determined to get back in touch with nature, she decided to take a massive trip, by boat and on foot, through the wilderness of Alaska. She approaches her journey with an adventurer’s spirit and a biologist’s eye for details in the world around her.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $4.99. Looking for a quick explainer on, well, just about any major science concept? This book has got you covered. Muir has collected diagrams and short descriptions of black holes, gravity, surface tension, and dozens more topics.
Science Wide Open: Women in Physics, by Mary Wissinger, $2.99. I’m really impressed with this picture book. A curious girl asks questions about the world (e.g., “Why do things fall down?”), and the book answers each question with factual information about science and the women who contributed to each discovery. If you like this one, you might consider the other books in the series!
What If You Had Animal Feet? by Sandra Markle, $2.99. How would your life be different if you had animal feet? Would you climb walls? Balance on tiny ledges? The books in this series are full of fascinating facts about the animal kingdom, but what really sets them apart are the weird and wonderful illustrations imagining kids with animal features.
The Science of Spice: Understand Flavor Connections and Revolutionize Your Cooking, by Stuart Farrimond, $1.99. If you enjoy cooking or science, this book is going to be a thrill. Farrimond has built a periodic table of spices based on their chemical properties. He then explains which spices pair well together, and how their molecular structures impact flavor. It’s a DK book, so there are dozens of gorgeous photos and diagrams to illustrate. The book ends with a collection of uniquely spiced recipes from around the world.
Tomorrow Most Likely, by Dave Eggers, $1.99. It may be time for bed, but one little boy’s thoughts are all about what the next day will bring. Follow his trains of thought about the sights, sounds, and smells he may discover when he wakes up. This simple, hopeful book is perfect for bedtime.
Rain Brings Frogs: A Little Book of Hope, by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, $2.99. Nate is a kid who sees things in his own special way. When faced with a setback or shortage, Nate finds something to be proud or hopeful about. The illustrations are adorable, and the message of simple gratitude is useful.
The OK Book, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, $2.99. Amy Krouse Rosenthal is one of my absolute favorite children’s authors. Her books are full of wit and warmth, and The OK Book is no exception. OK is a character (created by the letters O and K turn on their side) who likes to try a lot of things, even things that don’t come naturally. OK assures readers that it’s good to be OK at lots of things, and that trying things is how you discover what will make you great.
Seeing Gender: An Illustrated Guide to Identity and Expression, by Iris Gottlieb, $2.99. Gender expression is so widely varied, and is has changed throughout history. Queer author Iris Gottlieb has done a fantastic job of breaking down gender theory for a teen audience, complete with useful illustrations.
Binti: The Complete Trilogy, by Nnedi Okorafor, $4.99. This sci-fi novella collection 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 collects all three Binti novellas, following Binti from her first voyage to university through Binti’s unique path to bringing peace to ancient enemies. I absolutely tore through these books, and I’m delighted that they are all packaged together.
Sleeping Giants, by Sylvain Neuvel, $3.99. I love a good epistolary novel. It’s fascinating to watch a plot come together from a collection of documents. Sleeping Giants is the first in a series about the discovery of an enormous metal hand buried underground. Where did it come from? What does it mean?
My Alien Parents, by R.L. Stine, $3.99. If you were born within 10 years of me, the name R.L. Stine probably sends a little shiver down your spine. He has been writing creepy books for kids and teens for decades. Introduce the next generation to the thrills and chills with this short, fun story about a kid who is convinced his parents are secretly aliens.
Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us, by Analiza Quiroz Wolf, $2.99. This picture book profiles 16 people who have done tremendous things in a wide variety of fields (sports, politics, activism, music). The illustrations really set this book apart. Unlike many biography collections, each person has several images accompanying the text.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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?”