Kindle Deals for June 10, 2020
Enough YA fantasy to fill your summer with reading!
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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The Mermaid, The Witch, and The Sea, by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, $4.99. Swashbuckling, spies, and spells? Sign me up! This is a recent release at a great price. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Aboard the pirate ship Dove, Flora the girl takes on the identity of Florian the man to earn the respect and protection of the crew. For Flora, former starving urchin, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival: don’t trust, don’t stick out, and don’t feel. But on this voyage, Flora is drawn to the Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, who is headed to an arranged marriage she dreads. Flora doesn’t expect to be taken under Evelyn’s wing, and Evelyn doesn’t expect to find such a deep bond with the pirate Florian. Neither expects to fall in love. Soon the unlikely pair set in motion a wild escape that will free a captured mermaid (coveted for her blood) and involve the mysterious Pirate Supreme, an opportunistic witch, double agents, and the all-encompassing Sea herself.”
Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy, edited by Amerie, $1.99. This is a fascinating collection, not just for the high-powered YA authors involved. Not just because each story offers a new villainous perspective on a classic story. What makes this book really unique is the collaboration with “BookTubers.” Each short story is paired with a YouTuber who provides commentary. Not every story is a winner, but there are some gems here.
King of Scars, by Leigh Bardugo, $4.99. We’ve recommended Bardugo’s other books several times. If you love a dark, immersive, fantasy world full of political machinations, this is your cup of tea. Bardugo has created an entire universe that spans multiple book series. The King of Scars duology looks at the rise of King Nicolai Lantsov in the aftermath of civil war.
The Guinevere Deception, by Kiersten White, $1.99. Think you know the legend of King Arthur? Think again! This exciting reimagining focuses on Guinevere, who isn’t what she seems. Concerned for Arthur’s safety, Merlin has arranged for a changeling to marry the king and serve as a secret protector. She must navigate the complicated world of the court while keeping a lookout for magical dangers. Readers will find courtly romance, exciting battles, and complicated characters.
Darkwood, by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, $3.99. This book from British comedy writer Gabby Hutchinson Crouch (who worked on Horrible Histories) had me hooked from the flap description, which reads like a combination of Discworld and The Princess Bride. Will it capture your interest as well? Here’s what the publisher says: “Magic is forbidden in Myrsina, along with various other abominations, such as girls doing maths. This is bad news for Gretel Mudd, who doesn’t perform magic, but does know a lot of maths. When the sinister masked Huntsmen accuse Gretel of witchcraft, she is forced to flee into the neighbouring Darkwood, where witches and monsters dwell. There, she happens upon Buttercup, a witch who can’t help turning things into gingerbread, Jack Trott, who can make plants grow at will, the White Knight with her band of dwarves and a talking spider called Trevor. These aren’t the terrifying villains she’s been warned about all her life. They’re actually quite nice. Well… most of them. With the Huntsmen on the warpath, Gretel must act fast to save both the Darkwood and her home village, while unravelling the rhetoric and lies that have demonised magical beings for far too long.”
Nocturna, by Maya Montayne, $1.99. I’m intrigued by the YA fantasy that is set in a Latinx kingdom. I’m looking forward to exploring this new world. Read this one now so that you are ready for the sequel to be release in September! From the publisher: To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks. As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever. After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic. But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts.
STILL ON SALE
All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages, edited by Saundra Mitchell, $1.99. This collection of historical fiction short stories from modern authors contains stories spanning the breadth of queer identity and a variety of time periods. YA fans will recognize several prominent authors. Says the publisher: “From a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood set in war-torn 1870s Mexico featuring a transgender soldier…to two girls falling in love while mourning the death of Kurt Cobain…to forbidden love in a sixteenth-century Spanish convent…and an asexual girl discovering her identity amid the 1970s roller-disco scene, All Out tells a diverse range of stories across cultures, time periods, and identities, shedding light on an area of history often ignored or forgotten.”
Stay Gold, by Tobly McSmith, $4.99. This one has only been out for a couple of weeks, so I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but the reviews look really promising. Pony is a transgender boy who is trying to keep a low profile at his new school, but when he meets Georgia, things do not unfold as planned. Be advised, there’s a lot of tough stuff in the book, including strained relationships with parents, thoughts of suicide, and transphobic bullying.
It’s Not Like It’s a Secret, by Misa Sugiura, $1.99. This first-person coming-of-age novel looks at falling in love and coming out from an Asian perspective. Here’s a plot description from the publisher: “Sixteen-year-old Sana Kiyohara has too many secrets. Some are small, like how it bothers her when her friends don’t invite her to parties. Some are big, like the fact that her father may be having an affair. And then there’s the one that she can barely even admit to herself—the one about how she might have a crush on her best friend. When Sana and her family move to California, she begins to wonder if it’s finally time for some honesty, especially after she meets Jamie Ramirez. Jamie is beautiful and smart and unlike anyone Sana’s ever known. There are just a few problems: Sana's new friends don't trust Jamie's crowd; Jamie's friends clearly don't want her around anyway; and a sweet guy named Caleb seems to have more-than-friendly feelings for her. Meanwhile, her dad’s affair is becoming too obvious to ignore. Sana always figured that the hardest thing would be to tell people that she wants to date a girl, but as she quickly learns, telling the truth is easy…what comes after it, though, is a whole lot more complicated.”
High School, by Tegan and Sara Quin, $3.99. Tegan and Sara are queer music icons! This memoir of their high school years in the 1990s will intrigue existing fans and may inspire new fans to check out their music. The sisters alternate chapters, and it’s interesting to see where their experiences diverge as they address sexuality, body image, drugs, friendship, and other teen issues.
After the Shot Drops, by Randy Ribay, $2.99. Telling a story using alternating perspectives can be a powerful technique. Bunny and Nasir are best friends, but they are growing apart. Bunny has won an athletic scholarship to a prestigious private school, leaving Nasir behind in their neighborhood school. When Nasir’s friend Wallace, who is desperate for money to prevent eviction, bets against Bunny’s basketball team, Nasir is caught in the middle. This book is full of interesting, complicated characters.
