Kindle Deals for January 10, 2020
From sweet to speculative, these deals are sure to keep you interested.
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.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
What If? The World’s Foremost Military Historians Imagine What Might Have Been, edited by Robert Cowley, $4.99. This collection of essays ponders major events in military history and what might have happened if they had turned out differently. What if Alexander the Great had died young? What if D-Day had not been effective? What if the Spanish Armada had won? Historians like Stephen Ambrose, David McCollough, and John Keegan take on these possibilities and more.
The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley, $1.99. From our Adventure and Suspense reading list: Orphaned girl Harry Crewe is living a perfectly ordinary life — until the day she is kidnapped by the king of the Hillfolk to fulfill a destiny she never imagined. Is Harry really a true warrior who can wield the legendary blue sword? And even if she is, will she believe in herself enough to seize her fate?
Waiting, by Kevin Henkes, $1.99. This sweet picture book captures the emotional essence of childhood. Five toys sit by a window, each waiting for something different to happen. Simple, but resonant text and warm illustrations make this a delightful read.
STILL ON SALE
ABCs of Art, by Sabrina Hahn, $1.99. This charming alphabet book is organized around famous paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne, and many others. Each letter gets a short poem, a work of art to explore, and a question about what is going on in the art.
The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature, by Steven Pinker, $4.99. This book is fascinating and long. I bought it when I couldn’t finish my library copy in time (and I wanted to be able to refer to it again). Word nerds and anthropology fans will love this genre mashup. Find out what the words people use for swearing, humor, and metaphor say about us as human beings.
Swallows and Amazons, by Arthur Ransome, $2.99. From our 12 Great Book Series to Read Together list: Homeschoolers have helped rediscover this old-fashioned British series about two groups of families who bond over a shared love of sailing in an idyllic countryside where kids are perfectly safe setting up camp on an island for the summer.
A People’s History of the Supreme Court, by Peter Irons, $4.99. In the spirit of Howard Zinn, Peter Irons brings a fresh perspective to major court decisions in American history. This book is dense, but fascinating. I don’t expect many people would read it straight through, but it is an excellent resource for when you encounter a reference to a court case.
The Essentials: 52 Must-See Movies and Why They Matter, by Jeremy Arnold, $3.99. Grab some popcorn and get ready to dig into this brief history of film from the silent era to the 1980s. For each movie, the book explains what makes it “an essential,” what elements of film-making or society mark it as a classic. There’s also a “what to look for” section for each film highlighting cinematography tricks.
The Time Traveler’s Handbook: 18 Experiences from the Eruption of Vesuvius to Woodstock, by James Wyllie, David Goldblatt, and Johnny Acton, $0.99. This is a high-concept read. It presents itself as a series of travel brochures for a time travel company. For each trip back in time, there is a briefing on local customs, foods, etc. You’ll also find sight-seeing guides and a day-by-day itinerary for each historic moment. It’s a lot of fun and might pique further interest in some historical study. This is marketed as a book for adults, but it should appeal to teens as well.
Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, and More, by Mallika Chopra, $2.99. I’ve talked about Mallika Chopra’s other wellness book for young people, Just Feel (also on sale this week!). In Just Breathe, Chopra focuses on calming and centering practices. She offers basic meditation instructions, as well as guided meditations for sleep, test anxiety, and more.
The Little Book of Lykke, by Meik Wiking, $2.99. Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, and he has spent years traveling the world to learn more about happiness in different cultures. Here, he has consolidated what he has learned into a charming little book. Tackling the topics of togetherness, money, health, freedom, trust, and kindness, Wiking draws on tips from all over the world. His other book, The Little Book of Hygge, is also on sale this week.
My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag… and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha, by Jolie Kerr, $4.99. Most of us have at least one cleaning horror story (mine involves toddler poop on a popcorn ceiling). Jolie Kerr, author of the “Ask a Clean Person” column, is here for you! This collection of cleaning tips and the occasional disaster is an entertaining read that will have you actually WANTING to clean things.
Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rimes, $2.99. Shonda Rimes is the mega-successful producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and other popular shows. She also is extremely introverted and struggles with anxiety. This is the memoir of the year she spent saying “YES!” to all the things that scared her.
New Boy: William Shakespeare’s Othello Retold, by Tracy Chevalier, $4.99. Historical fiction author Tracy Chevalier has taken on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Othello. This time she has transplanted the story to 1970s Washington, where the son of a African diplomat enters a new private school and immediately befriends a popular white girl. Another boy, jealous with the friendship and uncomfortable with the way it challenges his racial beliefs, begins a campaign tear them apart. Note: this is a story about kids, but not for kids.
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents, by Carole P. Roman, $0.99. Learn about WWII from the perspective of spies! With chapters on gear, famous spies, how spies helped win the war, and much more, this book would be a fun addition to a WWII study. The engaging and accessible language will keep middle-grade readers interested. Helpful illustrations and maps enhance the text.
The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects, by Emily Prokop, $1.99. Have you ever wondered who invented the lollipop, hula hoops, or the Comic Sans font? This collection of stories from podcaster Emily Prokop will answer all your burning questions. This is a great one to dip into for a little hit of trivia.
The Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery, by Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles, $2.99. I am not usually much of a military history fan, but this story is so crazy that I find it fascinating. The US Army created a division of artists and other creatives designed to confuse the enemy by moving decoy tanks and other equipment to strategic locations.
From the Corner of the Oval, by Beck Dorey-Stein, $1.99. This dishy political memoir describes the Obama White House from an unusual perspective, that of one of his twenty-something stenographers. Dorey-Stein came to the job with no political experience and got thrown into the deep end. The New York Times called this “Bridget Jones goes to the White House” — how can you pass that up?
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green, $2.99. Hank Green, of Sci Show, Crash Course, and Vlog Brothers, has written a novel, and it’s an interesting one! When April and Andy discover a strange sculpture, they upload a video about it. The video goes viral, and April becomes and a public figure overnight. This is simultaneously a fast-paced mystery of the sculpture’s meaning and origin and a thoughtful consideration of the highs and lows of social media fame.
The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman, $1.99. It’s time to abandon the term “bird brain.” New research shows that some birds may be as smart as primates! Ackerman tells the fascinating story of research into bird intelligence and will make you understand how much scientists are still discovering. The evocative writing will keep you eagerly reading on.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $1.99. This fast-paced, info-packed book is a somewhat fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s years in Austria. Hedy Lamarr is famous as an actress, but she was also a scientist who developed a frequency hopping technique that was instrumental in cell phone technology. Hedy’s position in Austrian society made her privy to secrets of the Third Reich’s plans, which she shared after her dramatic escape from the country. This book is whirlwind and is an excellent read for lovers of classic film, WWII history, or women in science!
All Souls Trilogy, by Deborah Harkness, $1.99. This price is way too good to pass up! When Diana Bishop finds a long-lost manuscript in an Oxford library, she is drawn into an unexpected supernatural world that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. If you liked Outlander but also maybe wished it had a vampire, this is the series for you.
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for January 9, 2020
Dig into art, language, and a beloved classic novel.
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.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
ABCs of Art, by Sabrina Hahn, $1.99. This charming alphabet book is organized around famous paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne, and many others. Each letter gets a short poem, a work of art to explore, and a question about what is going on in the art.
The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature, by Steven Pinker, $4.99. This book is fascinating and long. I bought it when I couldn’t finish my library copy in time (and I wanted to be able to refer to it again). Word nerds and anthropology fans will love this genre mashup. Find out what the words people use for swearing, humor, and metaphor say about us as human beings.
Swallows and Amazons, by Arthur Ransome, $2.99. From our 12 Great Book Series to Read Together list: Homeschoolers have helped rediscover this old-fashioned British series about two groups of families who bond over a shared love of sailing in an idyllic countryside where kids are perfectly safe setting up camp on an island for the summer.
STILL ON SALE
A People’s History of the Supreme Court, by Peter Irons, $4.99. In the spirit of Howard Zinn, Peter Irons brings a fresh perspective to major court decisions in American history. This book is dense, but fascinating. I don’t expect many people would read it straight through, but it is an excellent resource for when you encounter a reference to a court case.
The Essentials: 52 Must-See Movies and Why They Matter, by Jeremy Arnold, $3.99. Grab some popcorn and get ready to dig into this brief history of film from the silent era to the 1980s. For each movie, the book explains what makes it “an essential,” what elements of film-making or society mark it as a classic. There’s also a “what to look for” section for each film highlighting cinematography tricks.
The Time Traveler’s Handbook: 18 Experiences from the Eruption of Vesuvius to Woodstock, by James Wyllie, David Goldblatt, and Johnny Acton, $0.99. This is a high-concept read. It presents itself as a series of travel brochures for a time travel company. For each trip back in time, there is a briefing on local customs, foods, etc. You’ll also find sight-seeing guides and a day-by-day itinerary for each historic moment. It’s a lot of fun and might pique further interest in some historical study. This is marketed as a book for adults, but it should appeal to teens as well.
Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, and More, by Mallika Chopra, $2.99. I’ve talked about Mallika Chopra’s other wellness book for young people, Just Feel (also on sale this week!). In Just Breathe, Chopra focuses on calming and centering practices. She offers basic meditation instructions, as well as guided meditations for sleep, test anxiety, and more.
The Little Book of Lykke, by Meik Wiking, $2.99. Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, and he has spent years traveling the world to learn more about happiness in different cultures. Here, he has consolidated what he has learned into a charming little book. Tackling the topics of togetherness, money, health, freedom, trust, and kindness, Wiking draws on tips from all over the world. His other book, The Little Book of Hygge, is also on sale this week.
My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag… and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha, by Jolie Kerr, $4.99. Most of us have at least one cleaning horror story (mine involves toddler poop on a popcorn ceiling). Jolie Kerr, author of the “Ask a Clean Person” column, is here for you! This collection of cleaning tips and the occasional disaster is an entertaining read that will have you actually WANTING to clean things.
Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rimes, $2.99. Shonda Rimes is the mega-successful producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and other popular shows. She also is extremely introverted and struggles with anxiety. This is the memoir of the year she spent saying “YES!” to all the things that scared her.
New Boy: William Shakespeare’s Othello Retold, by Tracy Chevalier, $4.99. Historical fiction author Tracy Chevalier has taken on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Othello. This time she has transplanted the story to 1970s Washington, where the son of a African diplomat enters a new private school and immediately befriends a popular white girl. Another boy, jealous with the friendship and uncomfortable with the way it challenges his racial beliefs, begins a campaign tear them apart. Note: this is a story about kids, but not for kids.
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents, by Carole P. Roman, $0.99. Learn about WWII from the perspective of spies! With chapters on gear, famous spies, how spies helped win the war, and much more, this book would be a fun addition to a WWII study. The engaging and accessible language will keep middle-grade readers interested. Helpful illustrations and maps enhance the text.
The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects, by Emily Prokop, $1.99. Have you ever wondered who invented the lollipop, hula hoops, or the Comic Sans font? This collection of stories from podcaster Emily Prokop will answer all your burning questions. This is a great one to dip into for a little hit of trivia.
The Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery, by Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles, $2.99. I am not usually much of a military history fan, but this story is so crazy that I find it fascinating. The US Army created a division of artists and other creatives designed to confuse the enemy by moving decoy tanks and other equipment to strategic locations.
From the Corner of the Oval, by Beck Dorey-Stein, $1.99. This dishy political memoir describes the Obama White House from an unusual perspective, that of one of his twenty-something stenographers. Dorey-Stein came to the job with no political experience and got thrown into the deep end. The New York Times called this “Bridget Jones goes to the White House” — how can you pass that up?
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green, $2.99. Hank Green, of Sci Show, Crash Course, and Vlog Brothers, has written a novel, and it’s an interesting one! When April and Andy discover a strange sculpture, they upload a video about it. The video goes viral, and April becomes and a public figure overnight. This is simultaneously a fast-paced mystery of the sculpture’s meaning and origin and a thoughtful consideration of the highs and lows of social media fame.
The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman, $1.99. It’s time to abandon the term “bird brain.” New research shows that some birds may be as smart as primates! Ackerman tells the fascinating story of research into bird intelligence and will make you understand how much scientists are still discovering. The evocative writing will keep you eagerly reading on.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $1.99. This fast-paced, info-packed book is a somewhat fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s years in Austria. Hedy Lamarr is famous as an actress, but she was also a scientist who developed a frequency hopping technique that was instrumental in cell phone technology. Hedy’s position in Austrian society made her privy to secrets of the Third Reich’s plans, which she shared after her dramatic escape from the country. This book is whirlwind and is an excellent read for lovers of classic film, WWII history, or women in science!
