Kindle Deals for April 7, 2022
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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Aru Shah and the End of Time, by Roshani Chokshi, $0.99. The fifth Aru Shah book was just released, and to celebrate, the publisher but the first 4 books in the series on sale! My 10 year old has really enjoyed the Aru Shah series on audiobook! Amy reviewed this one when it was released: “It’s not surprising at all that is the first book in the Rick Riordan imprint — and sometimes it does feel like a badly dubbed version of the Percy Jackson series. Prickly, unlikable hero(ine) who discovers she’s actually a descendant of a god? Check. Unleashed evil ready to take over the world? Check. Plucky sidekicks who assist hero(ine) and also illuminate the value of friendship? Check. Secret mythic world hidden in plain sight? Check? Hero(ine) the only one who can put things right? Check. The Indian mythology is gorgeously done, though, and I have high hopes for this series once it finds its footing — and this first installment is definitely worth reading.”
The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst, by Jaclyn Moriarty, $2.99. Moriarty has a great ear for dialog, and this middle grade fantasy, written largely in first person, is full of witty and relatable conversations. This novel manages to poke at some fantasy conventions in a subtle and surprising way. Esther is just an ok student at her boarding school, so when she begins to suspect that strange things are happening, she doubts whether she could make a difference. In this charming story, ogres and faeries share space with ennui and pop quizzes.
Thieves of Weirdwood, by Christian McKay Heidicker, $2.99. Make way for a new adventure series full of puns and peril! From the publisher: “Twelve-year-old thieves Arthur and Wally are determined to steal their way up the ranks of the notorious Black Feathers gang. With loan sharks chasing after Arthur’s father and Wally’s brother’s hospital bill due, they’re in need of serious cash. Fast. When Arthur spots some wealthy strangers exiting a seemingly deserted mansion, he smells an opportunity for a big score. Little do the boys realize, they’ve stumbled upon Weirdwood Manor, the headquarters of a magical order who protect the Balance between the Real and Imaginary worlds. When Kingsport is besieged by nightmarish creatures, it’s up to a pair of thieves to save their city. Filled with giant tentacle monsters and heroes literally ripped from the pages of adventure stories, this imagination-bending series is perfect for fans of Keeper of the Lost Cities, Aru Shah, and Nevermoor.”
Malamander, by Thomas Taylor, $1.99. Get ready for a strange, fast-paced adventure by the sea! When Violet bursts into the Grand Nautilus Hotel, she is in the process of tracking down her long-lost parents. Herbert works the Lost and Found office, but can he help her find what she needs? They’ll have their work cut out for them; the town of Eerie-On-Sea is home to many odd characters and a legendary monster.
STILL ON SALE
Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter, by Eugenie Doyle, $1.99. This gentle story follows a farm throughout the year, then narrates the preparations for a season of rest in winter. The illustrations provide great discussion fodder, both about how food is grown and about how the seasons bring changes.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, $2.99. I’ve read this book aloud more times than I can count. If there’s a dinosaur lover in your life, you’ll definitely want to snag this book. The delightful illustrations follow enormous dinosaurs going through a nightly routine.
Steam Train, Dream Train, by Sherri Duskey Rinker, $0.99. 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.
A Seed is Sleepy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $1.99. Sylvia Long’s accurate, detailed illustrations are a big part of what makes this book such a great addition to your nature library. Kids will learn about all kinds of seeds, from the ones light enough to float on the breeze to ones that can weigh up to 60 pounds.
How to Read a Story, by Kate Messner and Mark Siegel, $1.99. This is the ultimate picture book about books. The publisher’s description is great: “Step One: Find a story. (A good one.)
Step Two: Find a reading buddy. (Someone nice.)
Step Three: Find a reading spot. (Couches are cozy.)
Now: Begin.
Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End. This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.”
Betty’s Burgled Bakery: An Alliteration Adventure, by Travis Nichols, $1.99. When pastries are pilfered from Betty’s Bakery, a cast of animal detectives is determined to catch “the fully fed, fiendish foe.” Bold comic-style illustrations pair really well with the word play. Each page features alliteration with a different (sequential) letter of the alphabet.
Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects, by The Xerces Society, $1.99. From the publisher: “Welcome the world’s most exquisite visitors to your garden! Gardening for Butterflies, by the experts at the Xerces Society, introduces you to a variety of butterflies who need our help, and shows you how to design a habitat where they will thrive. This optimistic call to arms is packed with everything you need to create a beautiful, pollinator-friendly garden. You will learn why butterflies matter, why they are in danger, and what simple steps we can take to make a difference. You'll also learn how to choose the right plants and how to create a garden that flutters and flourishes with life.”
The New Gardener’s Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Grow a Beautiful and Bountiful Garden, by Daryl Beyers, $1.99. Gardening is one of those skills that should be simple but can feel very intimidating when you are starting out. Beyers assumes the reader is an absolute beginner, and he explains both how to get started and why you should try your hand at growing things. This book is full of sidebars and illustrations, and the tone is welcoming.
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, by Carole Boston Weatherford, $1.99. We featured this powerful picture book in our 28 Great Books for Black History Month feature! This book is really clever; it’s a collection of interconnected poems addressing aspect of Hamer’s life. The illustrations are richly layered collages that combine textures, patterns, and snippets of interesting texts.
Notorious Victoria: The Uncensored Life of Victoria Woodhall, Visionary, Suffragist, and First Woman to Run for President, by Mary Gabriel, $1.99. Did you know that Hillary Clinton was not the first female presidential candidate? From the publisher: “She was the first woman to run for president. She was the first woman to address the U.S. Congress and to operate a brokerage firm on Wall Street. She’s the woman Gloria Steinem called “the most controversial suffragist of them all.” So why have most people never heard of Victoria Woodhull? In this extensively researched biography, journalist Mary Gabriel offers readers a balanced portrait of a unique and complicated woman who was years ahead of her time—and perhaps ahead of our own.”
What I See: Asian-American Racism From the Eyes of a Child, by Christine T. Leung, $1.99. The pandemic has led to an increase in racism and hate crimes against Asian people. Leung has written a book about what it feels like to experience racist mistreatment. The topic is heavy, but the text is accessible for young readers (the author suggests 8+).
Ruby’s Wish, by Shirin Yim Bridges, $0.99. Shirin Yim Bridges tells the story of her grandmother, a girl in China in the early part of the 20th century with an insatiable appetite for learning. In a time when formal education was “boy’s work,” Ruby put in long hours managing her studies along with all of her “girl’s work.” Sophie Blackall has illustrated the story with intensely detailed images in the style of traditional Chinese art.
Tua and the Elephant, by R.P. Harris, $0.99. This illustrations in this middle grade book really bring Chiang Mai to life. From the publisher: “Ten-year-old Tua—Thai for "peanut"—has everything she needs at home in Chiang Mai, Thailand, except for one thing she's always wanted: a sister. In the market one day, Tua makes an accidental acquaintance—one with wise, loving eyes, remarkable strength, and a very curious trunk. And when Tua meets Pohn-Pohn, it's clear this elephant needs her help. Together, the unusual team sets off on a remarkable journey to escape from Pohn-Pohn's vile captors. From the bustling night market to the hallowed halls of a Buddhist temple and finally, to the sanctuary of an elephant refuge, this clever girl and her beloved companion find that right under their noses is exactly what each has been searching for: a friend.”
The Storm Keeper’s Island, by Catherine Doyle, $4.79. Attention, Rick Riordan fans! This mythological Irish adventure tale is for you! From the publisher: “Fionn Boyle comes from a long line of brave seafarers, people with the ocean behind their eyes. But he can't help but fear the open sea. For years, Fionn's mother has told him stories of Arranmore Island, a strange place that seems to haunt her. Fionn has always wondered about this mysterious island, and from the day he arrives he starts noticing things that can't be explained. He can sense the island all around him, and it feels like the island is watching him, too. Once in a generation, Arranmore Island chooses a new Storm Keeper to wield its power and keep its magic safe from enemies. The time has come for his grandfather, a secretive and eccentric old man, to step down. But as Fionn and the other descendants of Arranmore's most powerful families fight to become the island's next champion, a more sinister magic is waking up, intent on rekindling a long-ago war and changing Fionn's life and the island's future forever.”