Who Put This Song On?, by Morgan Parker, $2.99. There are not many novels that address mental health issues from a Black perspective, and this is a welcome addition to the YA shelves. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Trapped in sunny, stifling, small-town suburbia, seventeen-year-old Morgan knows why she's in therapy. She can't count the number of times she's been the only non-white person at the sleepover, been teased for her "weird" outfits, and been told she's not "really" black. Also, she's spent most of her summer crying in bed. So there's that, too. Lately, it feels like the whole world is listening to the same terrible track on repeat--and it's telling them how to feel, who to vote for, what to believe. Morgan wonders, when can she turn this song off and begin living for herself? Loosely based on her own teenage life and diaries, this incredible debut by award-winning poet Morgan Parker will make readers stand up and cheer for a girl brave enough to live life on her own terms--and for themselves.”
Anger is a Gift, by Mark Oshiro, $2.99. Mark Oshiro is a social activist who is committed to including characters with a variety of ethnicities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and physical abilities in his writing. This book is on so many “Best Book” lists, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s a description from the publisher: “Moss Jeffries is many things—considerate student, devoted son, loyal friend and affectionate boyfriend, enthusiastic nerd. But sometimes Moss still wishes he could be someone else—someone without panic attacks, someone whose father was still alive, someone who hadn’t become a rallying point for a community because of one horrible night. And most of all, he wishes he didn’t feel so stuck. Moss can’t even escape at school—he and his friends are subject to the lack of funds and crumbling infrastructure at West Oakland High, as well as constant intimidation by the resource officer stationed in their halls. That was even before the new regulations—it seems sometimes that the students are treated more like criminals. Something will have to change—but who will listen to a group of teens? When tensions hit a fever pitch and tragedy strikes again, Moss must face a difficult choice: give in to fear and hate or realize that anger can actually be a gift.”
Light It Up, by Kekla Magoon, $2.99. Another story from multiple perspectives, this one addressing the tragic death of a teenager girl at the hands of police. It’s a very timely read that I am putting at the top of my summer reading list. Here’s the plot description: “A girl walks home from school. She's tall for her age. She's wearing her winter coat. Her headphones are in. She's hurrying. She never makes it home. In the aftermath, while law enforcement tries to justify the response, one fact remains: a police officer has shot and killed an unarmed thirteen-year-old girl. The community is thrown into upheaval, leading to unrest, a growing movement to protest the senseless taking of black lives, and the arrival of white supremacist counter demonstrators.”
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. Emoni loves to cook, and she has a knack for figuring out what flavors will meld well. She dreams of being a chef, but doesn’t know how to manage that while also parenting a two year old. When her high school offers a new culinary arts elective, Emoni realizes that this could be the entry point to a new life. Acevedo writes movingly about all of the complicated relationships in Emoni’s life with heart and hope. Foodies will enjoy the descriptions (and occasional recipes) of Puerto Rican, Spanish, and Southern cuisine.
X: A Novel, by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon, $0.99. This historical fiction novel tells the story of Malcom X’s teenage years and the struggles that he overcome to become a leader. Appropriate for teens, but does contain some sex, drugs, and violence. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Malcolm Little’s parents have always told him that he can achieve anything, but from what he can tell, that’s a pack of lies—after all, his father’s been murdered, his mother’s been taken away, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer have gotten him laughed out of school. There’s no point in trying, he figures, and lured by the nightlife of Boston and New York, he escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and reefer. But Malcolm’s efforts to leave the past behind lead him into increasingly dangerous territory. Deep down, he knows that the freedom he’s found is only an illusion—and that he can’t run forever.”Hair Like Mine, by LaTashia M. Perry, $4.99. In this sweet story, a girl goes looking for people with hair just like hers, but discovers that everyone is unique. She learns to celebrate the diversity of noses, toes, skin, and hair.
This Side of Home, by Renée Watson, $1.99. Maya’s neighborhood is changing, becoming more trendy and feeling less like her home. How can she stay true to herself when it feels like her community is slipping away? There are not a lot of YA books about gentrification, and Watson does a skillful job of presenting complicated emotions.
Elijah of Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis, $4.99. This amazing middle-grade book tells a story that gets lost in most history classes. In the mid-19th century, freedom seekers created a settlement near the border in Buxton, Canada. When a man steals money that was destined to buy a family’s freedom, Elijah is determined to track down the thief. But this quest takes Elijah away from the settlement and exposes him to new dangers. This is a moving book; I had to stop reading aloud the section on welcoming new members to freedom because I couldn’t speak through the tears.
The Story of Ruby Bridges, by Robert Coles, $3.99. When Ruby Bridges was only six, she became the first Black child to integrate the New Orleans school system. Ruby had to make her way through mobs of angry people to get to her new school. Robert Coles tells her remarkable story with warm illustrations from George Ford.
The Sound that Jazz Makes, by Carole Boston Weatherford, $1.99. This lovely book in verse tells the history of jazz from its African roots to modern interpretations. Though it doesn’t provide a lot of detail, the text introduces important terms and people for further exploration. The illustrations leap off the page (sometimes literally extending into the margins) and portray a broad range of emotions.
Watch Us Rise, by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan, $1.99. Watson and Hagan use alternating perspectives to tell this story of friends coming together to speak out about racism and sexism in their high school. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission--they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work online--poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences--and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices--and those of other young women--to be heard.”
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lesson on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work, by Tiffany Jewell, $2.99. I just bought this book for my family after seeing it recommended by many sources. Tiffany Jewell walks through the history of racism, how people have fought against it throughout history, and what we can do now to help create a just world.
Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah, $4.99. Suzanne’s got our middle schoolers reading some of this as part of their African literature section. There’s also a young reader’s edition that goes into less detail about the most violent portions of the story. From The New York Times review: “By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”
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.
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, by Derrick Barnes, $3.99. Early elementary readers will love getting to know Ruby Booker. Ruby is nervous about starting a new school, especially since everyone there already knows her three older brothers. When she tries to find a way to set herself apart, she may have instead gotten herself in trouble. Kids will enjoy the banter and antics of the Booker family. Good news! This is the first in a series. Short chapters and fun illustrations will appeal to readers transitioning to chapter books.
Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: The Quest for Screen Time, by Marti Dumas, $3.99. I haven’t read this chapter book yet, but I was so charmed by the description. Will you feel the same way? “Giant afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does. This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time. Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool.”
What if Everybody Thought That?, by Ellen Javernick, $1.99. This simple children’s book encourages kids to challenge their preconceptions about others. Use this book to begin a conversation about stereotypes with your young children.
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr, $4.99. This picture book of King’s famous speech is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The main book text is an excerpt, but the full speech text is included at the back.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison, $1.99. I love the exuberance of this book. As a little girl moves around her city, she finds rhythms all around her. She combines all of the rhythms she discovers into an amazing dance, and other kids join in!
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for June 9, 2020
Celebrate Pride month with these LGBTQ+ YA 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.)
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All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages, edited by Saundra Mitchell, $1.99. This collection of historical fiction short stories from modern authors contains stories spanning the breadth of queer identity and a variety of time periods. YA fans will recognize several prominent authors. Says the publisher: “From a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood set in war-torn 1870s Mexico featuring a transgender soldier…to two girls falling in love while mourning the death of Kurt Cobain…to forbidden love in a sixteenth-century Spanish convent…and an asexual girl discovering her identity amid the 1970s roller-disco scene, All Out tells a diverse range of stories across cultures, time periods, and identities, shedding light on an area of history often ignored or forgotten.”
Stay Gold, by Tobly McSmith, $4.99. This one has only been out for a couple of weeks, so I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but the reviews look really promising. Pony is a transgender boy who is trying to keep a low profile at his new school, but when he meets Georgia, things do not unfold as planned. Be advised, there’s a lot of tough stuff in the book, including strained relationships with parents, thoughts of suicide, and transphobic bullying.
It’s Not Like It’s a Secret, by Misa Sugiura, $1.99. This first-person coming-of-age novel looks at falling in love and coming out from an Asian perspective. Here’s a plot description from the publisher: “Sixteen-year-old Sana Kiyohara has too many secrets. Some are small, like how it bothers her when her friends don’t invite her to parties. Some are big, like the fact that her father may be having an affair. And then there’s the one that she can barely even admit to herself—the one about how she might have a crush on her best friend. When Sana and her family move to California, she begins to wonder if it’s finally time for some honesty, especially after she meets Jamie Ramirez. Jamie is beautiful and smart and unlike anyone Sana’s ever known. There are just a few problems: Sana's new friends don't trust Jamie's crowd; Jamie's friends clearly don't want her around anyway; and a sweet guy named Caleb seems to have more-than-friendly feelings for her. Meanwhile, her dad’s affair is becoming too obvious to ignore. Sana always figured that the hardest thing would be to tell people that she wants to date a girl, but as she quickly learns, telling the truth is easy…what comes after it, though, is a whole lot more complicated.”
High School, by Tegan and Sara Quin, $3.99. Tegan and Sara are queer music icons! This memoir of their high school years in the 1990s will intrigue existing fans and may inspire new fans to check out their music. The sisters alternate chapters, and it’s interesting to see where their experiences diverge as they address sexuality, body image, drugs, friendship, and other teen issues.
STILL ON SALE
After the Shot Drops, by Randy Ribay, $2.99. Telling a story using alternating perspectives can be a powerful technique. Bunny and Nasir are best friends, but they are growing apart. Bunny has won an athletic scholarship to a prestigious private school, leaving Nasir behind in their neighborhood school. When Nasir’s friend Wallace, who is desperate for money to prevent eviction, bets against Bunny’s basketball team, Nasir is caught in the middle. This book is full of interesting, complicated characters.
Who Put This Song On?, by Morgan Parker, $2.99. There are not many novels that address mental health issues from a Black perspective, and this is a welcome addition to the YA shelves. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Trapped in sunny, stifling, small-town suburbia, seventeen-year-old Morgan knows why she's in therapy. She can't count the number of times she's been the only non-white person at the sleepover, been teased for her "weird" outfits, and been told she's not "really" black. Also, she's spent most of her summer crying in bed. So there's that, too. Lately, it feels like the whole world is listening to the same terrible track on repeat--and it's telling them how to feel, who to vote for, what to believe. Morgan wonders, when can she turn this song off and begin living for herself? Loosely based on her own teenage life and diaries, this incredible debut by award-winning poet Morgan Parker will make readers stand up and cheer for a girl brave enough to live life on her own terms--and for themselves.”
Anger is a Gift, by Mark Oshiro, $2.99. Mark Oshiro is a social activist who is committed to including characters with a variety of ethnicities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and physical abilities in his writing. This book is on so many “Best Book” lists, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s a description from the publisher: “Moss Jeffries is many things—considerate student, devoted son, loyal friend and affectionate boyfriend, enthusiastic nerd. But sometimes Moss still wishes he could be someone else—someone without panic attacks, someone whose father was still alive, someone who hadn’t become a rallying point for a community because of one horrible night. And most of all, he wishes he didn’t feel so stuck. Moss can’t even escape at school—he and his friends are subject to the lack of funds and crumbling infrastructure at West Oakland High, as well as constant intimidation by the resource officer stationed in their halls. That was even before the new regulations—it seems sometimes that the students are treated more like criminals. Something will have to change—but who will listen to a group of teens? When tensions hit a fever pitch and tragedy strikes again, Moss must face a difficult choice: give in to fear and hate or realize that anger can actually be a gift.”
Light It Up, by Kekla Magoon, $2.99. Another story from multiple perspectives, this one addressing the tragic death of a teenager girl at the hands of police. It’s a very timely read that I am putting at the top of my summer reading list. Here’s the plot description: “A girl walks home from school. She's tall for her age. She's wearing her winter coat. Her headphones are in. She's hurrying. She never makes it home. In the aftermath, while law enforcement tries to justify the response, one fact remains: a police officer has shot and killed an unarmed thirteen-year-old girl. The community is thrown into upheaval, leading to unrest, a growing movement to protest the senseless taking of black lives, and the arrival of white supremacist counter demonstrators.”