All Souls Trilogy, by Deborah Harkness, $1.99. This price is way too good to pass up! When Diana Bishop finds a long-lost manuscript in an Oxford library, she is drawn into an unexpected supernatural world that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. If you liked Outlander but also maybe wished it had a vampire, this is the series for you.
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for January 8, 2020
Today’s books bring life to history.
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.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
A People’s History of the Supreme Court, by Peter Irons, $4.99. In the spirit of Howard Zinn, Peter Irons brings a fresh perspective to major court decisions in American history. This book is dense, but fascinating. I don’t expect many people would read it straight through, but it is an excellent resource for when you encounter a reference to a court case.
The Time Traveler’s Handbook: 18 Experiences from the Eruption of Vesuvius to Woodstock, by James Wyllie, David Goldblatt, and Johnny Acton, $0.99. This is a high-concept read. It presents itself as a series of travel brochures for a time travel company. For each trip back in time, there is a briefing on local customs, foods, etc. You’ll also find sight-seeing guides and a day-by-day itinerary for each historic moment. It’s a lot of fun and might pique further interest in some historical study. This is marketed as a book for adults, but it should appeal to teens as well.
The Essentials: 52 Must-See Movies and Why They Matter, by Jeremy Arnold, $3.99. Grab some popcorn and get ready to dig into this brief history of film from the silent era to the 1980s. For each movie, the book explains what makes it “an essential,” what elements of film-making or society mark it as a classic. There’s also a “what to look for” section for each film highlighting cinematography tricks.
STILL ON SALE
Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, and More, by Mallika Chopra, $2.99. I’ve talked about Mallika Chopra’s other wellness book for young people, Just Feel (also on sale this week!). In Just Breathe, Chopra focuses on calming and centering practices. She offers basic meditation instructions, as well as guided meditations for sleep, test anxiety, and more.
The Little Book of Lykke, by Meik Wiking, $2.99. Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, and he has spent years traveling the world to learn more about happiness in different cultures. Here, he has consolidated what he has learned into a charming little book. Tackling the topics of togetherness, money, health, freedom, trust, and kindness, Wiking draws on tips from all over the world. His other book, The Little Book of Hygge, is also on sale this week.
My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag… and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha, by Jolie Kerr, $4.99. Most of us have at least one cleaning horror story (mine involves toddler poop on a popcorn ceiling). Jolie Kerr, author of the “Ask a Clean Person” column, is here for you! This collection of cleaning tips and the occasional disaster is an entertaining read that will have you actually WANTING to clean things.
Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rimes, $2.99. Shonda Rimes is the mega-successful producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and other popular shows. She also is extremely introverted and struggles with anxiety. This is the memoir of the year she spent saying “YES!” to all the things that scared her.
New Boy: William Shakespeare’s Othello Retold, by Tracy Chevalier, $4.99. Historical fiction author Tracy Chevalier has taken on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Othello. This time she has transplanted the story to 1970s Washington, where the son of a African diplomat enters a new private school and immediately befriends a popular white girl. Another boy, jealous with the friendship and uncomfortable with the way it challenges his racial beliefs, begins a campaign tear them apart. Note: this is a story about kids, but not for kids.
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents, by Carole P. Roman, $0.99. Learn about WWII from the perspective of spies! With chapters on gear, famous spies, how spies helped win the war, and much more, this book would be a fun addition to a WWII study. The engaging and accessible language will keep middle-grade readers interested. Helpful illustrations and maps enhance the text.
The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects, by Emily Prokop, $1.99. Have you ever wondered who invented the lollipop, hula hoops, or the Comic Sans font? This collection of stories from podcaster Emily Prokop will answer all your burning questions. This is a great one to dip into for a little hit of trivia.
The Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery, by Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles, $2.99. I am not usually much of a military history fan, but this story is so crazy that I find it fascinating. The US Army created a division of artists and other creatives designed to confuse the enemy by moving decoy tanks and other equipment to strategic locations.
From the Corner of the Oval, by Beck Dorey-Stein, $1.99. This dishy political memoir describes the Obama White House from an unusual perspective, that of one of his twenty-something stenographers. Dorey-Stein came to the job with no political experience and got thrown into the deep end. The New York Times called this “Bridget Jones goes to the White House” — how can you pass that up?
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green, $2.99. Hank Green, of Sci Show, Crash Course, and Vlog Brothers, has written a novel, and it’s an interesting one! When April and Andy discover a strange sculpture, they upload a video about it. The video goes viral, and April becomes and a public figure overnight. This is simultaneously a fast-paced mystery of the sculpture’s meaning and origin and a thoughtful consideration of the highs and lows of social media fame.
The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman, $1.99. It’s time to abandon the term “bird brain.” New research shows that some birds may be as smart as primates! Ackerman tells the fascinating story of research into bird intelligence and will make you understand how much scientists are still discovering. The evocative writing will keep you eagerly reading on.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $1.99. This fast-paced, info-packed book is a somewhat fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s years in Austria. Hedy Lamarr is famous as an actress, but she was also a scientist who developed a frequency hopping technique that was instrumental in cell phone technology. Hedy’s position in Austrian society made her privy to secrets of the Third Reich’s plans, which she shared after her dramatic escape from the country. This book is whirlwind and is an excellent read for lovers of classic film, WWII history, or women in science!
All Souls Trilogy, by Deborah Harkness, $1.99. This price is way too good to pass up! When Diana Bishop finds a long-lost manuscript in an Oxford library, she is drawn into an unexpected supernatural world that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. If you liked Outlander but also maybe wished it had a vampire, this is the series for you.
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for January 7, 2020
Start the new year right with these helpful books!
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.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, and More, by Mallika Chopra, $2.99. I’ve talked about Mallika Chopra’s other wellness book for young people, Just Feel (also on sale this week!). In Just Breathe, Chopra focuses on calming and centering practices. She offers basic meditation instructions, as well as guided meditations for sleep, test anxiety, and more.
The Little Book of Lykke, by Meik Wiking, $2.99. Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, and he has spent years traveling the world to learn more about happiness in different cultures. Here, he has consolidated what he has learned into a charming little book. Tackling the topics of togetherness, money, health, freedom, trust, and kindness, Wiking draws on tips from all over the world. His other book, The Little Book of Hygge, is also on sale this week.
My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag… and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha, by Jolie Kerr, $4.99. Most of us have at least one cleaning horror story (mine involves toddler poop on a popcorn ceiling). Jolie Kerr, author of the “Ask a Clean Person” column, is here for you! This collection of cleaning tips and the occasional disaster is an entertaining read that will have you actually WANTING to clean things.
STILL ON SALE
Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rimes, $2.99. Shonda Rimes is the mega-successful producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and other popular shows. She also is extremely introverted and struggles with anxiety. This is the memoir of the year she spent saying “YES!” to all the things that scared her.
New Boy: William Shakespeare’s Othello Retold, by Tracy Chevalier, $4.99. Historical fiction author Tracy Chevalier has taken on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Othello. This time she has transplanted the story to 1970s Washington, where the son of a African diplomat enters a new private school and immediately befriends a popular white girl. Another boy, jealous with the friendship and uncomfortable with the way it challenges his racial beliefs, begins a campaign tear them apart. Note: this is a story about kids, but not for kids.
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents, by Carole P. Roman, $0.99. Learn about WWII from the perspective of spies! With chapters on gear, famous spies, how spies helped win the war, and much more, this book would be a fun addition to a WWII study. The engaging and accessible language will keep middle-grade readers interested. Helpful illustrations and maps enhance the text.
The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects, by Emily Prokop, $1.99. Have you ever wondered who invented the lollipop, hula hoops, or the Comic Sans font? This collection of stories from podcaster Emily Prokop will answer all your burning questions. This is a great one to dip into for a little hit of trivia.
The Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery, by Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles, $2.99. I am not usually much of a military history fan, but this story is so crazy that I find it fascinating. The US Army created a division of artists and other creatives designed to confuse the enemy by moving decoy tanks and other equipment to strategic locations.
From the Corner of the Oval, by Beck Dorey-Stein, $1.99. This dishy political memoir describes the Obama White House from an unusual perspective, that of one of his twenty-something stenographers. Dorey-Stein came to the job with no political experience and got thrown into the deep end. The New York Times called this “Bridget Jones goes to the White House” — how can you pass that up?
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green, $2.99. Hank Green, of Sci Show, Crash Course, and Vlog Brothers, has written a novel, and it’s an interesting one! When April and Andy discover a strange sculpture, they upload a video about it. The video goes viral, and April becomes and a public figure overnight. This is simultaneously a fast-paced mystery of the sculpture’s meaning and origin and a thoughtful consideration of the highs and lows of social media fame.
The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman, $1.99. It’s time to abandon the term “bird brain.” New research shows that some birds may be as smart as primates! Ackerman tells the fascinating story of research into bird intelligence and will make you understand how much scientists are still discovering. The evocative writing will keep you eagerly reading on.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $1.99. This fast-paced, info-packed book is a somewhat fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s years in Austria. Hedy Lamarr is famous as an actress, but she was also a scientist who developed a frequency hopping technique that was instrumental in cell phone technology. Hedy’s position in Austrian society made her privy to secrets of the Third Reich’s plans, which she shared after her dramatic escape from the country. This book is whirlwind and is an excellent read for lovers of classic film, WWII history, or women in science!
All Souls Trilogy, by Deborah Harkness, $1.99. This price is way too good to pass up! When Diana Bishop finds a long-lost manuscript in an Oxford library, she is drawn into an unexpected supernatural world that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. If you liked Outlander but also maybe wished it had a vampire, this is the series for you.
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for January 6, 2020
Memoir, tragedy, spy history — we have it all today!
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.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rimes, $2.99. Shonda Rimes is the mega-successful producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and other popular shows. She also is extremely introverted and struggles with anxiety. This is the memoir of the year she spent saying “YES!” to all the things that scared her.
New Boy: William Shakespeare’s Othello Retold, by Tracy Chevalier, $4.99. Historical fiction author Tracy Chevalier has taken on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Othello. This time she has transplanted the story to 1970s Washington, where the son of a African diplomat enters a new private school and immediately befriends a popular white girl. Another boy, jealous with the friendship and uncomfortable with the way it challenges his racial beliefs, begins a campaign tear them apart. Note: this is a story about kids, but not for kids.
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents, by Carole P. Roman, $0.99. Learn about WWII from the perspective of spies! With chapters on gear, famous spies, how spies helped win the war, and much more, this book would be a fun addition to a WWII study. The engaging and accessible language will keep middle-grade readers interested. Helpful illustrations and maps enhance the text.
STILL ON SALE
The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects, by Emily Prokop, $1.99. Have you ever wondered who invented the lollipop, hula hoops, or the Comic Sans font? This collection of stories from podcaster Emily Prokop will answer all your burning questions. This is a great one to dip into for a little hit of trivia.
The Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery, by Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles, $2.99. I am not usually much of a military history fan, but this story is so crazy that I find it fascinating. The US Army created a division of artists and other creatives designed to confuse the enemy by moving decoy tanks and other equipment to strategic locations.
From the Corner of the Oval, by Beck Dorey-Stein, $1.99. This dishy political memoir describes the Obama White House from an unusual perspective, that of one of his twenty-something stenographers. Dorey-Stein came to the job with no political experience and got thrown into the deep end. The New York Times called this “Bridget Jones goes to the White House” — how can you pass that up?
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green, $2.99. Hank Green, of Sci Show, Crash Course, and Vlog Brothers, has written a novel, and it’s an interesting one! When April and Andy discover a strange sculpture, they upload a video about it. The video goes viral, and April becomes and a public figure overnight. This is simultaneously a fast-paced mystery of the sculpture’s meaning and origin and a thoughtful consideration of the highs and lows of social media fame.
The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman, $1.99. It’s time to abandon the term “bird brain.” New research shows that some birds may be as smart as primates! Ackerman tells the fascinating story of research into bird intelligence and will make you understand how much scientists are still discovering. The evocative writing will keep you eagerly reading on.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $1.99. This fast-paced, info-packed book is a somewhat fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s years in Austria. Hedy Lamarr is famous as an actress, but she was also a scientist who developed a frequency hopping technique that was instrumental in cell phone technology. Hedy’s position in Austrian society made her privy to secrets of the Third Reich’s plans, which she shared after her dramatic escape from the country. This book is whirlwind and is an excellent read for lovers of classic film, WWII history, or women in science!
All Souls Trilogy, by Deborah Harkness, $1.99. This price is way too good to pass up! When Diana Bishop finds a long-lost manuscript in an Oxford library, she is drawn into an unexpected supernatural world that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. If you liked Outlander but also maybe wished it had a vampire, this is the series for you.
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for January 5, 2020
It’s nonfiction day!