The Young Time Traveler’s Guide to Really Interesting People: Grace O’Malley, The Pirate Queen of Ireland, by Megan Stringfellow, $1.99. I only recently discovered this history series, and I’m please to be able to share it with you today. Stringfellow puts readers in the position of time travelers, taking them to discover events and people from the past. In this book, she profiles Grace O’Malley, who was born into the nobility but found a life of adventure on the high seas. Stringfellow’s books have a scrapbook feel, with maps, sketches, and other embellishments.
The Story of the Leprechaun, by Katherine Tegen, $1.99. This cheerful picture book tells the story of a leprechaun slyly defeating a greedy man determined to steal the leprechaun’s gold. Warm, magical illustrations make this a pleasant read-aloud experience to share with your favorite children.
The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero, by Timothy Egan, $1.99. Thomas Meagher led a rebellion against the British in Ireland and was sent to Tasmania as punishment. When he unexpectedly made his way to America a few years later, he found celebrity. Learn more about this revolutionary who went on to lead a Union brigade in the American Civil War.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo, $2.99. Malinda Lo writes fascinating YA books, often with queer characters front and center. She takes on historical fiction in Last Night at the Telegraph Club, venturing to 1950s New Orleans, where 17-year-old Lily finds herself falling in love with Katherine. There’s not a lot of acceptance for lesbians or Asian Americans, much less an interracial relationship in their community, but Lily and Katharine are willing to risk isolation to be together.
The Wrath and the Dawn, by Renee Ahdieh, $2.99. I’ve really enjoyed Ahdieh’s short stories, and I’m looking forward to reading this retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi’s wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend. She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.”
The Girls I’ve Been, by Tess Sharpe, $2.99. When three teens are unexpectedly caught up in a bank robbery, they must find a way to come out alive. Fortunately, one of the girls is uniquely prepared to take on the experience; she’s the daughter of a conwoman and has been taught to find ways to exploit any situation. The story alternates between minute-by-minute depictions of the action inside the bank and flashbacks explaining how Nora’s past is shaping her future. The Girls I’ve Been is one of the most “impossible to put down” YA books I’ve read in the last year. Content warnings for physical and sexual abuse.
On Account of the Gum, by Adam Rex, $1.99. When a kid gets gum in their hair, they set off a wild chain of events. An attempt to cut it out results in the scissors getting stuck! The consequences continue to get more severe in this hilarious picture book. Bold and vibrant art brings the story to life.
Learning to Ski 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 decide to learn how to ski, but things take a turn when they encounter a moose in their way. 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.
Little Pea, by Amy Kraus Rosenthal, $0.99. Kids will love this subversive little picture book about a pea who can’t have his vegetables for dessert unless he eats all his sweets first!
Juniper Kai: Super Spy, by Laura Gehl and Alexandria Neonakis, $0.99. Juniper knows something is up with her parents, and she is determined to figure out what is going on (Surprise! It’s a new baby!). She uses all her best spy techniques: listening at the door, using binoculars to observe from afar, and wearing clever disguises to go unnoticed. Kids will love this plucky Asian heroine!
Raising Ryland: Our Story of Parenting a Transgender Child with No Strings Attached, by Hillary Whittington, $1.99. When the Hillary Whittington’s young child declared that he was a boy, this mother decided to make sure that her child felt loved and embraced for who he is. In telling their family’s story, Whittington hopes to provide a path for other parents who find themselves in similar situations.
