Kindle Deals for May 3, 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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Russia: A Short History, by Abraham Ascher, $0.99. Follow the rise of Russia from its origins in the Mongol Empire to the rise of Vladimir Putin. The edition has been recently revised to add reflections on post-Bolshevik Russia 100 years after the revolution.
Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia, by Peter Pomerantsev, $2.99. Learn more about the current reality of modern Russia, where Pomerantsev explores the role of media in maintaining the oligarchy. Brought in as a TV production consultant, Pomerantsev was given access to many back rooms and boardrooms. Pick this one up for an uncommon look at the Russian elite.
All the Kremlin’s Men, by Mikhail Zygar, $2.99. From the publisher: “All the Kremlin's Men is a gripping narrative of an accidental king and a court out of control. Based on an unprecedented series of interviews with Vladimir Putin's inner circle, this book presents a radically different view of power and politics in Russia. The image of Putin as a strongman is dissolved. In its place is a weary figurehead buffeted -- if not controlled -- by the men who at once advise and deceive him. The regional governors and bureaucratic leaders are immovable objects, far more powerful in their fiefdoms than the president himself. So are the gatekeepers-those officials who guard the pathways to power-on whom Putin depends as much as they rely on him. The tenuous edifice is filled with all of the intrigue and plotting of a Medici court, as enemies of the state are invented and wars begun to justify personal gains, internal rivalries, or one faction's biased advantage.”
Natasha’s Dance: A Cultural History of Russia, by Orlando Figes, $2.99. There are lots of books about Russian political history. This book takes a different tack, focusing on the arts and culture of Russia. This sweeping history touches on major social movements and an extensive selection of notable Russians (e.g., Tolstoy, Tchaikovsky, Chagall) from the realms of literature, art, music, and dance.
STILL ON SALE
The Concise Book of Muscles, by Chris Jarmey, $1.99. Here’s another anatomy book that has an unusual definition of “concise” — it’s more than 500 pages! From the publisher: “The book’s distinctive quick-reference format shows students exactly how to locate and identify specific muscles, highlighting those that are heavily used and therefore subject to injury in a variety of sports and activities. Each muscle chapter now includes an overview of the gross anatomy of the body area to show bony landmarks, cross-sections of muscle layers, and points of attachment as well as a quick reference table and an overview of the nerve pathways that are most relevant. The book also includes a new chapter on the pelvic floor muscles—of particular interest to those studying or practicing yoga and Pilates. While designed for the student and beginning practitioner of anatomy, massage, bodywork, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, physiotherapy, yoga, and Pilates or any other health-related field, The Concise Book of Muscles is equally useful for athletes and anyone interested in the workings of the human body.”
What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, $4.99. I’ve read this book with my daughter more times than I can count. Each page looks at one body part and how different creatures have adaptations that allow them to best suit their environments. Steve Jenkins can work magic with cut-paper illustrations, and this book could inspire a spectacular art unit as well.
The Concise Human Body Book: An Illustrated Guide to its Structure, Function, and Disorders, by DK Publishing, $1.99. When your students are ready for a deep dive into anatomy, this book is an excellent starting point. Don’t let the word “concise” fool you, there are more than 300 pages of illustrations covering every major body system. from the cell level up.
iOpeners: Skeletons Inside and Out, by DK Children, $0.99. This short DK guide is a great introduction of skeletal anatomy for elementary readers. Detailed photo and drawn illustrations show skeletons in standard poses and in motion. While there’s a lot of detail about human skeletons, the book also covers all major vertebrate animals (and even insects).
Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms, and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories, by Simon Winchester, $1.99. Simon Winchester knows how to write compelling nonfiction, even with a topic as broad as the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean is the thread that ties together natural history and the story of colonization. There’s a little bit of everything in this fascinating book.
Franklin and Washington: The Founding Partnership, by Edward J. Larson, $1.99. Ben Franklin is having a bit of a moment, with a new Ken Burns documentary out in 2022. Larson fleshes out the historical record on Franklin by contrasting him to Washington. Despite major differences in background and political thought, the two had a long relationship that laid the groundwork for much of how modern American government works today.
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln’s Killer, by James L. Swanson, $1.99. This book is something else. It is solid history that reads like a modern page-turner thriller. The story of John Wilkes Booth’s capture is fascinating, and Swanson writes with an immediacy that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You may be familiar with the general story of Lincoln’s assassination, but you are likely to discover many more of the unbelievable twists and turns that happened during the 12 days between Lincoln’s and Booth’s deaths.