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.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
Amazon’s having a massive sale on nonfiction today. I’ll keep descriptions brief so that I can fit more deals in. Keep in mind that many of these prices will be just for today.
Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $1.99. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted for middle-grade readers. Your tween/teen will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects, by Emily Prokop, $1.99. Have you ever wondered who invented the lollipop, hula hoops, or the Comic Sans font? This collection of stories from podcaster Emily Prokop will answer all your burning questions. This is a great one to dip into for a little hit of trivia.
Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II, by Liza Mundy, $3.99. Another amazing history book about a group of unsung women behind some major achievements! Mundy reveals the secret group of more than 10,000 women who were recruited to help brake Japanese and German codes during WWII. There is a young readers’ edition of this one, but it isn’t on sale.
Dear Mother: Poems on the Hot Mess of Motherhood, by Bunmi Laditan, $2.99. I love Bunmi Laditan. Her writing about motherhood is hilarious and freeing. This collection of poems will have you laughing, probably crying, and remembering various moments of parenthood.
The Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery, by Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles, $2.99. I am not usually much of a military history fan, but this story is so crazy that I find it fascinating. The US Army created a division of artists and other creatives designed to confuse the enemy by moving decoy tanks and other equipment to strategic locations.
No Stopping Us Now: The Adventures of Older Women in American History, by Gail Collins, $3.99. You’ve seen me recommend Collins before. This book is new to me, but I love the premise. Collins takes on aging in America, what it meant to be “old” at different points in history, and some amazing things accomplished by America’s older women.
Movies (and Other Things), by Shea Serrano, $3.99. I was excited to see this one on sale because I had just leafed through it at a bookstore last week. This is a book about movies, culture, and more. Have you ever considered which characters from other films would be allowed to sit at Regina George’s table in Mean Girls? What about whether the Rockford Peaches should have traded Kit in A League of Their Own? Shea Serrano tackles these and more.
From the Corner of the Oval, by Beck Dorey-Stein, $1.99. This dishy political memoir describes the Obama White House from an unusual perspective, that of one of his twenty-something stenographers. Dorey-Stein came to the job with no political experience and got thrown into the deep end. The New York TImes called this “Bridget Jones goes to the White House” — how can you pass that up?
STILL ON SALE
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green, $2.99. Hank Green, of Sci Show, Crash Course, and Vlog Brothers, has written a novel, and it’s an interesting one! When April and Andy discover a strange sculpture, they upload a video about it. The video goes viral, and April becomes and a public figure overnight. This is simultaneously a fast-paced mystery of the sculpture’s meaning and origin and a thoughtful consideration of the highs and lows of social media fame.
The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman, $1.99. It’s time to abandon the term “bird brain.” New research shows that some birds may be as smart as primates! Ackerman tells the fascinating story of research into bird intelligence and will make you understand how much scientists are still discovering. The evocative writing will keep you eagerly reading on.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $1.99. This fast-paced, info-packed book is a somewhat fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s years in Austria. Hedy Lamarr is famous as an actress, but she was also a scientist who developed a frequency hopping technique that was instrumental in cell phone technology. Hedy’s position in Austrian society made her privy to secrets of the Third Reich’s plans, which she shared after her dramatic escape from the country. This book is whirlwind and is an excellent read for lovers of classic film, WWII history, or women in science!
All Souls Trilogy, by Deborah Harkness, $1.99. This price is way too good to pass up! When Diana Bishop finds a long-lost manuscript in an Oxford library, she is drawn into an unexpected supernatural world that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. If you liked Outlander but also maybe wished it had a vampire, this is the series for you.
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for January 3, 2020
Books to really make you think!
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.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green, $2.99. Hank Green, of Sci Show, Crash Course, and Vlog Brothers, has written a novel, and it’s an interesting one! When April and Andy discover a strange sculpture, they upload a video about it. The video goes viral, and April becomes and a public figure overnight. This is simultaneously a fast-paced mystery of the sculpture’s meaning and origin and a thoughtful consideration of the highs and lows of social media fame.
The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman, $1.99. It’s time to abandon the term “bird brain.” New research shows that some birds may be as smart as primates! Ackerman tells the fascinating story of research into bird intelligence and will make you understand how much scientists are still discovering. The evocative writing will keep you eagerly reading on.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
STILL ON SALE
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $1.99. This fast-paced, info-packed book is a somewhat fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s years in Austria. Hedy Lamarr is famous as an actress, but she was also a scientist who developed a frequency hopping technique that was instrumental in cell phone technology. Hedy’s position in Austrian society made her privy to secrets of the Third Reich’s plans, which she shared after her dramatic escape from the country. This book is whirlwind and is an excellent read for lovers of classic film, WWII history, or women in science!
All Souls Trilogy, by Deborah Harkness, $1.99. This price is way too good to pass up! When Diana Bishop finds a long-lost manuscript in an Oxford library, she is drawn into an unexpected supernatural world that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. If you liked Outlander but also maybe wished it had a vampire, this is the series for you.
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for January 2, 2020
Today’s deals will bring you historical fiction based on thrilling real events, a fantasy series at a tremendous price, and a delightful picture book!
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.)
Never miss a deal! Sign up for an email notification every time we post here.
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $1.99. This fast-paced, info-packed book is a somewhat fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s years in Austria. Hedy Lamarr is famous as an actress, but she was also a scientist who developed a frequency hopping technique that was instrumental in cell phone technology. Hedy’s position in Austrian society made her privy to secrets of the Third Reich’s plans, which she shared after her dramatic escape from the country. This book is whirlwind and is an excellent read for lovers of classic film, WWII history, or women in science!
All Souls Trilogy, by Deborah Harkness, $1.99. This price is way too good to pass up! When Diana Bishop finds a long-lost manuscript in an Oxford library, she is drawn into an unexpected supernatural world that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. If you liked Outlander but also maybe wished it had a vampire, this is the series for you.
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.
STILL ON SALE
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for January 1, 2020
New Year, New Deals!
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 is starting the new year off with another great selection of books!
Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts, by Kate Racculia, $2.99. Racculia’s previous book, Bellwether Rhapsody, won the ALEX award for adult fiction that appeals to YA readers. This book is pitched to a similar audience, and is described as a spookier, more grown-up take on The Westing Game.
Grim Lovelies, by Megan Shepherd, $2.99. Do you like your YA novels on the dark side, blending realism and fantasy, and taking place in an epic European location? If so, this is the book for you! Anouk dreams of a fully fledged life, but she is a “Beastie” — an animal enchanted into the form of a human form to serve as servants to the wealthy of Paris. When her mistress is murdered, Anouk and her fellow Beasties must find the culprit or risk losing their humanity.
Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell, $1.99. We like this book so much we planned an entire family vacation around it in the spring 2018 issue of HSL! It’s a classic for a reason: Teenage Karana survives alone on an island off the California coast in a tale that manages to be part survival story, part meditation on what it means to be human.
Animal Farm: The Graphic Novel, by George Orwell and Odyr, $2.99. Orwell’s classic allegory about the rise of Communism has been adapted into a graphic novel form! If you’ve seen the cartoon adaptation, this is a major departure. Artist Odyr illustrates with detailed and realistic paintings. The effect is unsettling and really adds to the experience.
A Crack in Creation, by Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H Sternberg, $2.99. Start the year off with some science! Doudna and Sternberg are both researchers of the CRISPR gene-editing tool, which allows scientists to relatively easily manipulate heritable genes in living subjects. This is the story of CRISPR’s development, the tremendous power it offers for medical science, and the dangers of irresponsible usage.
Emmy in the Key of Code, by Aimee Lucido, $2.99. This middle-grade novel about a new girl finding her place in a new school has a unique twist. The story revolves around a coding class and Emmy’s interest in music.
STILL ON SALE
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for December 31, 2019
End the year with great reads for kids, teens, and adults!
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 some great year-end deals, so I’m bringing you a larger selection today. Keep in mind most of these will end when the clock strikes 12!
The Next Great Paulie Fink, by Ali Benjamin, $1.99. This middle-grade novel is told from multiple perspectives, which is one of my favorite literary techniques. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Caitlyn Breen begins her disorienting new life at Mitchell School--where the students take care of real live goats and study long-dead philosophers, and where there are only ten other students in the entire seventh grade--it seems like nobody can stop talking about some kid named Paulie Fink. Depending on whom you ask, Paulie was either a hilarious class clown, a relentless troublemaker, a hapless klutz, or an evil genius. One thing's for sure, though: The kid was totally legendary. Now he's disappeared, and Caitlyn finds herself leading a reality-show-style competition to find the school's next great Paulie Fink. With each challenge, Caitlyn struggles to understand a person she never met...but it's what she discovers about herself that most surprises her.”
Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet, by Will Hunt, $2.99. For thousands of years, humans have been venturing underground. Will Hunt has long been fascinated with what is happening beneath our feet, and he has collected a series of experiences that range from scientific to anthropological. With careful, beautiful prose, Hunt encourages the reader to consider the unseen mysteries underground.
Brightly Burning, by Alexa Donne, $2.99. This is Jane Eyre in space. Do I need to say more? In this YA adaptation, Stella is a governess on the spaceship Rochester, where she doesn’t have to worry about rations and is free to read the extensive library. But the ship appears to be haunted, with disturbing and mysterious incidents.
The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe, by Dr. Steven Novella, $2.99. I bought this book last year when I kept wanting to refer to my library copy after I returned it. Start the new year with a fresh look at fake news, real science, and how to tell the different. This is a perfect book to introduce teens to media awareness, critical thinking, and today’s current scientific debates (e.g., vaccines, global warming, radio waves).
Greystone Secrets: The Strangers, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, $1.99. I haven’t read this middle-grade novel yet, but it seems perfect for the long, dark evenings of winter. The publisher’s description is thrilling and chilling: “The Greystone kids thought they knew. Chess has always been the protector over his younger siblings, Emma loves math, and Finn does what Finn does best—acting silly and being adored. They’ve been a happy family, just the three of them and their mom. But everything changes when reports of three kidnapped children reach the Greystone kids, and they’re shocked by the startling similarities between themselves and these complete strangers. The other kids share their same first and middle names. They’re the same ages. They even have identical birthdays. Who, exactly, are these strangers? Before Chess, Emma, and Finn can question their mom about it, she takes off on a sudden work trip and leaves them in the care of Ms. Morales and her daughter, Natalie. But puzzling clues left behind lead to complex codes, hidden rooms, and a dangerous secret that will turn their world upside down.
STILL ON SALE
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
(Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health, edited by Kelly Jensen, $1.99. The YA nonfiction collection of essays explores what it means to have a mental illness, how to talk about mental illness, and how to understand brain differences throughout the population. The contributors range from YA authors to musicians, actors, and more.
Put On Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses and Discover Nature’s Secrets, by Devin Franklin, $2.99. Get your upper elementary kid outdoors to observe! This book goes through the art of tracking and observing in nature to encourage kids to explore and document what they see. It’s full of map-making activities, journaling prompts, and inspiring photography.
The World According to Snoopy: Volume One, by Charles M. Schultz, $2.99. Because of all the holiday specials, the last months of the year always feel like Snoopy season to me. With this massive collection of Snoopy comics, you can carry a bit of the Peanuts world around with you all year.
How to Read the Constitution and Why, by Kim Wehle, $2.99. It’s been a big week for American government, and now might be a good time for a current events/civics study. Law Professor Kim Wehle goes through the Constitution to explain all the major rights and responsibilities it enshrines. The “why” is equally important; Wehle makes a strong case for why each citizen should know the Constitution and be prepared to protect it.
Laugh-Out-Loud Christmas Jokes for Kids, by Rob Elliott, $1.99. I’m not going to lie; these are not sophisticated jokes, but they will tickle the kids on your life. If you’ve wanted to know why snowmen always change their minds (they’re flaky) or why Rudolph’s nose shines at night (he’s a light sleeper), this book is for you!
We Need to Talk, by Celeste Headlee, $1.99. As we roll into the holiday season, you may find yourself interacting with people you don’t see all that often. This interesting and helpful book about communication offers tools that will improve your conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and others.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for December 30, 2019
Recent best-sellers to thrill older readers!
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.)
Tidelands, by Philippa Gregory, $4.99. You may be familiar with Philippa Gregory’s other books, which are mostly about the Tudor court. Tidelands begins a new series set in a similar time period but focusing on the lives of common people. When Alinor assists a fugitive in crossing the marshland, she opens her life to unexpected dangers.
Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear Disaster, by Adam Higginbotham, $4.99. This book was all over the “Best Books of 2019” lists, so it is phenomenal to see it under $5. Higginbotham has carefully recreated the details of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, including much that was unknown to the public. This is the story of the causes and effects of a nuclear meltdown as well as the systems of information and propaganda that shaped how the news was framed to the larger world.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, $3.99. Can you believe this YA classic is 20 years old? Introduce a new generation to Charlie and his quest to figure out adolescence. Love, loss, Rocky Horror — this book has it all. You can compare with the film version featuring Emma Watson as well.