Delores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers, by Sarah Warren, $3.99. Dolores Huerta was a teacher who was concerned when she saw students coming to school hungry and without shoes in the 1950s. When she discovers that these are the children of migrant workers living in intense poverty, she becomes a tireless activist working to improve the working and living conditions for marginalized people. This beautiful picture book explains how Huerta got involved with labor rights and how her work has impacted generations of farm workers.
Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping to Protect Our Planet, by Harriet Rohmer, $1.99. Introduce your middle schooler to people who are making a difference in their local communities! From the publisher: “This inspiring book presents the true stories of 12 people from across North America who have done great things for the environment. Heroes include a teenage girl who figured out how to remove an industrial pollutant from the Ohio River, a Mexican superstar wrestler who works to protect turtles and whales, and a teenage boy from Rhode Island who helped his community and his state develop effective e-waste recycling programs. Plenty of photographs and illustrations bring each compelling story vividly to life.”
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909, by Michelle Markel, $2.99. Clara Lemlich was a Ukrainian immigrant who took a job in a garment factory as a child. Appalled by the working conditions, she leads a strike of girls and women who demand safety reforms and fair pay. The picture book has a unique visual style, pairing watercolor paintings with textile collages.
Osnat and Her Dove: The True Story of the World’s First Female Rabbi, by Sigal Samuel, $2.99. I am always delighted when I discover kids’ nonfiction about historical characters I don’t know. The subject matter obviously touches on religion, but the story is also an interesting look at Middle Eastern culture in the 1500s. From the publisher: “Osnat was born five hundred years ago – at a time when almost everyone believed in miracles. But very few believed that girls should learn to read. Yet Osnat's father was a great scholar whose house was filled with books. And she convinced him to teach her. Then she in turn grew up to teach others, becoming a wise scholar in her own right, the world's first female rabbi! Some say Osnat performed miracles – like healing a dove who had been shot by a hunter! Or saving a congregation from fire! But perhaps her greatest feat was to be a light of inspiration for other girls and boys; to show that any person who can learn might find a path that none have walked before.”
National Geographic Kids: Skyscrapers, by Libby Romero, $4.99. The National Geographic readers really excel in visual imagery. This Level 3 reader is full of eye-popping pictures of buildings from around the world. Kids will learn about the history of tall buildings, their construction process, and how these buildings intersect with the natural world.
Architecture for Teens: A Beginner’s Book for Aspiring Architects, by Danielle Willkens, $4.99. This book is an awesome resource for kids who are interested in learning more architecture. Willkens is a professor of architecture at Georgia Tech who is eager to spread her love for the art and science of designing new buildings. Learn more about the basic elements of architecture, career opportunities, trends in sustainability and design, and spectacular building from around the world. I wish there were books like this for other career fields!
Lucy Tries Hockey, by Lisa Bowes, $4.99. Lucy is a plucky girl who loves trying new things. When she is at the ice rink, she sees a hockey practice and wants to know more. If you enjoy this one, Lucy also tries luge, short-track speed skating, and more in her other books. You’ll also find related activity pages at the author’s website.
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 Will and the Wilds, by Charlie N. Holmberg, $1.99. From the publisher: “Enna knows to fear the mystings that roam the wildwood near her home. When one tries to kill her to obtain an enchanted stone, Enna takes a huge risk: fighting back with a mysting of her own. Maekallus’s help isn’t free. His price? A kiss. One with the power to steal her soul. But their deal leaves Maekallus bound to the mortal realm, which begins eating him alive. Only Enna’s kiss, given willingly, can save him from immediate destruction. It’s a temporary salvation for Maekallus and a lingering doom for Enna. Part of her soul now burns bright inside Maekallus, making him feel for the first time. Enna shares Maekallus’s suffering, but her small sacrifice won’t last long. If she and Maekallus can’t break the spell binding him to the mortal realm, Maekallus will be consumed completely—and Enna’s soul with him.”
No Valentines for Katie, by Fran Manushkin, $2.99. The Katie Woo series is perfect for kids just transitioning into chapter books. Pages have just a few sentences each, and there are loads of engaging illustrations. In this book, Katie is dismayed when she doesn’t get a special Valentine.