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. Emoni loves to cook, and she has a knack for figuring out what flavors will meld well. She dreams of being a chef, but doesn’t know how to manage that while also parenting a two year old. When her high school offers a new culinary arts elective, Emoni realizes that this could be the entry point to a new life. Acevedo writes movingly about all of the complicated relationships in Emoni’s life with heart and hope. Foodies will enjoy the descriptions (and occasional recipes) of Puerto Rican, Spanish, and Southern cuisine.
X: A Novel, by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon, $0.99. This historical fiction novel tells the story of Malcom X’s teenage years and the struggles that he overcome to become a leader. Appropriate for teens, but does contain some sex, drugs, and violence. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Malcolm Little’s parents have always told him that he can achieve anything, but from what he can tell, that’s a pack of lies—after all, his father’s been murdered, his mother’s been taken away, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer have gotten him laughed out of school. There’s no point in trying, he figures, and lured by the nightlife of Boston and New York, he escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and reefer. But Malcolm’s efforts to leave the past behind lead him into increasingly dangerous territory. Deep down, he knows that the freedom he’s found is only an illusion—and that he can’t run forever.”Hair Like Mine, by LaTashia M. Perry, $4.99. In this sweet story, a girl goes looking for people with hair just like hers, but discovers that everyone is unique. She learns to celebrate the diversity of noses, toes, skin, and hair.
This Side of Home, by Renée Watson, $1.99. Maya’s neighborhood is changing, becoming more trendy and feeling less like her home. How can she stay true to herself when it feels like her community is slipping away? There are not a lot of YA books about gentrification, and Watson does a skillful job of presenting complicated emotions.
Elijah of Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis, $4.99. This amazing middle-grade book tells a story that gets lost in most history classes. In the mid-19th century, freedom seekers created a settlement near the border in Buxton, Canada. When a man steals money that was destined to buy a family’s freedom, Elijah is determined to track down the thief. But this quest takes Elijah away from the settlement and exposes him to new dangers. This is a moving book; I had to stop reading aloud the section on welcoming new members to freedom because I couldn’t speak through the tears.
The Story of Ruby Bridges, by Robert Coles, $3.99. When Ruby Bridges was only six, she became the first Black child to integrate the New Orleans school system. Ruby had to make her way through mobs of angry people to get to her new school. Robert Coles tells her remarkable story with warm illustrations from George Ford.
The Sound that Jazz Makes, by Carole Boston Weatherford, $1.99. This lovely book in verse tells the history of jazz from its African roots to modern interpretations. Though it doesn’t provide a lot of detail, the text introduces important terms and people for further exploration. The illustrations leap off the page (sometimes literally extending into the margins) and portray a broad range of emotions.
Watch Us Rise, by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan, $1.99. Watson and Hagan use alternating perspectives to tell this story of friends coming together to speak out about racism and sexism in their high school. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission--they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work online--poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences--and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices--and those of other young women--to be heard.”
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lesson on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work, by Tiffany Jewell, $2.99. I just bought this book for my family after seeing it recommended by many sources. Tiffany Jewell walks through the history of racism, how people have fought against it throughout history, and what we can do now to help create a just world.
Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah, $4.99. Suzanne’s got our middle schoolers reading some of this as part of their African literature section. There’s also a young reader’s edition that goes into less detail about the most violent portions of the story. From The New York Times review: “By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”
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.
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, by Derrick Barnes, $3.99. Early elementary readers will love getting to know Ruby Booker. Ruby is nervous about starting a new school, especially since everyone there already knows her three older brothers. When she tries to find a way to set herself apart, she may have instead gotten herself in trouble. Kids will enjoy the banter and antics of the Booker family. Good news! This is the first in a series. Short chapters and fun illustrations will appeal to readers transitioning to chapter books.
Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: The Quest for Screen Time, by Marti Dumas, $3.99. I haven’t read this chapter book yet, but I was so charmed by the description. Will you feel the same way? “Giant afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does. This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time. Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool.”
What if Everybody Thought That?, by Ellen Javernick, $1.99. This simple children’s book encourages kids to challenge their preconceptions about others. Use this book to begin a conversation about stereotypes with your young children.
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr, $4.99. This picture book of King’s famous speech is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The main book text is an excerpt, but the full speech text is included at the back.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison, $1.99. I love the exuberance of this book. As a little girl moves around her city, she finds rhythms all around her. She combines all of the rhythms she discovers into an amazing dance, and other kids join in!
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for June 8, 2020
Realistic YA fiction with Black characters.
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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After the Shot Drops, by Randy Ribay, $2.99. Telling a story using alternating perspectives can be a powerful technique. Bunny and Nasir are best friends, but they are growing apart. Bunny has won an athletic scholarship to a prestigious private school, leaving Nasir behind in their neighborhood school. When Nasir’s friend Wallace, who is desperate for money to prevent eviction, bets against Bunny’s basketball team, Nasir is caught in the middle. This book is full of interesting, complicated characters.
Who Put This Song On?, by Morgan Parker, $2.99. There are not many novels that address mental health issues from a Black perspective, and this is a welcome addition to the YA shelves. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Trapped in sunny, stifling, small-town suburbia, seventeen-year-old Morgan knows why she's in therapy. She can't count the number of times she's been the only non-white person at the sleepover, been teased for her "weird" outfits, and been told she's not "really" black. Also, she's spent most of her summer crying in bed. So there's that, too. Lately, it feels like the whole world is listening to the same terrible track on repeat--and it's telling them how to feel, who to vote for, what to believe. Morgan wonders, when can she turn this song off and begin living for herself? Loosely based on her own teenage life and diaries, this incredible debut by award-winning poet Morgan Parker will make readers stand up and cheer for a girl brave enough to live life on her own terms--and for themselves.”