STILL ON SALE
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.”
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
(Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health, edited by Kelly Jensen, $1.99. The YA nonfiction collection of essays explores what it means to have a mental illness, how to talk about mental illness, and how to understand brain differences throughout the population. The contributors range from YA authors to musicians, actors, and more.
Put On Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses and Discover Nature’s Secrets, by Devin Franklin, $2.99. Get your upper elementary kid outdoors to observe! This book goes through the art of tracking and observing in nature to encourage kids to explore and document what they see. It’s full of map-making activities, journaling prompts, and inspiring photography.
The World According to Snoopy: Volume One, by Charles M. Schultz, $2.99. Because of all the holiday specials, the last months of the year always feel like Snoopy season to me. With this massive collection of Snoopy comics, you can carry a bit of the Peanuts world around with you all year.
How to Read the Constitution and Why, by Kim Wehle, $2.99. It’s been a big week for American government, and now might be a good time for a current events/civics study. Law Professor Kim Wehle goes through the Constitution to explain all the major rights and responsibilities it enshrines. The “why” is equally important; Wehle makes a strong case for why each citizen should know the Constitution and be prepared to protect it.
Laugh-Out-Loud Christmas Jokes for Kids, by Rob Elliott, $1.99. I’m not going to lie; these are not sophisticated jokes, but they will tickle the kids on your life. If you’ve wanted to know why snowmen always change their minds (they’re flaky) or why Rudolph’s nose shines at night (he’s a light sleeper), this book is for you!
We Need to Talk, by Celeste Headlee, $1.99. As we roll into the holiday season, you may find yourself interacting with people you don’t see all that often. This interesting and helpful book about communication offers tools that will improve your conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and others.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for December 28, 2019
Start the new year off right with some thought-provoking reads!
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.)
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.”
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee, $1.99. This middle-grade novel has been compared to The Hate U Give. Shay is a 12-year-old girl who hates trouble and doesn’t want to stand out. When a tragedy moves her to stand up for what she believes in, she finds out that some things are worth a bit of trouble.
(Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health, edited by Kelly Jensen, $1.99. The YA nonfiction collection of essays explores what it means to have a mental illness, how to talk about mental illness, and how to understand brain differences throughout the population. The contributors range from YA authors to musicians, actors, and more.
STILL ON SALE
Put On Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses and Discover Nature’s Secrets, by Devin Franklin, $2.99. Get your upper elementary kid outdoors to observe! This book goes through the art of tracking and observing in nature to encourage kids to explore and document what they see. It’s full of map-making activities, journaling prompts, and inspiring photography.
The World According to Snoopy: Volume One, by Charles M. Schultz, $2.99. Because of all the holiday specials, the last months of the year always feel like Snoopy season to me. With this massive collection of Snoopy comics, you can carry a bit of the Peanuts world around with you all year.
How to Read the Constitution and Why, by Kim Wehle, $2.99. It’s been a big week for American government, and now might be a good time for a current events/civics study. Law Professor Kim Wehle goes through the Constitution to explain all the major rights and responsibilities it enshrines. The “why” is equally important; Wehle makes a strong case for why each citizen should know the Constitution and be prepared to protect it.
Laugh-Out-Loud Christmas Jokes for Kids, by Rob Elliott, $1.99. I’m not going to lie; these are not sophisticated jokes, but they will tickle the kids on your life. If you’ve wanted to know why snowmen always change their minds (they’re flaky) or why Rudolph’s nose shines at night (he’s a light sleeper), this book is for you!
We Need to Talk, by Celeste Headlee, $1.99. As we roll into the holiday season, you may find yourself interacting with people you don’t see all that often. This interesting and helpful book about communication offers tools that will improve your conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and others.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Kindle Deals for December 20, 2019
From Snoopy to nature to the Constitution, we have found some great deals today.
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.)
Put On Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses and Discover Nature’s Secrets, by Devin Franklin, $2.99. Get your upper elementary kid outdoors to observe! This book goes through the art of tracking and observing in nature to encourage kids to explore and document what they see. It’s full of map-making activities, journaling prompts, and inspiring photography.
The World According to Snoopy: Volume One, by Charles M. Schultz, $2.99. Because of all the holiday specials, the last months of the year always feel like Snoopy season to me. With this massive collection of Snoopy comics, you can carry a bit of the Peanuts world around with you all year.
How to Read the Constitution and Why, by Kim Wehle, $2.99. It’s been a big week for American government, and now might be a good time for a current events/civics study. Law Professor Kim Wehle goes through the Constitution to explain all the major rights and responsibilities it enshrines. The “why” is equally important; Wehle makes a strong case for why each citizen should know the Constitution and be prepared to protect it.
STILL ON SALE
Laugh-Out-Loud Christmas Jokes for Kids, by Rob Elliott, $1.99. I’m not going to lie; these are not sophisticated jokes, but they will tickle the kids on your life. If you’ve wanted to know why snowmen always change their minds (they’re flaky) or why Rudolph’s nose shines at night (he’s a light sleeper), this book is for you!
We Need to Talk, by Celeste Headlee, $1.99. As we roll into the holiday season, you may find yourself interacting with people you don’t see all that often. This interesting and helpful book about communication offers tools that will improve your conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and others.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Longitude, by Dava Sobel, $3.99. I take so much scientific knowledge for granted, so it is fascinating to dive deep into how a particular scientific problem was solved. For centuries, sailors were stymied by “the longitude problem” — without a way to tell time at sea, it was impossible to determine longitude as soon as shore was out of sight. This is the story of John Harrison’s quest to find a solution. Along the way, Sobel explains the astronomy, navigation, and time-keeping innovations that made longitude determination possible.
The Giver, by Lois Lowry, $1.99. From our What You Should Read in Middle School guide: What cost does utopia have? How important is freedom? Tweens are ready to tackle those ambiguous questions right along with young Jonah in this deceptively simple novel.
The Wendy, by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown, $0.99. I’ve heard interesting things about this retelling of Peter Pan. Wendy Darling loves the sea and wants to be a captain, but in 18th century England, this is an impossibility. Here’s how the publisher describes it: When she learns the Home Office is accepting a handful of women into its ranks, she jumps at the chance, joining the fight against the most formidable threat England has ever faced. Magic. But the secret service isn’t exactly what she hoped. Accompanied by a reimagined cast of the original Peter Pan, Wendy soon discovers that her dreams are as far away as ever, that choosing sides isn’t as simple as she thought, and that the only man who isn't blinded by her gender ... might be her nation's greatest enemy.
The Magician’s Nephew, by C.S. Lewis, $1.99. This is the novel that begins The Chronicles of Narnia series. You’ll witness the creation of Narnia, a daring escape from a sorceress, and more.
American Royals, by Katharine McGee, $4.99. This is a recent release that has made many “Best YA of 2019” lists! The concept is fascinating: “When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne. Like most royal families, the Washingtons have an heir and a spare. A future monarch and a backup battery. Each child knows exactly what is expected of them. But these aren't just any royals. They're American.”
The African Svelte: Ingenious Misspellings That Make Surprising Sense, by Daniel Menaker, $2.99. We all make word usage mistakes, and the era of autocorrect saved us from homophone errors. This interesting and funny book takes a look at some common word errors like “from the gecko” and “wet your appetite” to explain the correct terminology and speculate on why so many people get them wrong. Cartoonist Roz Chast provides hilariously literal illustrations.
Capital Dames: The Civil War and the Women of Washington 1848-1868, by Cokie Roberts, $1.99. I loved American Dames, Roberts’s book about women in the American Revolution. Capital Dames is a rare treat for me, a Civil War book that is not primarily a listing of battles. Rather, Roberts focuses on women’s lives and their contributions to the war. This is an excellent reference to round out a Civil War study.
The Amazing Idea of You, by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, $1.99. This adorable and inspiring book will be a great readaloud for your family. Inside a seed is the idea of a plant, and inside of an egg is the idea of a bird. What wonderful things are waiting inside of you?
Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom, by Jennifer S. Holland, $2.99. It’s time for your daily dose of “Awwwww!” This collection of short nonfiction stories celebrates animal companionship. From the orphaned elephant who found a mother figure in a sheep to the baby deer and bobcat who bonded at an animal rescue, these adorable pairs will warm your heart. The book is pleasantly peppered with charming photos.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. This English major has always loved reading Fancy Nancy books to kids. I love how excited Nancy gets about language! Nancy declares Christmas to be the fanciest of all the holidays and walks you through all the reason why with her trademark big words and charm.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working to improve living conditions around the world for years. In this book, Melinda Gates shares some of the insights she has gained from her extensive travels. She says, “If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.”
The Stars Now Unclaimed, by Drew Williams, $2.99. My husband really enjoyed this book and recently recommended it to one of his favorite teens. Unfortunately, he’s not here to give me his summary so we will have to defer to the publisher: “Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax--a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase, by Cynthia Hand, $1.99. This YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol will intrigue adults and teens alike. When Holly is visited by ghosts who tell her to change her ways, she doesn’t listen. And then she dies. Now she must serve as a Ghost of Christmas Past. Her afterlife isn’t going well, but there may be an opportunity for a second chance.
Problem Solving 101, A Simple Book for Smart People, by Ken Watanabe, $4.99. Ken Watanabe wrote this book for Japanese school kids to get them practicing decision making and problem solving instead of just memorization. Through a series of interesting adventures and challenges, Watanabe teaches the readers how use logic, trial and error, and teamwork to solve complicated problems. The examples and illustrations are fun for all ages; this book became a Japanese bestseller popular with business leaders!
Your Inner Fish, a Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body, by Neil Shubin, $4.99. We know humans share common ancestors with pretty much all creatures on earth if you go far back enough. Paleontologist Neil Shubin walks us through the fossil and DNA records to show which parts of our body we share with other current and extinct animals. This book brings ancient history to life by showing how the traces are still visible in our own hands, heads, and more.
Hanukcats, and Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats, by Laurie Loughlin, $1.99. Do you love the holidays, humor, and also cats? This might be your lucky day. This collection of funny Hanukkah-themed songs are written from the perspective of your household cat. Funny, charming illustrations make this book fun for all ages. If your family or your cat celebrates Christmas, you might want to check out Catmas Carols by the same author.
The Poisoner’s Handbook, Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, by Deborah Blum, $4.99. We take CSI shows completely for granted now. Of course there will scientific experts carefully examining the scene of the crime, right? Surprisingly, forensic science was not a major part of law enforcement until approximately one hundred years ago. Poisoning was a nearly undetectable crime until a pair of scientists systematically studied the effects and traces of poisons. This is fascinating, if dark at times, history.
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?!).”
The Magic Thief, by Sarah Prineas, $3.99. Magic is in short supply in Conn’s world. When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, the wizard decides to make Conn his apprentice. As Conn learns to navigate the world of magic, he must find his own power and help his master discover who or what is draining the city of its magic. This is the first in an exciting middle-grade series.
Something in Between, by Melissa de la Cruz, $2.99. Melissa de la Cruz is a prolific YA author known largely for vampire novels, Alexander Hamilton stories, and the Descendants novels. In Something in Between, she veers into more realistic fiction to tell the story of a young Filipino girl who discovers that her parents overstayed their visas, and that everyone in their family is an illegal immigrant. The story encompasses both her legal journey and a romance plot. This is a feel-good story about a difficult situation that may be more optimistic than realistic, but it could be a good way to introduce and personalize the topic of illegal immigration for middle and high school readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, $1.99. This vivid and delicious, though sometimes dark, novel is a children’s classic. Kids everywhere will relate to Charlie’s adventure at the chocolate factory and take delight in the terrible mishaps that befall the misbehaving children on the tour. I loved this book as a child; Dahl has the perfect balance of joy and the kind of dark humor kids love.
The Bad Seed, by Jory John, $2.99. This kid’s book about a bad seed who reconsiders his path in the world is sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson, $2.99. My tween daughter really likes the books in this series of illustrated novels, which are great for fans of Raina Telgemeier. In this one, Jaime struggles when her friend group wants her to conform or go away. With support from adults and other friends, Jaime is able to stay true to herself.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $2.99. This is a thorough, respectful, and still irreverent biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Legal scholarship has never been so interesting!
My Jasper June, by Laurel Snyder, $1.99. I just bought this one for my daughter, who said, “It’s probably going to make me cry, but I’ll like it anyway.” Here’s how the publisher describes this moving middle grade story: The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships With Your Kids Through Daily Conversation, by Amy Alamar and Kristine Schlichting, $3.27. I scooped this one up before I even started writing up today’s deals. The idea behind The Parenting Project is that frequent and intentional conversations with tweens and teens are the foundation of a healthy relationship. The book provides conversation starters to help parents get to know their children better. The second half of the book provides helpful guides for talking about specific tricky issues, like bullying, self-harm and suicide, sexuality, healthy friendships, future planning, and more.