The Dragon Grammar Book: Grammar for Kids, Dragons, and the Whole Kingdom, by Diane Mae Robinson, $4.99. I’ve been waiting for the perfect time to share this charming grammar book with you! I’m a big fan of using a child’s interests to shape the homeschool experience, and this book is the perfect way to pique the interest of a fantasy fan! Robinson covers most major grammar concepts, and her sample sentences are full of mythical creatures and fantasy tropes.
Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language, by Gretchen McCulloch, $1.99. It may seem like language in memes is complete chaos, but there are actually linguistic trends and principles that provide order. McCullogh takes a look at the hidden rules of internet language as well as the ways online expression has shifted over time. This book is fascinating for tweens/teens and adults alike. Kids will discover the joys of ASCII art, and parents can get to know doge memes.
Beijing Welcomes You: Unveiling the Capital City of the Future, by Tom Scocca, $4.99. From the publisher: “Within the past decade, Beijing has debuted as the defining city of the now and foreseeable future, and China as the ascendant global power. Beijing is the ultimate representation of China's political and cultural capital, of its might-and threat. For so long, the city was closed off to the world, literally built around the Forbidden City, the icon of all that was ominous about China. But now, the country is eager to show off its new openness, its glory and magnanimity, and Beijing is its star. When Tom Scocarrived in 2004-an American eager to see another culture-Beijing was looking toward welcoming the world to its Olympics four years later, and preparations were in full swing to create a renewed city. Scocca talked to the scientists tasked with changing the weather; interviewed designers and architects churning out projects; checked out the campaign to stop public spitting; documented the planting of trees, the rerouting of traffic, the demolition of the old city, and the construction of the new metropolis. Beijing Welcomes You is a glimpse into the future and an encounter with an urban place we do not yet fully comprehend, and the superpower it is essential we get to know better.”
Ancient China’s Inventions, Technology, and Engineering, by Professor Beaver, $4.99. Ancient Chinese culture is known for some major technological achievements. Introduce young readers to the richness of those innovations with this simple chapter book covering the compass, acupuncture, silk cultivation, clocks, and many others. This book provides a brief overview of each invention and, as such, is a good jumping off point for further research.
Living in… China, by Chloe Perkins, $4.99. Get to know China’s geography, history, and culture in this easy reader. The cute illustrations help with reading comprehension, and pronunciation guides make tricky place names simple to say.
The Winter Olympics, by Nick Hunter, $4.70. This is a type of book I mentally classify as a “school project book,” a short nonfiction book about a narrow topic designed for upper elementary/middle school kids. Short chapters cover major sports, the history of the games, Paralympics, and other interesting topics. This book was written just before the Sochi games, so it doesn’t have fully up-to-date information, but it’s still a worthwhile introduction. Full color, high action pictures are likely to pique kids’ interest.
Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics, by Yossi Lapid, $3.99. In this fun, rhyming story, Snowman Paul decides to try out several winter sports and even enter the Olympic! Through Snowman Paul’s attempts at skiing, hockey, and other sports, he learns important lessons about fairness and good sportsmanship. If your kids enjoy Snowman Paul, they will be pleased to know there are several additional books about him looking at other winter sports.
Spectacle: The Astonishing Life of Ota Benga, by Pamela Newkirk, $0.99. Newkirk shares the bizarre and shocking story of Ota Benga, an African man who was displayed as a zoo exhibit in the early 20th century. Newkirk tells the story of Benga’s life and also takes a hard look at the racist social science of that time period, which allowed this display to be seen as acceptable.
Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade, by Lyla Lee, $4.99. Meet Mindy, a Korean-American girl who is perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean. In this illustrated early chapter book, Mindy is getting ready to celebrate Lunar New Year, but she worries that it just won’t be the same without her mom (Note: Mom has died from cancer, but it is not discussed in detail.). Mindy and her dad make traditional food and participate in the Orlando New Year Parade. Short chapters and engaging illustrations make the Mindy books a good choice for emerging readers.