Anger is a Gift, by Mark Oshiro, $2.99. Mark Oshiro is a social activist who is committed to including characters with a variety of ethnicities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and physical abilities in his writing. This book is on so many “Best Book” lists, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s a description from the publisher: “Moss Jeffries is many things—considerate student, devoted son, loyal friend and affectionate boyfriend, enthusiastic nerd. But sometimes Moss still wishes he could be someone else—someone without panic attacks, someone whose father was still alive, someone who hadn’t become a rallying point for a community because of one horrible night. And most of all, he wishes he didn’t feel so stuck. Moss can’t even escape at school—he and his friends are subject to the lack of funds and crumbling infrastructure at West Oakland High, as well as constant intimidation by the resource officer stationed in their halls. That was even before the new regulations—it seems sometimes that the students are treated more like criminals. Something will have to change—but who will listen to a group of teens? When tensions hit a fever pitch and tragedy strikes again, Moss must face a difficult choice: give in to fear and hate or realize that anger can actually be a gift.”
Light It Up, by Kekla Magoon, $2.99. Another story from multiple perspectives, this one addressing the tragic death of a teenager girl at the hands of police. It’s a very timely read that I am putting at the top of my summer reading list. Here’s the plot description: “A girl walks home from school. She's tall for her age. She's wearing her winter coat. Her headphones are in. She's hurrying. She never makes it home. In the aftermath, while law enforcement tries to justify the response, one fact remains: a police officer has shot and killed an unarmed thirteen-year-old girl. The community is thrown into upheaval, leading to unrest, a growing movement to protest the senseless taking of black lives, and the arrival of white supremacist counter demonstrators.”
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. Emoni loves to cook, and she has a knack for figuring out what flavors will meld well. She dreams of being a chef, but doesn’t know how to manage that while also parenting a two year old. When her high school offers a new culinary arts elective, Emoni realizes that this could be the entry point to a new life. Acevedo writes movingly about all of the complicated relationships in Emoni’s life with heart and hope. Foodies will enjoy the descriptions (and occasional recipes) of Puerto Rican, Spanish, and Southern cuisine.
STILL ON SALE
X: A Novel, by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon, $0.99. This historical fiction novel tells the story of Malcom X’s teenage years and the struggles that he overcome to become a leader. Appropriate for teens, but does contain some sex, drugs, and violence. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Malcolm Little’s parents have always told him that he can achieve anything, but from what he can tell, that’s a pack of lies—after all, his father’s been murdered, his mother’s been taken away, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer have gotten him laughed out of school. There’s no point in trying, he figures, and lured by the nightlife of Boston and New York, he escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and reefer. But Malcolm’s efforts to leave the past behind lead him into increasingly dangerous territory. Deep down, he knows that the freedom he’s found is only an illusion—and that he can’t run forever.”Hair Like Mine, by LaTashia M. Perry, $4.99. In this sweet story, a girl goes looking for people with hair just like hers, but discovers that everyone is unique. She learns to celebrate the diversity of noses, toes, skin, and hair.
This Side of Home, by Renée Watson, $1.99. Maya’s neighborhood is changing, becoming more trendy and feeling less like her home. How can she stay true to herself when it feels like her community is slipping away? There are not a lot of YA books about gentrification, and Watson does a skillful job of presenting complicated emotions.
Elijah of Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis, $4.99. This amazing middle-grade book tells a story that gets lost in most history classes. In the mid-19th century, freedom seekers created a settlement near the border in Buxton, Canada. When a man steals money that was destined to buy a family’s freedom, Elijah is determined to track down the thief. But this quest takes Elijah away from the settlement and exposes him to new dangers. This is a moving book; I had to stop reading aloud the section on welcoming new members to freedom because I couldn’t speak through the tears.
The Story of Ruby Bridges, by Robert Coles, $3.99. When Ruby Bridges was only six, she became the first Black child to integrate the New Orleans school system. Ruby had to make her way through mobs of angry people to get to her new school. Robert Coles tells her remarkable story with warm illustrations from George Ford.
The Sound that Jazz Makes, by Carole Boston Weatherford, $1.99. This lovely book in verse tells the history of jazz from its African roots to modern interpretations. Though it doesn’t provide a lot of detail, the text introduces important terms and people for further exploration. The illustrations leap off the page (sometimes literally extending into the margins) and portray a broad range of emotions.
Watch Us Rise, by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan, $1.99. Watson and Hagan use alternating perspectives to tell this story of friends coming together to speak out about racism and sexism in their high school. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission--they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work online--poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences--and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices--and those of other young women--to be heard.”
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lesson on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work, by Tiffany Jewell, $2.99. I just bought this book for my family after seeing it recommended by many sources. Tiffany Jewell walks through the history of racism, how people have fought against it throughout history, and what we can do now to help create a just world.
Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah, $4.99. Suzanne’s got our middle schoolers reading some of this as part of their African literature section. There’s also a young reader’s edition that goes into less detail about the most violent portions of the story. From The New York Times review: “By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”
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.
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, by Derrick Barnes, $3.99. Early elementary readers will love getting to know Ruby Booker. Ruby is nervous about starting a new school, especially since everyone there already knows her three older brothers. When she tries to find a way to set herself apart, she may have instead gotten herself in trouble. Kids will enjoy the banter and antics of the Booker family. Good news! This is the first in a series. Short chapters and fun illustrations will appeal to readers transitioning to chapter books.
Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: The Quest for Screen Time, by Marti Dumas, $3.99. I haven’t read this chapter book yet, but I was so charmed by the description. Will you feel the same way? “Giant afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does. This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time. Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool.”
What if Everybody Thought That?, by Ellen Javernick, $1.99. This simple children’s book encourages kids to challenge their preconceptions about others. Use this book to begin a conversation about stereotypes with your young children.
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr, $4.99. This picture book of King’s famous speech is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The main book text is an excerpt, but the full speech text is included at the back.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison, $1.99. I love the exuberance of this book. As a little girl moves around her city, she finds rhythms all around her. She combines all of the rhythms she discovers into an amazing dance, and other kids join in!
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for June 5, 2020
Contemporary and historical fiction with Black characters.
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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X: A Novel, by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon, $0.99. This historical fiction novel tells the story of Malcom X’s teenage years and the struggles that he overcome to become a leader. Appropriate for teens, but does contain some sex, drugs, and violence. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Malcolm Little’s parents have always told him that he can achieve anything, but from what he can tell, that’s a pack of lies—after all, his father’s been murdered, his mother’s been taken away, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer have gotten him laughed out of school. There’s no point in trying, he figures, and lured by the nightlife of Boston and New York, he escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and reefer. But Malcolm’s efforts to leave the past behind lead him into increasingly dangerous territory. Deep down, he knows that the freedom he’s found is only an illusion—and that he can’t run forever.”