Kindle Deals for December 19, 2019
Today’s picks are all about communication, from jokes, to conversation tips, to a thought-provoking novel.
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.)
Laugh-Out-Loud Christmas Jokes for Kids, by Rob Elliott, $1.99. I’m not going to lie; these are not sophisticated jokes, but they will tickle the kids on your life. If you’ve wanted to know why snowmen always change their minds (they’re flaky) or why Rudolph’s nose shines at night (he’s a light sleeper), this book is for you!
We Need to Talk, by Celeste Headlee, $1.99. As we roll into the holiday season, you may find yourself interacting with people you don’t see all that often. This interesting and helpful book about communication offers tools that will improve your conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and others.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, $2.99. If you or your teen hasn’t read this fast-paced dystopian series yet, what are you waiting for? Join Katniss on her fight for survival in the epic, televised fight to the death. There’s lots to discuss here about politics, media, morality, and more.
STILL ON SALE
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Longitude, by Dava Sobel, $3.99. I take so much scientific knowledge for granted, so it is fascinating to dive deep into how a particular scientific problem was solved. For centuries, sailors were stymied by “the longitude problem” — without a way to tell time at sea, it was impossible to determine longitude as soon as shore was out of sight. This is the story of John Harrison’s quest to find a solution. Along the way, Sobel explains the astronomy, navigation, and time-keeping innovations that made longitude determination possible.
The Giver, by Lois Lowry, $1.99. From our What You Should Read in Middle School guide: What cost does utopia have? How important is freedom? Tweens are ready to tackle those ambiguous questions right along with young Jonah in this deceptively simple novel.
The Wendy, by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown, $0.99. I’ve heard interesting things about this retelling of Peter Pan. Wendy Darling loves the sea and wants to be a captain, but in 18th century England, this is an impossibility. Here’s how the publisher describes it: When she learns the Home Office is accepting a handful of women into its ranks, she jumps at the chance, joining the fight against the most formidable threat England has ever faced. Magic. But the secret service isn’t exactly what she hoped. Accompanied by a reimagined cast of the original Peter Pan, Wendy soon discovers that her dreams are as far away as ever, that choosing sides isn’t as simple as she thought, and that the only man who isn't blinded by her gender ... might be her nation's greatest enemy.
The Magician’s Nephew, by C.S. Lewis, $1.99. This is the novel that begins The Chronicles of Narnia series. You’ll witness the creation of Narnia, a daring escape from a sorceress, and more.
American Royals, by Katharine McGee, $4.99. This is a recent release that has made many “Best YA of 2019” lists! The concept is fascinating: “When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne. Like most royal families, the Washingtons have an heir and a spare. A future monarch and a backup battery. Each child knows exactly what is expected of them. But these aren't just any royals. They're American.”
The African Svelte: Ingenious Misspellings That Make Surprising Sense, by Daniel Menaker, $2.99. We all make word usage mistakes, and the era of autocorrect saved us from homophone errors. This interesting and funny book takes a look at some common word errors like “from the gecko” and “wet your appetite” to explain the correct terminology and speculate on why so many people get them wrong. Cartoonist Roz Chast provides hilariously literal illustrations.
Capital Dames: The Civil War and the Women of Washington 1848-1868, by Cokie Roberts, $1.99. I loved American Dames, Roberts’s book about women in the American Revolution. Capital Dames is a rare treat for me, a Civil War book that is not primarily a listing of battles. Rather, Roberts focuses on women’s lives and their contributions to the war. This is an excellent reference to round out a Civil War study.
The Amazing Idea of You, by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, $1.99. This adorable and inspiring book will be a great readaloud for your family. Inside a seed is the idea of a plant, and inside of an egg is the idea of a bird. What wonderful things are waiting inside of you?
Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom, by Jennifer S. Holland, $2.99. It’s time for your daily dose of “Awwwww!” This collection of short nonfiction stories celebrates animal companionship. From the orphaned elephant who found a mother figure in a sheep to the baby deer and bobcat who bonded at an animal rescue, these adorable pairs will warm your heart. The book is pleasantly peppered with charming photos.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. This English major has always loved reading Fancy Nancy books to kids. I love how excited Nancy gets about language! Nancy declares Christmas to be the fanciest of all the holidays and walks you through all the reason why with her trademark big words and charm.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working to improve living conditions around the world for years. In this book, Melinda Gates shares some of the insights she has gained from her extensive travels. She says, “If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.”
The Stars Now Unclaimed, by Drew Williams, $2.99. My husband really enjoyed this book and recently recommended it to one of his favorite teens. Unfortunately, he’s not here to give me his summary so we will have to defer to the publisher: “Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax--a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase, by Cynthia Hand, $1.99. This YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol will intrigue adults and teens alike. When Holly is visited by ghosts who tell her to change her ways, she doesn’t listen. And then she dies. Now she must serve as a Ghost of Christmas Past. Her afterlife isn’t going well, but there may be an opportunity for a second chance.
Problem Solving 101, A Simple Book for Smart People, by Ken Watanabe, $4.99. Ken Watanabe wrote this book for Japanese school kids to get them practicing decision making and problem solving instead of just memorization. Through a series of interesting adventures and challenges, Watanabe teaches the readers how use logic, trial and error, and teamwork to solve complicated problems. The examples and illustrations are fun for all ages; this book became a Japanese bestseller popular with business leaders!
Your Inner Fish, a Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body, by Neil Shubin, $4.99. We know humans share common ancestors with pretty much all creatures on earth if you go far back enough. Paleontologist Neil Shubin walks us through the fossil and DNA records to show which parts of our body we share with other current and extinct animals. This book brings ancient history to life by showing how the traces are still visible in our own hands, heads, and more.
Hanukcats, and Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats, by Laurie Loughlin, $1.99. Do you love the holidays, humor, and also cats? This might be your lucky day. This collection of funny Hanukkah-themed songs are written from the perspective of your household cat. Funny, charming illustrations make this book fun for all ages. If your family or your cat celebrates Christmas, you might want to check out Catmas Carols by the same author.
The Poisoner’s Handbook, Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, by Deborah Blum, $4.99. We take CSI shows completely for granted now. Of course there will scientific experts carefully examining the scene of the crime, right? Surprisingly, forensic science was not a major part of law enforcement until approximately one hundred years ago. Poisoning was a nearly undetectable crime until a pair of scientists systematically studied the effects and traces of poisons. This is fascinating, if dark at times, history.
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?!).”
The Magic Thief, by Sarah Prineas, $3.99. Magic is in short supply in Conn’s world. When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, the wizard decides to make Conn his apprentice. As Conn learns to navigate the world of magic, he must find his own power and help his master discover who or what is draining the city of its magic. This is the first in an exciting middle-grade series.
Something in Between, by Melissa de la Cruz, $2.99. Melissa de la Cruz is a prolific YA author known largely for vampire novels, Alexander Hamilton stories, and the Descendants novels. In Something in Between, she veers into more realistic fiction to tell the story of a young Filipino girl who discovers that her parents overstayed their visas, and that everyone in their family is an illegal immigrant. The story encompasses both her legal journey and a romance plot. This is a feel-good story about a difficult situation that may be more optimistic than realistic, but it could be a good way to introduce and personalize the topic of illegal immigration for middle and high school readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, $1.99. This vivid and delicious, though sometimes dark, novel is a children’s classic. Kids everywhere will relate to Charlie’s adventure at the chocolate factory and take delight in the terrible mishaps that befall the misbehaving children on the tour. I loved this book as a child; Dahl has the perfect balance of joy and the kind of dark humor kids love.
The Bad Seed, by Jory John, $2.99. This kid’s book about a bad seed who reconsiders his path in the world is sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson, $2.99. My tween daughter really likes the books in this series of illustrated novels, which are great for fans of Raina Telgemeier. In this one, Jaime struggles when her friend group wants her to conform or go away. With support from adults and other friends, Jaime is able to stay true to herself.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $2.99. This is a thorough, respectful, and still irreverent biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Legal scholarship has never been so interesting!
My Jasper June, by Laurel Snyder, $1.99. I just bought this one for my daughter, who said, “It’s probably going to make me cry, but I’ll like it anyway.” Here’s how the publisher describes this moving middle grade story: The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships With Your Kids Through Daily Conversation, by Amy Alamar and Kristine Schlichting, $3.27. I scooped this one up before I even started writing up today’s deals. The idea behind The Parenting Project is that frequent and intentional conversations with tweens and teens are the foundation of a healthy relationship. The book provides conversation starters to help parents get to know their children better. The second half of the book provides helpful guides for talking about specific tricky issues, like bullying, self-harm and suicide, sexuality, healthy friendships, future planning, and more.
Kindle Deals for December 18, 2019
Today’s deals include summer camp, scientific revolutions, and societal issues.
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.)
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, by Noelle Stevenson, $3.99. My tween absolutely loves this comic series about a group of unusual girls at a summer camp. In addition to having a great time doing your typical camp activities, this gang face off with some supernatural creatures and go on a classic fantasy quest. This is girl power all the way! If you like this one, most of the other books in the series are also on sale right now.
Longitude, by Dava Sobel, $3.99. I take so much scientific knowledge for granted, so it is fascinating to dive deep into how a particular scientific problem was solved. For centuries, sailors were stymied by “the longitude problem” — without a way to tell time at sea, it was impossible to determine longitude as soon as shore was out of sight. This is the story of John Harrison’s quest to find a solution. Along the way, Sobel explains the astronomy, navigation, and time-keeping innovations that made longitude determination possible.
The Giver, by Lois Lowry, $1.99. From our What You Should Read in Middle School guide: What cost does utopia have? How important is freedom? Tweens are ready to tackle those ambiguous questions right along with young Jonah in this deceptively simple novel.
STILL ON SALE
The Wendy, by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown, $0.99. I’ve heard interesting things about this retelling of Peter Pan. Wendy Darling loves the sea and wants to be a captain, but in 18th century England, this is an impossibility. Here’s how the publisher describes it: When she learns the Home Office is accepting a handful of women into its ranks, she jumps at the chance, joining the fight against the most formidable threat England has ever faced. Magic. But the secret service isn’t exactly what she hoped. Accompanied by a reimagined cast of the original Peter Pan, Wendy soon discovers that her dreams are as far away as ever, that choosing sides isn’t as simple as she thought, and that the only man who isn't blinded by her gender ... might be her nation's greatest enemy.
The Magician’s Nephew, by C.S. Lewis, $1.99. This is the novel that begins The Chronicles of Narnia series. You’ll witness the creation of Narnia, a daring escape from a sorceress, and more.
American Royals, by Katharine McGee, $4.99. This is a recent release that has made many “Best YA of 2019” lists! The concept is fascinating: “When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne. Like most royal families, the Washingtons have an heir and a spare. A future monarch and a backup battery. Each child knows exactly what is expected of them. But these aren't just any royals. They're American.”
The African Svelte: Ingenious Misspellings That Make Surprising Sense, by Daniel Menaker, $2.99. We all make word usage mistakes, and the era of autocorrect saved us from homophone errors. This interesting and funny book takes a look at some common word errors like “from the gecko” and “wet your appetite” to explain the correct terminology and speculate on why so many people get them wrong. Cartoonist Roz Chast provides hilariously literal illustrations.
Capital Dames: The Civil War and the Women of Washington 1848-1868, by Cokie Roberts, $1.99. I loved American Dames, Roberts’s book about women in the American Revolution. Capital Dames is a rare treat for me, a Civil War book that is not primarily a listing of battles. Rather, Roberts focuses on women’s lives and their contributions to the war. This is an excellent reference to round out a Civil War study.
The Amazing Idea of You, by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, $1.99. This adorable and inspiring book will be a great readaloud for your family. Inside a seed is the idea of a plant, and inside of an egg is the idea of a bird. What wonderful things are waiting inside of you?
Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom, by Jennifer S. Holland, $2.99. It’s time for your daily dose of “Awwwww!” This collection of short nonfiction stories celebrates animal companionship. From the orphaned elephant who found a mother figure in a sheep to the baby deer and bobcat who bonded at an animal rescue, these adorable pairs will warm your heart. The book is pleasantly peppered with charming photos.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. This English major has always loved reading Fancy Nancy books to kids. I love how excited Nancy gets about language! Nancy declares Christmas to be the fanciest of all the holidays and walks you through all the reason why with her trademark big words and charm.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working to improve living conditions around the world for years. In this book, Melinda Gates shares some of the insights she has gained from her extensive travels. She says, “If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.”
