Kindle Deals for October 27, 2019
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.)
Amazon has dozens of historical fiction books on sale today only. Here are a few of my favorites. Descriptions will be brief so that I can show you more titles.
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Catherine, Called Birdy, by Karen Cushman, $1.99. From our Great Epistolary Novels list: It’s problematic, of course, to pretend that we can understand what might have gone on in the head 14th century girl, but Cushman makes a solid effort here, and this novel — which takes the form of Catherine’s journal — paints a fascinating (and well researched) picture of medieval life. Catherine doesn’t have a lot of agency: She’s going to have to do what her father says, including marrying the man he’s picked out for her, however much she might rebel against the idea in her diary. That rebelling feels a little anachronistic, but I’m not sure a middle grades reader would be able to identify with Catherine at all without it so I think it’s an understandable conceit. If you’re studying the Middle Ages any time soon, you will definitely want to have this one on your list.
Mycroft Holmes, by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse, $1.99. Did you know basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is also a writer? He has created a new series around Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s brilliant and mysterious brother. The first in the series, this book is Mycroft’s origin story, taking him from college graduation through the events that set him on the road to becoming the secret power behind the British government.
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, by Gary D. Schmidt, $1.99. This award winning middle grade novel really creates a vivid picture of Maine at the start of the 20th century. From the publisher: It only takes a few hours for Turner Buckminster to start hating Phippsburg, Maine. No one in town will let him forget that he's a minister's son, even if he doesn't act like one. But then he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a smart and sassy girl from a poor nearby island community founded by former slaves. Despite his father's-and the town's-disapproval of their friendship, Turner spends time with Lizzie, and it opens up a whole new world to him, filled with the mystery and wonder of Maine's rocky coast. The two soon discover that the town elders, along with Turner's father, want to force the people to leave Lizzie's island so that Phippsburg can start a lucrative tourist trade there. Turner gets caught up in a spiral of disasters that alter his life-but also lead him to new levels of acceptance and maturity. This sensitively written historical novel, based on the true story of a community's destruction, highlights a unique friendship during a time of change
The Glass Ocean, by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White, $2.99. Three historical fiction authors each take on a character’s perspective to create this warm and thrilling tale of the Lusitania’s doomed final journey. The story alternates between 2013 and 1915 as a modern researcher attempts to discover what really happened to her great-grandfather, who was a passenger on Lusitania. The other two perspectives are women on the liner, a wealthy Southern woman and a con woman trying to get out of a life of dishonesty.
Daughters of the Night Sky, by Aimie K. Runyan, $1.99. This novel highlights a lesser known story of WWI, that of the Russian Night Witches. This all female regiment of pilots terrorizes the Nazis, flying dangerous but crucial missions. Runyan takes readers along on the harrowing flights, then considers how life must change once the war is over.
Will Sparrow’s Road, by Karen Cushman, $1.99. From the publisher: In his thirteenth year, Will Sparrow, liar and thief, becomes a runaway. On the road, he encounters a series of con artists—a pickpocket, a tooth puller, a pig trainer, a conjurer—and learns that others are more adept than he at lying and thieving. Then he reluctantly joins a traveling troupe of "oddities," including a dwarf and a cat-faced girl, holding himself apart from the "monsters" and resolving to be on guard against further deceptions. At last Will is forced to understand that appearances are misleading and that he has been his own worst deceiver. The rowdy world of market fairs in Elizabethan England is the colorful backdrop for Newbery medalist Cushman's new comic masterpiece.
STILL ON SALE
What Can a Citizen Do?, by Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris, $1.99. This beautifully illustrated children’s book is an introduction to what citizenship means today. The words are a call to action (“A citizen should be engaged. A citizen should care and care.”) and the cut paper illustrations are wonderfully diverse.