Playing with Lanterns, by Wang Yage and Helen Wang, $3.99. I learned something new from this picture book originally published in China! Zhao Di and her friends go out every night with paper lanterns to celebrate Chinese New Year, until they smash the lanterns on the fifteenth day. The illustrations show both a ground and aerial view of the festivities!
Tet Together, by Alice Trinh, $2.99. The illustrations in this book are oh so cute! From the publisher: “Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time of celebration and it involves much preparation. This festive story is a great introduction to the most important Vietnamese cultural holiday. Readers will learn the significance of each tradition during this special time.
As families prepare to celebrate Tết, it is also a time of reflection and togetherness. Families come together to help sweep out the old year, hang dazzling decorations, and prepare lavish meals to share. Discover how the anticipation of Tết and the days of festivities that follow, all culminate in the celebration of families and the Vietnamese cultural heritage.”
Our Lunar New Year, by Yobe Qiu, $4.99. Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries. This charming picture book introduces families celebrating in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Thailand. Each story is illustrated in a different style, making for a unique reading experience.
The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Carlos Gets the Sneezes, by Judy Katschke, $2.99. Scholastic’s Branches books are great, high-interest titles for readers just moving into chapter books. This book is set within the world of the updated Magic School Bus series. When the class gets a new pet and Carlos can’t stop sneezing, it’s time to get on the bus and explore the body’s response to allergens!
The Sawbones Book: The Hilarious, Horrifying Road to Modern Medicine, by Justin McElroy and Sydnee McElroy, $4.99. I’ve really enjoyed listening to the Sawbones podcast (not for those with a weak stomach), and this book is very true to the content and feel of the McElroy’s medical show. I also love this description from the publisher: “Every week, Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin amaze, amuse, and gross out (depending on the week) hundreds of thousands of avid listeners to their podcast, Sawbones. Consistently rated a top podcast on iTunes, with over 15 million total downloads, this rollicking journey through thousands of years of medical mishaps and miracles is not only hilarious but downright educational. While you may never even consider applying boiled weasel to your forehead (once the height of sophistication when it came to headache cures), you will almost certainly face some questionable medical advice in your everyday life (we’re looking at you, raw water!) and be better able to figure out if this is a miracle cure (it’s not) or a scam.”
Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day: Exercises to Feel Calm, Stay Focused, and Be Your Best Self, by Jennie Marie Battistin, $4.99. Is health part of your local homeschool requirements? Are you trying to incorporate a little bit of mental health awareness into your every day schedule? This book is a friendly, accessible resource with more than 60 activities suitable for a wide age range.
The Man with the Violin, by Kathy Stinson and Dusan Petricic, $3.99. More than 10 years ago, renowned violinist Joshua Bell performed on a train platform in Washington, D.C., during morning rush hour. Thousands of people, including me, passed by but did not stop (though I remember feeling particularly buoyed by the music that morning). This picture book tells the story of a young boy who does notice the marvel happening underground but can’t get his mom to stop.
Sprinting Through No Man’s Land: Endurance, Tragedy, and Rebirth in the 1919 Tour de France, by Adin Dobkin, $1.99. When war ends, the transition back to “normal life” is often challenging and a bit surreal. From the publisher: “On June 29, 1919, one day after the Treaty of Versailles brought about the end of World War I, nearly seventy cyclists embarked on the thirteenth Tour de France. From Paris, the war-weary men rode down the western coast on a race that would trace the country’s border, through seaside towns and mountains to the ghostly western front. Traversing a cratered postwar landscape, the cyclists faced near-impossible odds and the psychological scars of war. Most of the athletes had arrived straight from the front, where so many fellow countrymen had suffered or died. The cyclists’ perseverance and tolerance for pain would be tested in a grueling, monthlong competition. An inspiring true story of human endurance, Sprinting Through No Man’s Land explores how the cyclists united a country that had been torn apart by unprecedented desolation and tragedy. It shows how devastated countrymen and women can come together to celebrate the adventure of a lifetime and discover renewed fortitude, purpose, and national identity in the streets of their towns.”