The Stars Now Unclaimed, by Drew Williams, $2.99. My husband really enjoyed this book and recently recommended it to one of his favorite teens. Unfortunately, he’s not here to give me his summary so we will have to defer to the publisher: “Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax--a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase, by Cynthia Hand, $1.99. This YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol will intrigue adults and teens alike. When Holly is visited by ghosts who tell her to change her ways, she doesn’t listen. And then she dies. Now she must serve as a Ghost of Christmas Past. Her afterlife isn’t going well, but there may be an opportunity for a second chance.
Problem Solving 101, A Simple Book for Smart People, by Ken Watanabe, $4.99. Ken Watanabe wrote this book for Japanese school kids to get them practicing decision making and problem solving instead of just memorization. Through a series of interesting adventures and challenges, Watanabe teaches the readers how use logic, trial and error, and teamwork to solve complicated problems. The examples and illustrations are fun for all ages; this book became a Japanese bestseller popular with business leaders!
Your Inner Fish, a Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body, by Neil Shubin, $4.99. We know humans share common ancestors with pretty much all creatures on earth if you go far back enough. Paleontologist Neil Shubin walks us through the fossil and DNA records to show which parts of our body we share with other current and extinct animals. This book brings ancient history to life by showing how the traces are still visible in our own hands, heads, and more.
Hanukcats, and Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats, by Laurie Loughlin, $1.99. Do you love the holidays, humor, and also cats? This might be your lucky day. This collection of funny Hanukkah-themed songs are written from the perspective of your household cat. Funny, charming illustrations make this book fun for all ages. If your family or your cat celebrates Christmas, you might want to check out Catmas Carols by the same author.
The Poisoner’s Handbook, Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, by Deborah Blum, $4.99. We take CSI shows completely for granted now. Of course there will scientific experts carefully examining the scene of the crime, right? Surprisingly, forensic science was not a major part of law enforcement until approximately one hundred years ago. Poisoning was a nearly undetectable crime until a pair of scientists systematically studied the effects and traces of poisons. This is fascinating, if dark at times, history.
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?!).”
The Magic Thief, by Sarah Prineas, $3.99. Magic is in short supply in Conn’s world. When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, the wizard decides to make Conn his apprentice. As Conn learns to navigate the world of magic, he must find his own power and help his master discover who or what is draining the city of its magic. This is the first in an exciting middle-grade series.
Something in Between, by Melissa de la Cruz, $2.99. Melissa de la Cruz is a prolific YA author known largely for vampire novels, Alexander Hamilton stories, and the Descendants novels. In Something in Between, she veers into more realistic fiction to tell the story of a young Filipino girl who discovers that her parents overstayed their visas, and that everyone in their family is an illegal immigrant. The story encompasses both her legal journey and a romance plot. This is a feel-good story about a difficult situation that may be more optimistic than realistic, but it could be a good way to introduce and personalize the topic of illegal immigration for middle and high school readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, $1.99. This vivid and delicious, though sometimes dark, novel is a children’s classic. Kids everywhere will relate to Charlie’s adventure at the chocolate factory and take delight in the terrible mishaps that befall the misbehaving children on the tour. I loved this book as a child; Dahl has the perfect balance of joy and the kind of dark humor kids love.
The Bad Seed, by Jory John, $2.99. This kid’s book about a bad seed who reconsiders his path in the world is sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson, $2.99. My tween daughter really likes the books in this series of illustrated novels, which are great for fans of Raina Telgemeier. In this one, Jaime struggles when her friend group wants her to conform or go away. With support from adults and other friends, Jaime is able to stay true to herself.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $2.99. This is a thorough, respectful, and still irreverent biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Legal scholarship has never been so interesting!
My Jasper June, by Laurel Snyder, $1.99. I just bought this one for my daughter, who said, “It’s probably going to make me cry, but I’ll like it anyway.” Here’s how the publisher describes this moving middle grade story: The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships With Your Kids Through Daily Conversation, by Amy Alamar and Kristine Schlichting, $3.27. I scooped this one up before I even started writing up today’s deals. The idea behind The Parenting Project is that frequent and intentional conversations with tweens and teens are the foundation of a healthy relationship. The book provides conversation starters to help parents get to know their children better. The second half of the book provides helpful guides for talking about specific tricky issues, like bullying, self-harm and suicide, sexuality, healthy friendships, future planning, and more.
Kindle Deals for December 17, 2019
Today’s deals are full of fiction, from magic to alternate history!
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.)
The Wendy, by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown, $0.99. I’ve heard interesting things about this retelling of Peter Pan. Wendy Darling loves the sea and wants to be a captain, but in 18th century England, this is an impossibility. Here’s how the publisher describes it: When she learns the Home Office is accepting a handful of women into its ranks, she jumps at the chance, joining the fight against the most formidable threat England has ever faced. Magic. But the secret service isn’t exactly what she hoped. Accompanied by a reimagined cast of the original Peter Pan, Wendy soon discovers that her dreams are as far away as ever, that choosing sides isn’t as simple as she thought, and that the only man who isn't blinded by her gender ... might be her nation's greatest enemy.
The Magician’s Nephew, by C.S. Lewis, $1.99. This is the novel that begins The Chronicles of Narnia series. You’ll witness the creation of Narnia, a daring escape from a sorceress, and more.
American Royals, by Katharine McGee, $4.99. This is a recent release that has made many “Best YA of 2019” lists! The concept is fascinating: “When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne. Like most royal families, the Washingtons have an heir and a spare. A future monarch and a backup battery. Each child knows exactly what is expected of them. But these aren't just any royals. They're American.”
STILL ON SALE
The African Svelte: Ingenious Misspellings That Make Surprising Sense, by Daniel Menaker, $2.99. We all make word usage mistakes, and the era of autocorrect saved us from homophone errors. This interesting and funny book takes a look at some common word errors like “from the gecko” and “wet your appetite” to explain the correct terminology and speculate on why so many people get them wrong. Cartoonist Roz Chast provides hilariously literal illustrations.
Capital Dames: The Civil War and the Women of Washington 1848-1868, by Cokie Roberts, $1.99. I loved American Dames, Roberts’s book about women in the American Revolution. Capital Dames is a rare treat for me, a Civil War book that is not primarily a listing of battles. Rather, Roberts focuses on women’s lives and their contributions to the war. This is an excellent reference to round out a Civil War study.
The Amazing Idea of You, by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, $1.99. This adorable and inspiring book will be a great readaloud for your family. Inside a seed is the idea of a plant, and inside of an egg is the idea of a bird. What wonderful things are waiting inside of you?
Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom, by Jennifer S. Holland, $2.99. It’s time for your daily dose of “Awwwww!” This collection of short nonfiction stories celebrates animal companionship. From the orphaned elephant who found a mother figure in a sheep to the baby deer and bobcat who bonded at an animal rescue, these adorable pairs will warm your heart. The book is pleasantly peppered with charming photos.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. This English major has always loved reading Fancy Nancy books to kids. I love how excited Nancy gets about language! Nancy declares Christmas to be the fanciest of all the holidays and walks you through all the reason why with her trademark big words and charm.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working to improve living conditions around the world for years. In this book, Melinda Gates shares some of the insights she has gained from her extensive travels. She says, “If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.”
The Stars Now Unclaimed, by Drew Williams, $2.99. My husband really enjoyed this book and recently recommended it to one of his favorite teens. Unfortunately, he’s not here to give me his summary so we will have to defer to the publisher: “Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax--a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase, by Cynthia Hand, $1.99. This YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol will intrigue adults and teens alike. When Holly is visited by ghosts who tell her to change her ways, she doesn’t listen. And then she dies. Now she must serve as a Ghost of Christmas Past. Her afterlife isn’t going well, but there may be an opportunity for a second chance.
Problem Solving 101, A Simple Book for Smart People, by Ken Watanabe, $4.99. Ken Watanabe wrote this book for Japanese school kids to get them practicing decision making and problem solving instead of just memorization. Through a series of interesting adventures and challenges, Watanabe teaches the readers how use logic, trial and error, and teamwork to solve complicated problems. The examples and illustrations are fun for all ages; this book became a Japanese bestseller popular with business leaders!
Your Inner Fish, a Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body, by Neil Shubin, $4.99. We know humans share common ancestors with pretty much all creatures on earth if you go far back enough. Paleontologist Neil Shubin walks us through the fossil and DNA records to show which parts of our body we share with other current and extinct animals. This book brings ancient history to life by showing how the traces are still visible in our own hands, heads, and more.
Hanukcats, and Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats, by Laurie Loughlin, $1.99. Do you love the holidays, humor, and also cats? This might be your lucky day. This collection of funny Hanukkah-themed songs are written from the perspective of your household cat. Funny, charming illustrations make this book fun for all ages. If your family or your cat celebrates Christmas, you might want to check out Catmas Carols by the same author.
The Poisoner’s Handbook, Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, by Deborah Blum, $4.99. We take CSI shows completely for granted now. Of course there will scientific experts carefully examining the scene of the crime, right? Surprisingly, forensic science was not a major part of law enforcement until approximately one hundred years ago. Poisoning was a nearly undetectable crime until a pair of scientists systematically studied the effects and traces of poisons. This is fascinating, if dark at times, history.
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?!).”
The Magic Thief, by Sarah Prineas, $3.99. Magic is in short supply in Conn’s world. When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, the wizard decides to make Conn his apprentice. As Conn learns to navigate the world of magic, he must find his own power and help his master discover who or what is draining the city of its magic. This is the first in an exciting middle-grade series.
Something in Between, by Melissa de la Cruz, $2.99. Melissa de la Cruz is a prolific YA author known largely for vampire novels, Alexander Hamilton stories, and the Descendants novels. In Something in Between, she veers into more realistic fiction to tell the story of a young Filipino girl who discovers that her parents overstayed their visas, and that everyone in their family is an illegal immigrant. The story encompasses both her legal journey and a romance plot. This is a feel-good story about a difficult situation that may be more optimistic than realistic, but it could be a good way to introduce and personalize the topic of illegal immigration for middle and high school readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, $1.99. This vivid and delicious, though sometimes dark, novel is a children’s classic. Kids everywhere will relate to Charlie’s adventure at the chocolate factory and take delight in the terrible mishaps that befall the misbehaving children on the tour. I loved this book as a child; Dahl has the perfect balance of joy and the kind of dark humor kids love.
The Bad Seed, by Jory John, $2.99. This kid’s book about a bad seed who reconsiders his path in the world is sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson, $2.99. My tween daughter really likes the books in this series of illustrated novels, which are great for fans of Raina Telgemeier. In this one, Jaime struggles when her friend group wants her to conform or go away. With support from adults and other friends, Jaime is able to stay true to herself.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $2.99. This is a thorough, respectful, and still irreverent biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Legal scholarship has never been so interesting!
My Jasper June, by Laurel Snyder, $1.99. I just bought this one for my daughter, who said, “It’s probably going to make me cry, but I’ll like it anyway.” Here’s how the publisher describes this moving middle grade story: The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships With Your Kids Through Daily Conversation, by Amy Alamar and Kristine Schlichting, $3.27. I scooped this one up before I even started writing up today’s deals. The idea behind The Parenting Project is that frequent and intentional conversations with tweens and teens are the foundation of a healthy relationship. The book provides conversation starters to help parents get to know their children better. The second half of the book provides helpful guides for talking about specific tricky issues, like bullying, self-harm and suicide, sexuality, healthy friendships, future planning, and more.
Kindle Deals for December 16, 2019
Spelling errors, a sweet readaloud, and a new take on Civil War history!
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.)
The African Svelte: Ingenious Misspellings That Make Surprising Sense, by Daniel Menaker, $2.99. We all make word usage mistakes, and the era of autocorrect saved us from homophone errors. This interesting and funny book takes a look at some common word errors like “from the gecko” and “wet your appetite” to explain the correct terminology and speculate on why so many people get them wrong. Cartoonist Roz Chast provides hilariously literal illustrations.
Capital Dames: The Civil War and the Women of Washington 1848-1868, by Cokie Roberts, $1.99. I loved American Dames, Roberts’s book about women in the American Revolution. Capital Dames is a rare treat for me, a Civil War book that is not primarily a listing of battles. Rather, Roberts focuses on women’s lives and their contributions to the war. This is an excellent reference to round out a Civil War study.
The Amazing Idea of You, by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, $1.99. This adorable and inspiring book will be a great readaloud for your family. Inside a seed is the idea of a plant, and inside of an egg is the idea of a bird. What wonderful things are waiting inside of you?