The Final Six, by Alexandra Monir, $1.99. This exciting YA novel reads somewhat like The Martian, but with teens in the main roles. From the publisher: When Leo and Naomi are drafted, along with twenty-two of the world’s brightest teenagers, into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever changed. Overnight, they become global celebrities in contention for one of the six slots to travel to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—and establish a new colony, leaving their planet forever. With Earth irreparably damaged, the future of the human race rests on their shoulders. For Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, this kind of purpose is a reason to go on after losing his family. But Naomi, an Iranian-American science genius, is suspicious of the ISTC and the fact that a similar mission failed under mysterious circumstances, killing the astronauts onboard. She fears something equally sinister awaiting the Final Six beneath Europa’s surface.
Ingredients: A Visual Exploration of 75 Additives and 25 Food Products, by Dwight Eschliman and Steve Ettinger, $0.99. What is really in the food we eat? What is caramel color, anyway? What does xanthan gum actually do, and where does it come from? This fascinating collaboration between a photographer and a science writer will answer all of these questions and more. They break down all the ingredients in more than two dozen common foods to explain how all the pieces fit together. You may never look at Cool Ranch Doritos the same way, but you’ll enjoy learning about the process!
Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi, $2.99. From our 2018 winter reading list: “This YA book is a fantastic fantasy about two girls who want to bring magic back to their land and a crown prince who would do anything to stop them, but it’s also about racism, prejudice, and xenophobia. This is probably the book everyone will be talking about.”
Unfamiliar Fishes, by Sarah Vowell, $4.99. I’ve loved Sarah Vowell since I first heard her contributions to This American Life. Her quirky history books cover unusual topics in her signature quippy style. This book takes on the Americanization of Hawaii, from the first settlers to the annexation. It’s a story of imperialism, native culture, and more.
What She Ate: Six Remarkable Women and the Food that Tells Their Stories, by Laura Shapiro, $4.99. This is biography told in a very different way; it absolutely fascinates me. From the publisher: What She Ate is a lively and unpredictable array of women; what they have in common with one another (and us) is a powerful relationship with food. They include Dorothy Wordsworth, whose food story transforms our picture of the life she shared with her famous poet brother; Rosa Lewis, the Edwardian-era Cockney caterer who cooked her way up the social ladder; Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady and rigorous protector of the worst cook in White House history; Eva Braun, Hitler’s mistress, who challenges our warm associations of food, family, and table; Barbara Pym, whose witty books upend a host of stereotypes about postwar British cuisine; and Helen Gurley Brown, the editor of Cosmopolitan, whose commitment to “having it all” meant having almost nothing on the plate except a supersized portion of diet gelatin.
Monsters You Should Know, by Emma Sancartier, $1.99. This is the cutest book about horrifying monsters that you will ever see. Truly creepy monsters from folklore around the world are illustrated in a scary but still somehow charming style. This is a picture book, but probably best for ages 8+. You could shape an interesting unit study around researching these monsters.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
Guitar Zero, by Gary Marcus, $4.99. You’re never too old, or too young, to learn music. Gary Marcus was nearly 40 when he decided he wanted to learn the guitar despite having little musical experience or skill. Marcus is a scientist, and he describes both his personal musical journey and the science behind how the brain integrates new skills.
The Bone Houses, by Emily Lloyd-Jones, $2.99. I have heard so much about this book. It is a creepy delight of a YA novel. Ryn and her family tend the graveyard in the small town of Colbren. The problem is, the bodies don’t always stay dead. Sometimes the dead “bone houses” come back to life. When the risings start to increase, Ryn and apprentice mapmaker Ellis must journey to discover the secret of the curse that is tormenting the town. This is a brand new novel that is getting a lot of buzz.
The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease, $4.99. Every household should have a copy of this book, a guide to awesome books to read with children. The first half of the book explain why you should read aloud to the children in your life. There are sections on problem solving for reluctant readers or listeners, as well as a section specifically on getting dads involved in the reading process. The second half of the book is a giant compendium of read-aloud books. Each book listed has a short summary, suggested age group, notes about any sensitive topics, and a list of related books. This edition was released in 2013; an updated version was just published, but it is not on sale.