Ivy and Bean No News is Good News, by Annie Barrows, $0.99. My daughter has long outgrown these early chapter books, but she sometimes grabs one to read in one sitting at the library because they are just that fun. In this one, the girls want to raise some money and come up with a plan to spy on their neighbors and write a neighborhood newspaper about what they find.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. This new series has delightful Lemony Snicket feel. The publisher’s description gives you a great sense of the book’s tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometime confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Now in paperback, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Secrets of the Book, by Erin Fry, $0.99. Looking for a fun middle-grade adventure with a diverse cast of characters? This action-filled story is packed with fun historical cameos. From the publisher: “Sixth grader Spencer Lemon has a degenerative eye disease—and he’s rapidly losing his eyesight. So he has no idea why he was chosen to guard Pandora’s Book. When Ed, the old guy at the nursing home, hands over the book, he doesn’t get a chance to explain any of the rules to Spencer. Spencer only knows that the book contains famous dead people—people who can be brought back to life. Spencer and his autistic best friend, Gregor, soon figure out how to get people out of the book, but not how to get them back in. Then Ed disappears, and a strange man shows up on Spencer’s doorstep—and he seems to know a lot about Spencer and about Pandora’s Book. Is he one of the bad guys? Or is here to help Spencer unravel the secrets of the book? But there are others interested in Pandora’s Book, others who might use its powers to take over the world. And it’s up to Spencer, along with Gregor and Ed’s mysterious (and cute) granddaughter Mel, to protect the book—and save the world.”
Ultimate Book of Card Games: The Comprehensive Guide to More Than 350 Games, by Scott McNeely, $2.99. What better way to while away cold winter evenings than with a new card game? This book provides simple instructions for both common and uncommon games. Whether you are in the mood for Gin Rummy or Spite and Malice, you’ll find all the information you need.
DK Readers: Plants Bite Back, by Richard Platt, $2.99. There is something about carnivorous plants that is both fascinating and unsettling. When my daughter was about 7, she couldn’t get enough of learning about these weird and wonderful living things. The DK illustrators and photographers do an excellent job of showing exactly how the plants capture and digest insects (and occasionally other creatures). The DK reading levels tend to be pitched a little higher than other easy readers. This book assumes a fairly high vocabulary and some comfort with reading up to a paragraph per page.
On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein, by Jennifer Berne, $0.99. This charming picture book biography of Einstein begins in the scientist’s childhood, a time when his parents were worried how different Albert was from other children. The ultimate message is a tribute to the power of imagination.
Anne Boleyn: 500 Years of Lies, by Hayley Nolan, $0.99. Whatever you have heard about Anne Boleyn, you probably don’t know her real story. Historical researcher Hayley Nolan also has a theater background, which really helps her bring Tudor figures to life. Her research reframes Boleyn as a powerful woman whose legacy was rewritten after her untimely death. Reviews of this book are polarized; you will either love the fresh, sometimes flippant tone or find it irritating.
Merci Suarez Changes Gears, by Meg Medina, $4.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this 2019 Newberry Medal winner yet, but I’ve heard great things. Merci is dealing with being one of the few scholarship students at her fancy private school; the economic disparity makes middle school bullies extra challenging. At the same time, Merci is facing unexpected challenges at home as her beloved grandfather begins to be affected by dementia. The subject matter can be hard in places, but many reviewers describe the story as warm and moving. A second book about Merci and her family is now available!
The Resilient Sloth: A Children’s Book About Building Mental Toughness, Resilience, and Learning to Deal with Obstacles, by Charlotte Dane, $2.99. Sloth has a really great attitude when things go wrong. When the other animals wonder how Sloth is able to keep going despite injuries, failures, and other problems, he shares some good advice he got from a friend. This story is definitely didactic, but it doesn’t feel heavy-handed. The imagery of a sloth slowly but surely completing strenuous tasks will amuse kids and adults alike.