STILL ON SALE
Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom, by Jennifer S. Holland, $2.99. It’s time for your daily dose of “Awwwww!” This collection of short nonfiction stories celebrates animal companionship. From the orphaned elephant who found a mother figure in a sheep to the baby deer and bobcat who bonded at an animal rescue, these adorable pairs will warm your heart. The book is pleasantly peppered with charming photos.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. This English major has always loved reading Fancy Nancy books to kids. I love how excited Nancy gets about language! Nancy declares Christmas to be the fanciest of all the holidays and walks you through all the reason why with her trademark big words and charm.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working to improve living conditions around the world for years. In this book, Melinda Gates shares some of the insights she has gained from her extensive travels. She says, “If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.”
The Stars Now Unclaimed, by Drew Williams, $2.99. My husband really enjoyed this book and recently recommended it to one of his favorite teens. Unfortunately, he’s not here to give me his summary so we will have to defer to the publisher: “Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax--a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase, by Cynthia Hand, $1.99. This YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol will intrigue adults and teens alike. When Holly is visited by ghosts who tell her to change her ways, she doesn’t listen. And then she dies. Now she must serve as a Ghost of Christmas Past. Her afterlife isn’t going well, but there may be an opportunity for a second chance.
Problem Solving 101, A Simple Book for Smart People, by Ken Watanabe, $4.99. Ken Watanabe wrote this book for Japanese school kids to get them practicing decision making and problem solving instead of just memorization. Through a series of interesting adventures and challenges, Watanabe teaches the readers how use logic, trial and error, and teamwork to solve complicated problems. The examples and illustrations are fun for all ages; this book became a Japanese bestseller popular with business leaders!
Your Inner Fish, a Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body, by Neil Shubin, $4.99. We know humans share common ancestors with pretty much all creatures on earth if you go far back enough. Paleontologist Neil Shubin walks us through the fossil and DNA records to show which parts of our body we share with other current and extinct animals. This book brings ancient history to life by showing how the traces are still visible in our own hands, heads, and more.
Hanukcats, and Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats, by Laurie Loughlin, $1.99. Do you love the holidays, humor, and also cats? This might be your lucky day. This collection of funny Hanukkah-themed songs are written from the perspective of your household cat. Funny, charming illustrations make this book fun for all ages. If your family or your cat celebrates Christmas, you might want to check out Catmas Carols by the same author.
The Poisoner’s Handbook, Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, by Deborah Blum, $4.99. We take CSI shows completely for granted now. Of course there will scientific experts carefully examining the scene of the crime, right? Surprisingly, forensic science was not a major part of law enforcement until approximately one hundred years ago. Poisoning was a nearly undetectable crime until a pair of scientists systematically studied the effects and traces of poisons. This is fascinating, if dark at times, history.
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?!).”
The Magic Thief, by Sarah Prineas, $3.99. Magic is in short supply in Conn’s world. When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, the wizard decides to make Conn his apprentice. As Conn learns to navigate the world of magic, he must find his own power and help his master discover who or what is draining the city of its magic. This is the first in an exciting middle-grade series.
Something in Between, by Melissa de la Cruz, $2.99. Melissa de la Cruz is a prolific YA author known largely for vampire novels, Alexander Hamilton stories, and the Descendants novels. In Something in Between, she veers into more realistic fiction to tell the story of a young Filipino girl who discovers that her parents overstayed their visas, and that everyone in their family is an illegal immigrant. The story encompasses both her legal journey and a romance plot. This is a feel-good story about a difficult situation that may be more optimistic than realistic, but it could be a good way to introduce and personalize the topic of illegal immigration for middle and high school readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, $1.99. This vivid and delicious, though sometimes dark, novel is a children’s classic. Kids everywhere will relate to Charlie’s adventure at the chocolate factory and take delight in the terrible mishaps that befall the misbehaving children on the tour. I loved this book as a child; Dahl has the perfect balance of joy and the kind of dark humor kids love.
The Bad Seed, by Jory John, $2.99. This kid’s book about a bad seed who reconsiders his path in the world is sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson, $2.99. My tween daughter really likes the books in this series of illustrated novels, which are great for fans of Raina Telgemeier. In this one, Jaime struggles when her friend group wants her to conform or go away. With support from adults and other friends, Jaime is able to stay true to herself.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $2.99. This is a thorough, respectful, and still irreverent biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Legal scholarship has never been so interesting!
My Jasper June, by Laurel Snyder, $1.99. I just bought this one for my daughter, who said, “It’s probably going to make me cry, but I’ll like it anyway.” Here’s how the publisher describes this moving middle grade story: The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships With Your Kids Through Daily Conversation, by Amy Alamar and Kristine Schlichting, $3.27. I scooped this one up before I even started writing up today’s deals. The idea behind The Parenting Project is that frequent and intentional conversations with tweens and teens are the foundation of a healthy relationship. The book provides conversation starters to help parents get to know their children better. The second half of the book provides helpful guides for talking about specific tricky issues, like bullying, self-harm and suicide, sexuality, healthy friendships, future planning, and more.
Kindle Deals for December 15, 2019
It’s a Science Fiction Spectacular!
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.)
A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K LeGuin, $2.99. From our what to read if you loved the Narnia books list: “A Wizard of Earthsea is the first book in Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea trilogy. With its Taoist ethics, feminist sensibility, and nuanced world building, Earthsea is a worthy follow-up to the Narnia books for older readers.”
Ghost Talkers, by Mary Robinette Kowal, $2.99. I loved Kowal’s Lady Astronaut series, and I’m very intrigued by the concept of this book. Here’s what the publisher says: “Ginger Stuyvesant, an American heiress living in London during World War I, is engaged to Captain Benjamin Harford, an intelligence officer. Ginger is a medium for the Spirit Corps, a special Spiritualist force. Each soldier heading for the front is conditioned to report to the mediums of the Spirit Corps when they die so the Corps can pass instant information about troop movements to military intelligence.”
To Be Taught, If Fortunate, by Becky Chambers, $1.99. Becky Chambers is one of my favorite contemporary scifi authors. This book brings us to a world where humans are able to adapt their bodies to hostile climates, enabling them to explore space more freely. Here’s the flap description: “A team of these explorers, Ariadne O’Neill and her three crewmates, are hard at work in a planetary system fifteen light-years from Sol, on a mission to ecologically survey four habitable worlds. But as Ariadne shifts through both form and time, the culture back on Earth has also been transformed. Faced with the possibility of returning to a planet that has forgotten those who have left, Ariadne begins to chronicle the story of the wonders and dangers of her mission, in the hope that someone back home might still be listening.”
STILL ON SALE
Cathedral, by David Macaulay, $2.99. The gorgeous and detailed classic from my childhood has been colorized! Macaulay walks readers through every step of medieval construction, from cutting down the wood to carving the finest details. Kids will be fascinated by how many types of skilled workers it takes to create a beautiful building.
Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom, by Jennifer S. Holland, $2.99. It’s time for your daily dose of “Awwwww!” This collection of short nonfiction stories celebrates animal companionship. From the orphaned elephant who found a mother figure in a sheep to the baby deer and bobcat who bonded at an animal rescue, these adorable pairs will warm your heart. The book is pleasantly peppered with charming photos.
The Language of Houses: How Buildings Speak to Us, by Alison Lurie, $2.99. My favorite thing about college was learning to notice and think critically about the everyday things (films, advertisements, music, art, etc.) around me. Alison Lurie adds architecture to this mix by considering the psychology and sociology of the buildings around us. Lovely drawings help to illustrate her points.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. This English major has always loved reading Fancy Nancy books to kids. I love how excited Nancy gets about language! Nancy declares Christmas to be the fanciest of all the holidays and walks you through all the reason why with her trademark big words and charm.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working to improve living conditions around the world for years. In this book, Melinda Gates shares some of the insights she has gained from her extensive travels. She says, “If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.”
Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids, by Christina Herkert Schul, $1.99. Do you need some fresh ideas for STEM activities? This book is designed for kids and gives them clear step-by-step instructions for creating fun projects. While some (like the ones on the cover) are pretty standard engineering activities, others (e.g., Solar Water Distiller) are pretty unique!
The Stars Now Unclaimed, by Drew Williams, $2.99. My husband really enjoyed this book and recently recommended it to one of his favorite teens. Unfortunately, he’s not here to give me his summary so we will have to defer to the publisher: “Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax--a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase, by Cynthia Hand, $1.99. This YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol will intrigue adults and teens alike. When Holly is visited by ghosts who tell her to change her ways, she doesn’t listen. And then she dies. Now she must serve as a Ghost of Christmas Past. Her afterlife isn’t going well, but there may be an opportunity for a second chance.
Problem Solving 101, A Simple Book for Smart People, by Ken Watanabe, $4.99. Ken Watanabe wrote this book for Japanese school kids to get them practicing decision making and problem solving instead of just memorization. Through a series of interesting adventures and challenges, Watanabe teaches the readers how use logic, trial and error, and teamwork to solve complicated problems. The examples and illustrations are fun for all ages; this book became a Japanese bestseller popular with business leaders!
Ivy and Bean, One Big Happy Family, by Annie Barrows, $1.99. This is the 11th book in the delightful Ivy and Bean series, but each one stands alone. This is a hilarious and heartwarming book for early chapter book readers. Ivy is worried that she is spoiled because she is an only child. How can she fix it? By getting a little sister, of course. And Ivy and Bean know just where to find one.
Your Inner Fish, a Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Yea History of the Human Body, by Neil Shubin, $4.99. We know humans share common ancestors with pretty much all creatures on earth if you go far back enough. Paleontologist Neil Shubin walks us through the fossil and DNA records to show which parts of our body we share with other current and extinct animals. This book brings ancient history to life by showing how the traces are still visible in our own hands, heads, and more.
Hanukcats, and Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats, by Laurie Loughlin, $1.99. Do you love the holidays, humor, and also cats? This might be your lucky day. This collection of funny Hanukkah-themed songs are written from the perspective of your household cat. Funny, charming illustrations make this book fun for all ages. If your family or your cat celebrates Christmas, you might want to check out Catmas Carols by the same author.
The Poisoner’s Handbook, Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, by Deborah Blum, $4.99. We take CSI shows completely for granted now. Of course there will scientific experts carefully examining the scene of the crime, right? Surprisingly, forensic science was not a major part of law enforcement until approximately one hundred years ago. Poisoning was a nearly undetectable crime until a pair of scientists systematically studied the effects and traces of poisons. This is fascinating, if dark at times, history.
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?!).”
The Magic Thief, by Sarah Prineas, $3.99. Magic is in short supply in Conn’s world. When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, the wizard decides to make Conn his apprentice. As Conn learns to navigate the world of magic, he must find his own power and help his master discover who or what is draining the city of its magic. This is the first in an exciting middle-grade series.
We Hunt the Flame, by Hafsah Faizal, $2.99. The Best Books of 2019 lists are rolling in, and this YA fantasy novel has been on several of them. The publisher’s description looks pretty exciting: “Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the sultan. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways. Both Zafira and Nasir are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.”
Something in Between, by Melissa de la Cruz, $2.99. Melissa de la Cruz is a prolific YA author known largely for vampire novels, Alexander Hamilton stories, and the Descendants novels. In Something in Between, she veers into more realistic fiction to tell the story of a young Filipino girl who discovers that her parents overstayed their visas, and that everyone in their family is an illegal immigrant. The story encompasses both her legal journey and a romance plot. This is a feel-good story about a difficult situation that may be more optimistic than realistic, but it could be a good way to introduce and personalize the topic of illegal immigration for middle and high school readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, $1.99. This vivid and delicious, though sometimes dark, novel is a children’s classic. Kids everywhere will relate to Charlie’s adventure at the chocolate factory and take delight in the terrible mishaps that befall the misbehaving children on the tour. I loved this book as a child; Dahl has the perfect balance of joy and the kind of dark humor kids love.
The Bad Seed, by Jory John, $2.99. This kid’s book about a bad seed who reconsiders his path in the world is sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson, $2.99. My tween daughter really likes the books in this series of illustrated novels, which are great for fans of Raina Telgemeier. In this one, Jaime struggles when her friend group wants her to conform or go away. With support from adults and other friends, Jaime is able to stay true to herself.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $2.99. This is a thorough, respectful, and still irreverent biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Legal scholarship has never been so interesting!
My Jasper June, by Laurel Snyder, $1.99. I just bought this one for my daughter, who said, “It’s probably going to make me cry, but I’ll like it anyway.” Here’s how the publisher describes this moving middle grade story: The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships With Your Kids Through Daily Conversation, by Amy Alamar and Kristine Schlichting, $3.27. I scooped this one up before I even started writing up today’s deals. The idea behind The Parenting Project is that frequent and intentional conversations with tweens and teens are the foundation of a healthy relationship. The book provides conversation starters to help parents get to know their children better. The second half of the book provides helpful guides for talking about specific tricky issues, like bullying, self-harm and suicide, sexuality, healthy friendships, future planning, and more.