Northanger Abbey, by Val McDermid, $1.99. A few years ago, a group of acclaimed authors decided to write new interpretations of each of Jane Austen’s novels. Val McDermid, author of many bestselling mysteries, decided to take on Austen’s creepiest novel, Northanger Abbey. In this modern retelling, homeschooled bookworm Cat Morland is invited by the Allen family to attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with them. In Edinburgh, she meets the Thorpe family, as well as handsome lawyer Henry Tilney. But is everything really as it seems? This version of Northanger Abbey will thrill and chill Austen fans and neophytes alike.
Ivy and Bean Books 1-3, by Annie Barrows, $1.99. These sweet and funny stories are perfect for your new reader. My daughter has moved far beyond this series, but still often picks up one of these books to reread in a single sitting. From my junior reviewer: “I really love these books because the characters are believably drawn with just the right amount of humor. They tie in hilarious and unusual circumstances, including magic sometimes, with things I have experienced. They have a very specific sense of humor, which I share, and I can relate to almost all of the characters.”
Brief Answers to the Big Questions, by Stephen Hawking, $2.99. Famed cosmologist Stephen Hawking has written many books, but this one is a little different. At the end of his life, he set out to answer some important questions. Is there other intelligent life in the universe? Is time travel possible? How do we shape the future? Hawking offers his own opinions on these and more. (Note: There is some discussion of religion and atheism.)
The House in Poplar Wood, by K.E. Ormsbee, $1.99. When I saw this book described as “Haunted Mansion meets Stranger Things,” I was totally hooked. The publisher has written a better summary than I possibly could: “For as long as the Vickery twins can remember, Lee and his mother have served Memory, while Felix and his father assist Death. This is the Agreement. But one Halloween, Gretchen Whipple smashes her way into their lives. Her bargain is simple: If the twins help her solve the murder of local girl Essie Hasting, she'll help them break the Agreement. The more the three investigate, however, the more they realize that something's gone terribly wrong in their town. Death is on the loose, and if history repeats itself, Essie's might not be the last murder in Poplar Wood. Simultaneously heartwarming and delightfully spooky, The House in Poplar Wood is a story about a boy's desire to be free, a girl's desire to make a difference, and a family's desire to be together again.”
Emily’s Runaway Imagination, by Beverly Cleary, $4.99. This is a charming but lesser-known middle grade book from beloved children’s author Beverly Cleary. Emily reminds me of Pippi Longstocking without the clearly impossible situations. From the publisher: “Spunky Emily Bartlett lives in an old farmhouse in Pitchfork, Oregon'at a time when automobiles are brand-new inventions and libraries are a luxury few small towns can afford. Her runaway imagination leads her to bleach a horse, hold a very scary sleepover, and feed the hogs an unusual treat. But can she use her lively mind to help bring a library to Pitchfork?”
Tangled in Time: The Portal, by Kathryn Lasky, $1.99. This charming middle grade novel is a time travel story. Rose finds a time portal in her grandmother’s greenhouse that transports her to the the court of Henry VIII. She befriends the young Princess Elizabeth and discovers a mysterious locket that may hold a secret connecting Rose to the Tudor world.
The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan, $1.99. The concept of this book is simple — Michael Pollan takes four meals and traces each ingredient back to it’s agricultural origins. Along the way, he discovers much about the business and culture of our modern food landscape. From McDonald’s to Whole Foods and several stops in between, Pollan considers the health and environmental implications of our food choices. There’s also a young reader’s edition if you’d like to include kids in the dinner table discussions.
Dear Data, by Giogia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec, $2.99. This book has a fascinating concept: two friends in different countries sent each other a postcard every week for a year. Every week had a theme, and the two friends recorded data about their lives and created a way to represent it visually. The result is more than 100 postcards illustrating the details of their lives. You’ll find this a great discussion starter about ways to visually represent ideas.
Talking Across the Divide: How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World, by Justin Lee, $4.99. I run a large homeschool co-op, which puts me in the position to get to know a wide variety of people. Books like Talking Across the Divide in invaluable in the current political climate for helping people find ways to connect.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $1.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Mind’s Eye, by Oliver Sacks, $4.99. What would your life be like if you lost a fundamental part of your sensory experience? Neuroscientist Oliver Sacks explores what makes us who we are in this collection of profiles. From the concert pianist who loses the ability to read music to the woman who finds herself unable to speak, Sacks deftly recreates the breadth of human experience.