This Side of Home, by Renée Watson, $1.99. Maya’s neighborhood is changing, becoming more trendy and feeling less like her home. How can she stay true to herself when it feels like her community is slipping away? There are not a lot of YA books about gentrification, and Watson does a skillful job of presenting complicated emotions.
Elijah of Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis, $4.99. This amazing middle-grade book tells a story that gets lost in most history classes. In the mid-19th century, freedom seekers created a settlement near the border in Buxton, Canada. When a man steals money that was destined to buy a family’s freedom, Elijah is determined to track down the thief. But this quest takes Elijah away from the settlement and exposes him to new dangers. This is a moving book; I had to stop reading aloud the section on welcoming new members to freedom because I couldn’t speak through the tears.
STILL ON SALE
Hair Like Mine, by LaTashia M. Perry, $4.99. In this sweet story, a girl goes looking for people with hair just like hers, but discovers that everyone is unique. She learns to celebrate the diversity of noses, toes, skin, and hair.
The Story of Ruby Bridges, by Robert Coles, $3.99. When Ruby Bridges was only six, she became the first Black child to integrate the New Orleans school system. Ruby had to make her way through mobs of angry people to get to her new school. Robert Coles tells her remarkable story with warm illustrations from George Ford.
The Sound that Jazz Makes, by Carole Boston Weatherford, $1.99. This lovely book in verse tells the history of jazz from its African roots to modern interpretations. Though it doesn’t provide a lot of detail, the text introduces important terms and people for further exploration. The illustrations leap off the page (sometimes literally extending into the margins) and portray a broad range of emotions.
Watch Us Rise, by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan, $1.99. Watson and Hagan use alternating perspectives to tell this story of friends coming together to speak out about racism and sexism in their high school. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission--they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work online--poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences--and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices--and those of other young women--to be heard.”
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lesson on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work, by Tiffany Jewell, $2.99. I just bought this book for my family after seeing it recommended by many sources. Tiffany Jewell walks through the history of racism, how people have fought against it throughout history, and what we can do now to help create a just world.
Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah, $4.99. Suzanne’s got our middle schoolers reading some of this as part of their African literature section. There’s also a young reader’s edition that goes into less detail about the most violent portions of the story. From The New York Times review: “By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”
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.
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, by Derrick Barnes, $3.99. Early elementary readers will love getting to know Ruby Booker. Ruby is nervous about starting a new school, especially since everyone there already knows her three older brothers. When she tries to find a way to set herself apart, she may have instead gotten herself in trouble. Kids will enjoy the banter and antics of the Booker family. Good news! This is the first in a series. Short chapters and fun illustrations will appeal to readers transitioning to chapter books.
Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: The Quest for Screen Time, by Marti Dumas, $3.99. I haven’t read this chapter book yet, but I was so charmed by the description. Will you feel the same way? “Giant afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does. This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time. Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool.”
What if Everybody Thought That?, by Ellen Javernick, $1.99. This simple children’s book encourages kids to challenge their preconceptions about others. Use this book to begin a conversation about stereotypes with your young children.
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr, $4.99. This picture book of King’s famous speech is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The main book text is an excerpt, but the full speech text is included at the back.
Civil Rights Then and Now, by Kristina Brooke Daniele, $0.99. Daniele, a teacher and homeschool parent, has created a comprehensive history of the Civil Rights Movement in America. She contrasts events and important people of the 1960s with more current events. The book includes discussion questions, quizzes, and other activities. Note: This is written at approximately a middle school level but includes information about many murders of people of color. You will want to preread to determine whether it is appropriate for your particular child.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison, $1.99. I love the exuberance of this book. As a little girl moves around her city, she finds rhythms all around her. She combines all of the rhythms she discovers into an amazing dance, and other kids join in!
The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Kids will love this celebration of creativity in book form. Vashti is feeling stuck in art class, so she hands in a picture of only a dot. But when her teacher embraces her work of art, Vashti is encouraged to keep exploring her creative possibilities.
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for June 4, 2020
Diversify your story time!
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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Hair Like Mine, by LaTashia M. Perry, $4.99. In this sweet story, a girl goes looking for people with hair just like hers, but discovers that everyone is unique. She learns to celebrate the diversity of noses, toes, skin, and hair.
The Story of Ruby Bridges, by Robert Coles, $3.99. When Ruby Bridges was only six, she became the first Black child to integrate the New Orleans school system. Ruby had to make her way through mobs of angry people to get to her new school. Robert Coles tells her remarkable story with warm illustrations from George Ford.
The Sound that Jazz Makes, by Carole Boston Weatherford, $1.99. This lovely book in verse tells the history of jazz from its African roots to modern interpretations. Though it doesn’t provide a lot of detail, the text introduces important terms and people for further exploration. The illustrations leap off the page (sometimes literally extending into the margins) and portray a broad range of emotions.
STILL ON SALE
Watch Us Rise, by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan, $1.99. Watson and Hagan use alternating perspectives to tell this story of friends coming together to speak out about racism and sexism in their high school. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission--they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work online--poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences--and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices--and those of other young women--to be heard.”
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lesson on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work, by Tiffany Jewell, $2.99. I just bought this book for my family after seeing it recommended by many sources. Tiffany Jewell walks through the history of racism, how people have fought against it throughout history, and what we can do now to help create a just world.
Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah, $4.99. Suzanne’s got our middle schoolers reading some of this as part of their African literature section. There’s also a young reader’s edition that goes into less detail about the most violent portions of the story. From The New York Times review: “By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”
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.
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, by Derrick Barnes, $3.99. Early elementary readers will love getting to know Ruby Booker. Ruby is nervous about starting a new school, especially since everyone there already knows her three older brothers. When she tries to find a way to set herself apart, she may have instead gotten herself in trouble. Kids will enjoy the banter and antics of the Booker family. Good news! This is the first in a series. Short chapters and fun illustrations will appeal to readers transitioning to chapter books.
Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: The Quest for Screen Time, by Marti Dumas, $3.99. I haven’t read this chapter book yet, but I was so charmed by the description. Will you feel the same way? “Giant afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does. This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time. Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool.”
What if Everybody Thought That?, by Ellen Javernick, $1.99. This simple children’s book encourages kids to challenge their preconceptions about others. Use this book to begin a conversation about stereotypes with your young children.
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr, $4.99. This picture book of King’s famous speech is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The main book text is an excerpt, but the full speech text is included at the back.
Civil Rights Then and Now, by Kristina Brooke Daniele, $0.99. Daniele, a teacher and homeschool parent, has created a comprehensive history of the Civil Rights Movement in America. She contrasts events and important people of the 1960s with more current events. The book includes discussion questions, quizzes, and other activities. Note: This is written at approximately a middle school level but includes information about many murders of people of color. You will want to preread to determine whether it is appropriate for your particular child.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison, $1.99. I love the exuberance of this book. As a little girl moves around her city, she finds rhythms all around her. She combines all of the rhythms she discovers into an amazing dance, and other kids join in!
The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Kids will love this celebration of creativity in book form. Vashti is feeling stuck in art class, so she hands in a picture of only a dot. But when her teacher embraces her work of art, Vashti is encouraged to keep exploring her creative possibilities.
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for June 3, 2020
Diverse books for middle and high school 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.)
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Watch Us Rise, by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan, $1.99. Watson and Hagan use alternating perspectives to tell this story of friends coming together to speak out about racism and sexism in their high school. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission--they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work online--poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences--and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices--and those of other young women--to be heard.”
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lesson on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work, by Tiffany Jewell, $2.99. I just bought this book for my family after seeing it recommended by many sources. Tiffany Jewell walks through the history of racism, how people have fought against it throughout history, and what we can do now to help create a just world.
Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah, $4.99. Suzanne’s got our middle schoolers reading some of this as part of their African literature section. There’s also a young reader’s edition that goes into less detail about the most violent portions of the story. From The New York Times review: “By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”
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.
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, by Derrick Barnes, $3.99. Early elementary readers will love getting to know Ruby Booker. Ruby is nervous about starting a new school, especially since everyone there already knows her three older brothers. When she tries to find a way to set herself apart, she may have instead gotten herself in trouble. Kids will enjoy the banter and antics of the Booker family. Good news! This is the first in a series. Short chapters and fun illustrations will appeal to readers transitioning to chapter books.
Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: The Quest for Screen Time, by Marti Dumas, $3.99. I haven’t read this chapter book yet, but I was so charmed by the description. Will you feel the same way? “Giant afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does. This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time. Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool.”
What if Everybody Thought That?, by Ellen Javernick, $1.99. This simple children’s book encourages kids to challenge their preconceptions about others. Use this book to begin a conversation about stereotypes with your young children.
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr, $4.99. This picture book of King’s famous speech is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The main book text is an excerpt, but the full speech text is included at the back.
Civil Rights Then and Now, by Kristina Brooke Daniele, $0.99. Daniele, a teacher and homeschool parent, has created a comprehensive history of the Civil Rights Movement in America. She contrasts events and important people of the 1960s with more current events. The book includes discussion questions, quizzes, and other activities. Note: This is written at approximately a middle school level but includes information about many murders of people of color. You will want to preread to determine whether it is appropriate for your particular child.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison, $1.99. I love the exuberance of this book. As a little girl moves around her city, she finds rhythms all around her. She combines all of the rhythms she discovers into an amazing dance, and other kids join in!
The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Kids will love this celebration of creativity in book form. Vashti is feeling stuck in art class, so she hands in a picture of only a dot. But when her teacher embraces her work of art, Vashti is encouraged to keep exploring her creative possibilities.
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for June 2, 2020
Diverse books for middle grade 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.)
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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.
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, by Derrick Barnes, $3.99. Early elementary readers will love getting to know Ruby Booker. Ruby is nervous about starting a new school, especially since everyone there already knows her three older brothers. When she tries to find a way to set herself apart, she may have instead gotten herself in trouble. Kids will enjoy the banter and antics of the Booker family. Good news! This is the first in a series. Short chapters and fun illustrations will appeal to readers transitioning to chapter books.
Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: The Quest for Screen Time, by Marti Dumas, $3.99. I haven’t read this chapter book yet, but I was so charmed by the description. Will you feel the same way? “Giant afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does. This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time. Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool.”
STILL ON SALE
What if Everybody Thought That?, by Ellen Javernick, $1.99. This simple children’s book encourages kids to challenge their preconceptions about others. Use this book to begin a conversation about stereotypes with your young children.
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr, $4.99. This picture book of King’s famous speech is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The main book text is an excerpt, but the full speech text is included at the back.
Civil Rights Then and Now, by Kristina Brooke Daniele, $0.99. Daniele, a teacher and homeschool parent, has created a comprehensive history of the Civil Rights Movement in America. She contrasts events and important people of the 1960s with more current events. The book includes discussion questions, quizzes, and other activities. Note: This is written at approximately a middle school level but includes information about many murders of people of color. You will want to preread to determine whether it is appropriate for your particular child.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison, $1.99. I love the exuberance of this book. As a little girl moves around her city, she finds rhythms all around her. She combines all of the rhythms she discovers into an amazing dance, and other kids join in!
The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Kids will love this celebration of creativity in book form. Vashti is feeling stuck in art class, so she hands in a picture of only a dot. But when her teacher embraces her work of art, Vashti is encouraged to keep exploring her creative possibilities.
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for June 1, 2020
Celebrate diversity with these books featuring people of color.
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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What if Everybody Thought That?, by Ellen Javernick, $1.99. This simple children’s book encourages kids to challenge their preconceptions about others. Use this book to begin a conversation about stereotypes with your young children.
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr, $4.99. This picture book of King’s famous speech is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The main book text is an excerpt, but the full speech text is included at the back.
