Kindle Deals for August 4, 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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The Princess Rules: It’s a Prince Thing, by Philippa Gregory, $0.99. Being a princess comes with a long list of rules and expectations. But in Florizella’s kingdom, princes can do whatever they want. When the stork delivers a baby boy to the palace, Princess Florizella is determined to show her brother all the wonders of the kingdom… and to fight the customs that give boys options and girls restrictions. You may know Philippa Gregory for her richly detailed adult historical fiction. She brings the same skill to this series for early middle-grade readers.
Royal Academy Rebels: Misfits, by Jen Calonita, $0.99. Devin wants to be a veterinarian, but alas, she was born a princess and must attend the Royal Academy. At this prestigious boarding school for future rulers, Devin and her fellow classmates will learn all they need to know, but their headmistress seems very worried about the possibility of an attack. Are they in danger? Note: This book ends in the middle of the action, so be prepared to seek out the second book in the series right away!
The Star-Touched Queen, by Roshani Chokshi, $2.99. This YA fantasy novel got a lot of buzz a few years ago. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of Death and Destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father's kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran's queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar's wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire...
But Akaran has its own secrets -- thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most… including herself.”
The Princess Will Save You, by Sarah Henning, $2.99. This action-packed YA novel has some definite Princess Bride vibes, but with a fierce twist. When Princess Amarande’s father dies, the ruler of a neighboring kingdom tries to force her into marriage by kidnapping her beloved. But Amarande is a warrior and is not going to go without a fight. The result is lots of swashbuckling, a bit of romance, betrayal, and bravery.
STILL ON SALE
Demigods and Monsters: Your Favorite Authors on Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series, edited by Rick Riordan, $3.99. This is a really fun essay collection about the world of Percy Jackson. 15 (mostly YA and science fiction) authors have come together to write about how to identify a monster when you see one, why humans are drawn to mythology, how Percy’s dyslexia and ADHD shape his character, and many other interesting topics. I know so many kids who have devoured every Riordan book (and all of the books from his publishing imprint); they will love this book!
Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark, by Chronicle Books, $2.99. These folktales are full of trolls, ogres, dragons, and other creatures. A few are familiar, but most are not well know in the U.S. You’ll find tales of trickery, transformation, and travel in this charmingly illustrated collection.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.“
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.
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.
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.