Cut in Half: The Hidden World of Everyday Objects, by Mike Warren, $2.99. 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.)
Art Before Breakfast: A Zillion Ways to be More Creative No Matter How Busy You Are, by Danny Gregory, $2.99. My daughter loves doing art, and fills lots of her spare time making things. I’ve never considered myself an artist and struggle to find time to develop my skills. This book is a great place to start. Danny Gregory has created short, fun activities that take 10 minutes or less. They will encourage you to make art a regular part of your life. This book is a great way to add some art education to your homeschool, or to carve out a bit of time for your own creativity.
Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA, and More Tell Us About Crime, by Val McDermid, $1.99. Val McDermid is fascinated by forensics in a way only a mystery writer can be. She has a keen eye for detail, and she can make dry facts seem riveting. You’ll come away from this book much more knowledgeable about the facts of crime investigation (as opposed to some of the technological magic of CSI).
50 Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy, by Tim Harford, $4.99. I love this kind of book, a history through specific objects. Here’s how the publisher describes it: “Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy paints an epic picture of change in an intimate way by telling the stories of the tools, people, and ideas that had far-reaching consequences for all of us. From the plough to artificial intelligence, from Gillette’s disposable razor to IKEA’s Billy bookcase, bestselling author and Financial Times columnist Tim Harford recounts each invention’s own curious, surprising, and memorable story.”
The Physics of Superheroes: Spectacular Second Edition, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Why did Krypton explode? How does Spiderman’s webbing actually work? How do you make a lightweight, bulletproof costume? Kakalios, a physics and astronomy professor, knows his stuff and can explain it with humor and detail. This second edition has three new chapters, so it might be worth a buy even if you’ve already read the first edition.
The Wizards of Once, by Cressida Cowell, $1.99. My family loved the How to Train Your Dragon series, and we are excited to begin another series by Cressida Cowell. Here’s what the publisher says: Once there were Wizards, who were Magic, and Warriors, who were not. But Xar, son of the King of Wizards, can't cast a single spell. And Wish, daughter of the Warrior Queen, has a banned magical object of her own. When they collide in the wildwood, on the trail of a deadly witch, it's the start of a grand adventure that just might change the fabric of their worlds.
A Glorious Freedom: Older Women Leading Extraordinary Lives, by Lisa Congdon, $1.99. This one’s for all the homeschool parents pondering what they are going to do with their lives once this season of schooling is over. Lisa Congdon has profiled dozens of women over 40 who are creating fulfilling lives on their own terms. Each woman has taken a unique path, and many feature fascinating twists and turns. Congdon’s beautiful illustrations make this book something special. (The glorious hardcover version is something you might want to keep in mind as a gift this holiday season.)
Hamstersaurus Rex, by Tom O’Donnell, $1.99. Is this another creepy book for Halloween? Yes and no. This wild middle school story will entertain and delight while still addressing some tougher emotional issues. From the publisher: “When a mysterious growling hamster appears at the back of his class, Sam knows just what to call him: Hamstersaurus Rex. Sam tries to protect Hammie from an overzealous Hamster Monitor, and from the meanest bully in the history of Horace Hotwater Middle School. The bully isn’t afraid of some weird little class pet. But maybe he should be. Hamstersaurus Rex is no ordinary hamster.”
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain, $2.99. Introverts may be overrepresented in the homeschool world. I was just having a discussion with my daughter about how many social norms are set up by and for extroverted people. This insightful book is a celebration of introverts, an analysis of their role in society, and a guide for ways that introverts can find success. This is an excellent book, whether you are an introvert or want to understand an introvert. There’s also a children’s version that I am looking forward to sharing with my family.
Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, by Katheryn Harkup, $1.99. Another Halloween-related book for October! From the publisher: Making the Monster explores the scientific background behind Mary Shelley's book. Is there any science fact behind the science fiction? And how might a real-life Victor Frankenstein have gone about creating his monster? From tales of volcanic eruptions, artificial life and chemical revolutions, to experimental surgery, 'monsters' and electrical experiments on human cadavers, Kathryn Harkup examines the science and scientists that influenced Shelley, and inspired her most famous creation.”
Corsets & Codpieces, by Karen Bowman, $1.99. How did 18th century women get their skirts to stick out to far? Why did medieval men accentuate their figure with over the top codpieces? This book explores the history of outrageous fashion. (Note: As you might expect from the title, sex comes up fairly often. This might be a good choice for teens and adults.)
Penny and Her Song, by Kevin Henkes, $4.99. Your beginning reader will love this series about Penny, an adorable and charming young mouse. Penny comes home with a new song that she is so eager to sing! However, her parents beg her to keep quiet while her twin siblings are sleeping. Will Penny ever be able to share her music? This is an excellent book for early readers ready to venture into short chapter books. It was one of my daughter’s favorite’s when she began reading on her own.
You Are Not So Smart, by David McRay, $1.99. We all like to believe that we know why we do the things we do, but what is the reality? David McRay breaks it down for you in the pithy guide to common ways your brain is tricking you. From the Dunning-Kruger Effect to the Straw Man Delusion, McRay patiently guides the reader through modern psychological research. The tone is fairly light, and the real world examples are plentiful. This book is broken down into 48 short sections ideal for quick dipping into for discussion around the dinner table.
American Trailblazers: 50 Remarkable People Who Shaped U.S. History, by Lisa Trusiani, $1.99. Yesterday was full of history deals, but they were all for older readers, so I was glad to find something for my younger historians today. American Trailblazers profiles men and women from many fields who have accomplished impressive things. I was pleased to see racial and gender diversity in the performers, scientists, writers, and other careers mentioned. Cute illustrations make this book inviting, and the lists of related people to investigate will let kids dig deep into their interests.
How to Knit: Learn the Basic Stitches and Techniques, by Lesley Ann Bestor, $2.99. There is finally, FINALLY, a chill in the air, and that means it is time to start planning cozy inside activities for the winter months. Maybe this is the year your family dabbles with fiber arts. How to Knit is a cheerful, basic guide to all you’ll need to make your first knitting projects. If you want something more substantial, The Knowledgeable Knitter leaves no stitch unturned. Not sure knitting is for you? How to Crochet is also on sale!
Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World, by Linda R. Hirshman, $2.99. At first glance, Ginsburg and O’Connor would seem to have little in common. Their backgrounds are different in virtually every particular. It was their career path, and the inherent struggles in trailblazing a path for women in the law, that brought them together and helped them to develop a warm working relationship and friendship. Sisters in Law is a biography of these two remarkable women and their work to improve women’s lives in America.
Spirals in Time: The Secret Life and Curious Afterlife of Seashells, by Helen Scales, $1.99. Some scientists say we know more about space than we do about our oceans. When I look at mollusks, I definitely feel like they could be creatures from another planet. Some are tasty, some are deadly, all are fascinating. Spirals in Time is a collection of facts and tales of mollusks through history, from medical uses to trading in ancient cultures to all the uses of seashells after their hosts have abandoned them. Beautifully rendered line drawings enhance the descriptions.
In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories, by Alvin Schwartz, $1.99. Some kids just LOVE to be creeped out, and it’s never too early to get a delightfully spooky book into their hands. This is a collection of scary stories for beginning readers. Turn down the lights and let your child give a haunted story hour. The vibrant and twisted illustrations add to the fun.
Dear Martin, by Nic Stone, $1.99. From our 2017 Fall Book Guide: Teenage Justyce starts a journal writing to Martin Luther King, Jr., after a false arrest has him questioning racism and resistance in his world. When his worst fears are realized in a police shooting, Justyce has to confront the darkest parts of himself and the world he lives in.