We Rule the Night, by Claire Eliza Bartlett, $2.99. War meets Russian mythology in this unique fantasy story. A factory worker and a young soldier posing as a boy are recruited to a secret military unit that uses forbidden magic. Though the girls can barely get along, they must work together, combining magic and technology in a campaign of air raids.
Ace of Shades, by Amanda Foody, $2.99. If you enjoy the idea of Game of Thrones but not high level of graphic violence, this YA series about a complicated underworld dynasty might be a good fit. From the publisher: “New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin, is no place for a properly raised young lady. But when her mother goes missing, Enne Salta must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail in the city where no one survives uncorrupted. Frightened and alone, Enne’s only clue leads her to Levi Glaiyser—a street lord and a con man in desperate need of the compensation Enne offers. Their search sends this unlikely duo through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets, and into the clutches of a ruthless Mafia donna. But as Levi’s enemies close in on them, a deadly secret from Enne’s past comes to light and she must surrender herself to the City of Sin — to a vicious game of execution… Where the players never win.”
Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor, $2.99. We named the series this book starts one our YA series to obsess over in the summer 2016 issue — it’s a Gothic fantasy about a girl who discovers herself trapped in the middle of an ages-old conflict between darkness and light.
The Fragile Earth: Writing from The New Yorker on Climate Change, edited by David Remnick and Harry Finder, $1.99. For decades, The New Yorker has been publishing articles about the impact of climate change on modern life. This collection features creative non-fiction from scientists and Pulitzer Prize winners alike. The book is long and comprehensive, but assigning one article at a time is a great way to incorporate non-fiction into your language arts.
Natural Wonders of the World, by DK Publishers, $1.99. The Earth is a majestic place, full of breath-takingly unique landscapes. This gorgeous DK books is full of pictures from remarkable places, paired with expert information from geologists and biologists. You’ll find terrain maps and explanations of the geological processes that created the features.
Firegirl, by Tony Abbott, $1.99. From the publisher: “This poignant novel about a boy's friendship with a burn victim is perfect for fans of R. J. Palacio's Wonder. From the moment Jessica arrives, life is never quite the same for Tom and his seventh-grade classmates. They learn that Jessica has been in a fire and was badly burned, and will be attending St. Catherine's will receiving medical treatments. Despite her appearance and the fear she evokes in him and most of the class, Tom slowly develops a tentative friendship with Jessica that changes his life. This quietly powerful novel demonstrates that a small gesture can make a huge impact in someone's life.”
A Mango-Shaped Space, by Wendy Mass, $1.99. Mia is just trying to make her way through middle school without drama, but she struggles with challenges she doesn’t want to explain to her friends. She has synesthesia, and the constant onslaught of colors makes it challenging to concentrate in class and to relate to other kids. The familiar middle school tropes are given fresh life through the colorful and chaotic lens of Mia’s brain.
Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants, by Jane Goodall, $2.99. Goodall is well known for her work with primates. In her many decades of field work, she has spent lots of time among plants. This book highlights her travels around the world, learning from botanists and the environment itself, to develop an awareness of the importance of sustaining the plants around us.
When the Earth had Two Moons: Cannibal Planets, Icy Giants, Dirty Comets, Dreadful Orbits, and the Origins of the Night Sky, by Erik Asphaug. With a subtitle like that, how can you go wrong? Asphaug, a planetary geologist, takes us on a tour of the sky, explaining not just where each object is, but how it got there.
Annabelle and Aiden in The Story of Life, by J.R. Becker, $3.99. I had the pleasure of meeting J.R. Becker at a secular homeschooling conference, and my daughter loved his books when she was younger. His books combine charming, rhyming text with serious science. In this volume, Annabelle and Aiden learn about evolution and how humans are related to other animals.
How Evolution Explains Everything About Life: From Darwin’s Brilliant Idea to Today’s Epic Theory, by New Scientist, $0.99. If you are looking for a quick but comprehensive explanation of evolution, this book will give you everything you need in less than 250 pages. Chapters cover Darwin’s initial work, the role DNA evidence plays in understand evolution, common misconceptions, and even the evolution of behavior over time.
Trouble Girls, by Julia Lynn Rubin, $2.99. A queer, teen retelling of Thelma and Louise? What’s not to love? Hop in the car for a wild and dangerous road trip with a big heart.
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.
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.
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.
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+).
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.