Kindle Deals for December 13, 2019
Today’s deals on architecture and animals will entertain and enlighten!
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.)
Cathedral, by David Macaulay, $2.99. The gorgeous and detailed classic from my childhood has been colorized! Macaulay walks readers through every step of medieval construction, from cutting down the wood to carving the finest details. Kids will be fascinated by how many types of skilled workers it takes to create a beautiful building.
Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom, by Jennifer S. Holland, $2.99. It’s time for your daily dose of “Awwwww!” This collection of short nonfiction stories celebrates animal companionship. From the orphaned elephant who found a mother figure in a sheep to the baby deer and bobcat who bonded at an animal rescue, these adorable pairs will warm your heart. The book pleasantly peppered with charming photos.
The Language of Houses: How Buildings Speak to Us, by Alison Lurie, $2.99. My favorite thing about college was learning to notice and think critically about the everyday things (films, advertisements, music, art, etc.) around me. Alison Lurie adds architecture to this mix by considering the psychology and sociology of the buildings around us. Lovely drawings help to illustrate her points.
STILL ON SALE
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. This English major has always loved reading Fancy Nancy books to kids. I love how excited Nancy gets about language! Nancy declares Christmas to be the fanciest of all the holidays and walks you through all the reason why with her trademark big words and charm.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working to improve living conditions around the world for years. In this book, Melinda Gates shares some of the insights she has gained from her extensive travels. She says, “If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.”
Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids, by Christina Herkert Schul, $1.99. Do you need some fresh ideas for STEM activities? This book is designed for kids and gives them clear step-by-step instructions for creating fun projects. While some (like the ones on the cover) are pretty standard engineering activities, others (e.g., Solar Water Distiller) are pretty unique!
The Stars Now Unclaimed, by Drew Williams, $2.99. My husband really enjoyed this book and recently recommended it to one of his favorite teens. Unfortunately, he’s not here to give me his summary so we will have to defer to the publisher: “Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax--a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase, by Cynthia Hand, $1.99. This YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol will intrigue adults and teens alike. When Holly is visited by ghosts who tell her to change her ways, she doesn’t listen. And then she dies. Now she must serve as a Ghost of Christmas Past. Her afterlife isn’t going well, but there may be an opportunity for a second chance.
Problem Solving 101, A Simple Book for Smart People, by Ken Watanabe, $4.99. Ken Watanabe wrote this book for Japanese school kids to get them practicing decision making and problem solving instead of just memorization. Through a series of interesting adventures and challenges, Watanabe teaches the readers how use logic, trial and error, and teamwork to solve complicated problems. The examples and illustrations are fun for all ages; this book became a Japanese bestseller popular with business leaders!
Ivy and Bean, One Big Happy Family, by Annie Barrows, $1.99. This is the 11th book in the delightful Ivy and Bean series, but each one stands alone. This is a hilarious and heartwarming book for early chapter book readers. Ivy is worried that she is spoiled because she is an only child. How can she fix it? By getting a little sister, of course. And Ivy and Bean know just where to find one.
Your Inner Fish, a Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Yea History of the Human Body, by Neil Shubin, $4.99. We know humans share common ancestors with pretty much all creatures on earth if you go far back enough. Paleontologist Neil Shubin walks us through the fossil and DNA records to show which parts of our body we share with other current and extinct animals. This book brings ancient history to life by showing how the traces are still visible in our own hands, heads, and more.
Hanukcats, and Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats, by Laurie Loughlin, $1.99. Do you love the holidays, humor, and also cats? This might be your lucky day. This collection of funny Hanukkah-themed songs are written from the perspective of your household cat. Funny, charming illustrations make this book fun for all ages. If your family or your cat celebrates Christmas, you might want to check out Catmas Carols by the same author.
The Poisoner’s Handbook, Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, by Deborah Blum, $4.99. We take CSI shows completely for granted now. Of course there will scientific experts carefully examining the scene of the crime, right? Surprisingly, forensic science was not a major part of law enforcement until approximately one hundred years ago. Poisoning was a nearly undetectable crime until a pair of scientists systematically studied the effects and traces of poisons. This is fascinating, if dark at times, history.
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?!).”
The Magic Thief, by Sarah Prineas, $3.99. Magic is in short supply in Conn’s world. When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, the wizard decides to make Conn his apprentice. As Conn learns to navigate the world of magic, he must find his own power and help his master discover who or what is draining the city of its magic. This is the first in an exciting middle-grade series.
We Hunt the Flame, by Hafsah Faizal, $2.99. The Best Books of 2019 lists are rolling in, and this YA fantasy novel has been on several of them. The publisher’s description looks pretty exciting: “Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the sultan. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways. Both Zafira and Nasir are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.”
Something in Between, by Melissa de la Cruz, $2.99. Melissa de la Cruz is a prolific YA author known largely for vampire novels, Alexander Hamilton stories, and the Descendants novels. In Something in Between, she veers into more realistic fiction to tell the story of a young Filipino girl who discovers that her parents overstayed their visas, and that everyone in their family is an illegal immigrant. The story encompasses both her legal journey and a romance plot. This is a feel-good story about a difficult situation that may be more optimistic than realistic, but it could be a good way to introduce and personalize the topic of illegal immigration for middle and high school readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, $1.99. This vivid and delicious, though sometimes dark, novel is a children’s classic. Kids everywhere will relate to Charlie’s adventure at the chocolate factory and take delight in the terrible mishaps that befall the misbehaving children on the tour. I loved this book as a child; Dahl has the perfect balance of joy and the kind of dark humor kids love.
The Bad Seed, by Jory John, $2.99. This kid’s book about a bad seed who reconsiders his path in the world is sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson, $2.99. My tween daughter really likes the books in this series of illustrated novels, which are great for fans of Raina Telgemeier. In this one, Jaime struggles when her friend group wants her to conform or go away. With support from adults and other friends, Jaime is able to stay true to herself.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $2.99. This is a thorough, respectful, and still irreverent biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Legal scholarship has never been so interesting!
My Jasper June, by Laurel Snyder, $1.99. I just bought this one for my daughter, who said, “It’s probably going to make me cry, but I’ll like it anyway.” Here’s how the publisher describes this moving middle grade story: The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships With Your Kids Through Daily Conversation, by Amy Alamar and Kristine Schlichting, $3.27. I scooped this one up before I even started writing up today’s deals. The idea behind The Parenting Project is that frequent and intentional conversations with tweens and teens are the foundation of a healthy relationship. The book provides conversation starters to help parents get to know their children better. The second half of the book provides helpful guides for talking about specific tricky issues, like bullying, self-harm and suicide, sexuality, healthy friendships, future planning, and more.
Kindle Deals for December 12, 2019
Today’s deals include a very fancy Christmas book, insights on women’s rights, and a science fiction classic!
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.)
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor, $1.99. This English major has always loved reading Fancy Nancy books to kids. I love how excited Nancy gets about language! Nancy declares Christmas to be the fanciest of all the holidays and walks you through all the reason why with her trademark big words and charm.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working to improve living conditions around the world for years. In this book, Melinda Gates shares some of the insights she has gained from her extensive travels. She says, “If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.”
Rendezvous with Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke, $1.99. When a mysterious giant object appears in the solar system, a ship is sent from Earth to investigate. The object is full of advanced technology but doesn’t appear to be occupied, so where are the Ramans? Readers have been enjoying this science fiction classic for decades.
STILL ON SALE
Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids, by Christina Herkert Schul, $1.99. Do you need some fresh ideas for STEM activities? This book is designed for kids and gives them clear step-by-step instructions for creating fun projects. While some (like the ones on the cover) are pretty standard engineering activities, others (e.g., Solar Water Distiller) are pretty unique!
The Stars Now Unclaimed, by Drew Williams, $2.99. My husband really enjoyed this book and recently recommended it to one of his favorite teens. Unfortunately, he’s not here to give me his summary so we will have to defer to the publisher: “Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax--a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase, by Cynthia Hand, $1.99. This YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol will intrigue adults and teens alike. When Holly is visited by ghosts who tell her to change her ways, she doesn’t listen. And then she dies. Now she must serve as a Ghost of Christmas Past. Her afterlife isn’t going well, but there may be an opportunity for a second chance.
Problem Solving 101, A Simple Book for Smart People, by Ken Watanabe, $4.99. Ken Watanabe wrote this book for Japanese school kids to get them practicing decision making and problem solving instead of just memorization. Through a series of interesting adventures and challenges, Watanabe teaches the readers how use logic, trial and error, and teamwork to solve complicated problems. The examples and illustrations are fun for all ages; this book became a Japanese bestseller popular with business leaders!
Ivy and Bean, One Big Happy Family, by Annie Barrows, $1.99. This is the 11th book in the delightful Ivy and Bean series, but each one stands alone. This is a hilarious and heartwarming book for early chapter book readers. Ivy is worried that she is spoiled because she is an only child. How can she fix it? By getting a little sister, of course. And Ivy and Bean know just where to find one.
Your Inner Fish, a Journey Into the 3.5-Billion-Yea History of the Human Body, by Neil Shubin, $4.99. We know humans share common ancestors with pretty much all creatures on earth if you go far back enough. Paleontologist Neil Shubin walks us through the fossil and DNA records to show which parts of our body we share with other current and extinct animals. This book brings ancient history to life by showing how the traces are still visible in our own hands, heads, and more.
Hanukcats, and Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats, by Laurie Loughlin, $1.99. Do you love the holidays, humor, and also cats? This might be your lucky day. This collection of funny Hanukkah-themed songs are written from the perspective of your household cat. Funny, charming illustrations make this book fun for all ages. If your family or your cat celebrates Christmas, you might want to check out Catmas Carols by the same author.
The Poisoner’s Handbook, Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, by Deborah Blum, $4.99. We take CSI shows completely for granted now. Of course there will scientific experts carefully examining the scene of the crime, right? Surprisingly, forensic science was not a major part of law enforcement until approximately one hundred years ago. Poisoning was a nearly undetectable crime until a pair of scientists systematically studied the effects and traces of poisons. This is fascinating, if dark at times, history.
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?!).”
The Magic Thief, by Sarah Prineas, $3.99. Magic is in short supply in Conn’s world. When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, the wizard decides to make Conn his apprentice. As Conn learns to navigate the world of magic, he must find his own power and help his master discover who or what is draining the city of its magic. This is the first in an exciting middle-grade series.
We Hunt the Flame, by Hafsah Faizal, $2.99. The Best Books of 2019 lists are rolling in, and this YA fantasy novel has been on several of them. The publisher’s description looks pretty exciting: “Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the sultan. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways. Both Zafira and Nasir are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.”
Something in Between, by Melissa de la Cruz, $2.99. Melissa de la Cruz is a prolific YA author known largely for vampire novels, Alexander Hamilton stories, and the Descendants novels. In Something in Between, she veers into more realistic fiction to tell the story of a young Filipino girl who discovers that her parents overstayed their visas, and that everyone in their family is an illegal immigrant. The story encompasses both her legal journey and a romance plot. This is a feel-good story about a difficult situation that may be more optimistic than realistic, but it could be a good way to introduce and personalize the topic of illegal immigration for middle and high school readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, $1.99. This vivid and delicious, though sometimes dark, novel is a children’s classic. Kids everywhere will relate to Charlie’s adventure at the chocolate factory and take delight in the terrible mishaps that befall the misbehaving children on the tour. I loved this book as a child; Dahl has the perfect balance of joy and the kind of dark humor kids love.
The Bad Seed, by Jory John, $2.99. This kid’s book about a bad seed who reconsiders his path in the world is sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson, $2.99. My tween daughter really likes the books in this series of illustrated novels, which are great for fans of Raina Telgemeier. In this one, Jaime struggles when her friend group wants her to conform or go away. With support from adults and other friends, Jaime is able to stay true to herself.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, $2.99. This is a thorough, respectful, and still irreverent biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Legal scholarship has never been so interesting!
My Jasper June, by Laurel Snyder, $1.99. I just bought this one for my daughter, who said, “It’s probably going to make me cry, but I’ll like it anyway.” Here’s how the publisher describes this moving middle grade story: The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships With Your Kids Through Daily Conversation, by Amy Alamar and Kristine Schlichting, $3.27. I scooped this one up before I even started writing up today’s deals. The idea behind The Parenting Project is that frequent and intentional conversations with tweens and teens are the foundation of a healthy relationship. The book provides conversation starters to help parents get to know their children better. The second half of the book provides helpful guides for talking about specific tricky issues, like bullying, self-harm and suicide, sexuality, healthy friendships, future planning, and more.