Letters of Note, Volume 1, by Shaun Usher, $3.99. Letters can be surprising, meaningful, and just plain odd. Shaun Usher has collected more than 100 interesting letters to share in this volume. You can read a letter from Elvis to President Nixon which Elvis offers to become a Federal Agent. The letters cover a wide time period and topics from politics to art to food. Each letter includes a big of background information, and many include a photo of the letter itself. This is a fun book to dip into over and over again.
Coraline: The Graphic Novel, by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell, $1.99. Coraline is a classic creepy tale about a girl who discovers an alternate version of her reality when she moves to a new house. At first the new house and new family seems like all Coraline has ever wanted, but things are not as they seem. I will never look at a Lalaloopsy doll in the same way having read this book. The realistic drawings increase the creep factor, making it more unsettling than the movie adaptation.
Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, by Marta McDowell, $1.99. Beatrix Potter’s stories of sentient animals getting up to mischief have charmed children and parents for generations. Her beautiful watercolor illustrations really bring her characters to life. In this book, McDowell describes the events that shaped Potter’s love of the outdoors, then takes readers on a guided tour of the outdoor settings that are so crucial to Potter’s work. Gorgeous watercolors and photos enhance the reading experience.
Life in a Medieval Castle, by Frances and Joseph Gies, $1.99. Interest in the medieval period had a resurgence in popularity with the rise of Game of Thrones. But you don’t need to be a die-hard dragon fan to appreciate this comprehensive guide to medieval life. The Gieses cover everything from food to heating to knights’ training. The comprehensive index makes it easy to dip in for just the information you need, or you can curl up and dive deep into a world long past.
The Sky Below, by Scott Parazynski and Susy Flory, $0.99. Scott Parazynski’s memoir of the adventures and training that led him to become an astronaut is fascinating. What makes this book thrilling, though, is the Kindle in Motion feature. When you read this book on a Kindle Fire or the Kindle app on another tablet, you will marvel at the embedded video. The pages come to live with views of rockets launching, the earth from space, and more. This is a must have for anyone interested in space flight.
How to Draw Cool Things, by Rachel Goldstein, $2.99. When I was in school, every class had at least one kid who knew how to make cool lettering or designs in the margins of the paper. I felt like it was some kind of magical power. Now your kids can be in on the secrets with this fun guide to drawing optical illusions, 3D doodles, and more. Twelve-year-old me is so jealous.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, by Kiersten White, $1.99. Continuing our creepy theme for the day, we have this exciting and unsettling YA retelling of Frankenstein. Elizabeth is a neglected child who is brought into the Frankenstein family as a companion for the troubled Victor. She lives with the Frankensteins for years, her one task being to control Victor’s temper and dark impulses. But what must she do to keep him happy? Teens and adults with enjoy this “exquisitely disturbing” novel. The bonus copy of Mary Shelley’s original novel included in the ebook will make for an excellent comparative literature lesson.
Stopping for a Spell, by Diana Wynne Jones, $2.99. You may know Diana Wynne Jones from her excellent Howl’s Moving Castle and Chrestomanci series. She is a master of immersive fantasy for young readers. Stopping for a Spell is a collection of three shorter stories designed for slightly younger readers. Set in a mostly familiar 20th century England with only a few magical differences, these tales will delight middle grade readers. Furniture comes to life, mysterious grannies come to stay, and more. Charming and detailed illustrations round out an enjoyable reading experience that will be a great introduction to the author’s work for new readers.
Why Do Clocks Run Clockwise?, by David Feldman, $2.99. Do you have that kid who always wants to know the answers to weird questions? Are you the grown-up version of that kid? David Feldman’s Imponderables series is just the thing for you. He answers such questions as “why do dogs circle before lying down?” and “why is a telephone keypad arranged differently from a calculator?” Feldman tracks down experts to get to the bottom of many strange questions. The short sections make this book appealing to casual readers who might not pick up a novel.
The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo, $4.08. This thrilling tale of adventure tells the story of Despereaux, a brave young mouse who takes on an extraordinary quest This moving story will delight readers young and old, though it is somewhat darker than you might expect from the cover art. Beautiful illustrations set the tone.