Civil Rights Then and Now, by Kristina Brooke Daniele, $0.99. Daniele, a teacher and homeschool parent, has created a comprehensive history of the Civil Rights Movement in America. She contrasts events and important people of the 1960s with more current events. The book includes discussion questions, quizzes, and other activities. Note: This is written at approximately a middle school level but includes information about many murders of people of color. You will want to preread to determine whether it is appropriate for your particular child.
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison, $1.99. I love the exuberance of this book. As a little girl moves around her city, she finds rhythms all around her. She combines all of the rhythms she discovers into an amazing dance, and other kids join in!
STILL ON SALE
The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Kids will love this celebration of creativity in book form. Vashti is feeling stuck in art class, so she hands in a picture of only a dot. But when her teacher embraces her work of art, Vashti is encouraged to keep exploring her creative possibilities.
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 29, 2020
These books are a celebration of creative thinking and positive action!
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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The Moment of Lift, by Melinda Gates, $2.99. I read The Moment of Lift earlier this year, and I was really impressed by the thoughtful way Melinda Gates approaches her philanthropy. Gates is very aware of the privilege she has as a wealthy white woman and looks for ways to support and empower other women around the world. She humbly admits her mistakes and the preconceptions she had to shed in order to really improve the lives of others.
Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self, by Manoush Zomorodi, $3.99. I’ve enjoyed Zomorodi’s radio work for years, and I am eager to find out what she has to say about creative thinking. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “Manoush explains the connection between boredom and original thinking, exploring how we can harness boredom’s hidden benefits to become our most productive and creative selves without totally abandoning our gadgets in the process. Grounding the book in the neuroscience and cognitive psychology of “mind wandering” what our brains do when we're doing nothing at all—Manoush includes practical steps you can take to ease the nonstop busyness and enhance your ability to dream, wonder, and gain clarity in your work and life. The outcome is mind-blowing. Unplug and read on.”
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, by Adam Grant, $2.99. Many homeschoolers are non-conformists. It takes some self-assuredness to turn away from the public school system to manage education as a family. The non-conformists are the ones who get things done! Here’s what the publisher has to say: “How can we originate new ideas, policies, and practices without risking it all? Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent.”
The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Kids will love this celebration of creativity in book form. Vashti is feeling stuck in art class, so she hands in a picture of only a dot. But when her teacher embraces her work of art, Vashti is encouraged to keep exploring her creative possibilities.
STILL ON SALE
A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Guts and Glory: The American Revolution, by Ben Thompson, $1.99. If you’re looking for a “not boring” approach to history, the Guts and Glory series may be what you are looking for. Thompson uses jokes and modern slang to make history come alive. This one is pitched for the upper elementary reader. There’s not enough detail to build a curriculum around this book, but it is a great starting point for getting kids curious about the past.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith, $4.99. Precious Ramotswe has just set up shop as a private investigator when she takes a complicated case that will have her tracking down a missing 11-year-old boy. This is the first in a series with more than 20 books, and it is easy to get lost in all the detailed descriptions of life in Botswana. These are for older readers, but there is also an awesome series starring a young Precious that will entertain early readers.
The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen, $1.99. When you need to cool off this summer, consider a trek through the Himalayas with nature writer Peter Matthiessen. He recounts his 250-mile trek accompanying a zoologist searching for the elusive snow leopard, which has rarely been seen by researchers. The writing meanders through beautiful descriptions of the natural world, musings on Tibetan culture and Buddhism, and philosophical discussions on the meaning of life.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
The Cool Bean, by Jory John and Pete Oswald, $3.99. The team that brought us The Bad Seed and The Good Egg is back with a charming story about fitting in, confidence, and kindness.
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex, $3.99. This book is such a good time. In the Kingdom of Backyard, aggressive warrior Rock roams around trash-talking other inhabitants. Who can get him to calm down? This book begs to be acted out with lots of funny voices. Note: Families with strict rules against name calling may want to avoid (e.g., Rock tells Peach, “You look like a fuzzy butt!”).
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide, by Editors of Creative Publishing International, $2.99. I do a lot of crafts, but I don’t sew. As everyone around me scrambled for masks, I was reliant on dear friends to make them for my family. If this current situation has spurred you to get started with sewing, this book will be a useful first step. There are lots of illustrations and helpful tips for the sewing novice.
Creative Watercolor: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners — Create with Paints, Inks, Markers, Glitter, and More!, by Ana Victoria Calderon, $2.99. If you think watercolors are only for old-fashioned, pale, delicate art, think again! This books offers tips on creating bold but simple art with a modern style. The idea of embellishing watercolors is particularly interesting to me — bring on the metallic shimmer!
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 28, 2020
Great history resources for young 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.)
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A Street Through Time: A 12,000 Year Journey Along the Same Street, illustrated by Steve Noon, $1.99. I love this history book so much. Gorgeous and detailed illustrations highlight what daily life was like in 15 time periods, from prehistory to the present (and even a little beyond). This is the perfect book for games of I Spy; the funny details will get kids interested in finding out more about the time periods. This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when you are studying (Western) history and want to know what a time period looked or felt like.
Discovery in the Cave, by Mark Dubowski, $4.99. The Step into Reading series does a great job with nonfiction topics. So many history books for kids offer only little snippets of information about many topics at once. These level 3 and 4 books provide in-depth details on a specific topic. Level 4 books balance paragraphs of text with fairly simple vocabulary and lots of illustrations. This particular book is all about the cave paintings of Lascaux. Kids will learn about how the cave was discovered and what historians and scientists have learned from the paintings.
DKfindout! World War II, by Brian Williams, $1.99. The DKfindout! book series is back again, this time with an interesting look at World War II. Kids ages 6-9 can learn age appropriate information about major battles, world leaders, military equipment, the Holocaust, code-breaking, and more. This is definitely an intro-level book, but it may just the right amount of information for young history enthusiasts.
Guts and Glory: The American Revolution, by Ben Thompson, $1.99. If you’re looking for a “not boring” approach to history, the Guts and Glory series may be what you are looking for. Thompson uses jokes and modern slang to make history come alive. This one is pitched for the upper elementary reader. There’s not enough detail to build a curriculum around this book, but it is a great starting point for getting kids curious about the past.
STILL ON SALE
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith, $4.99. Precious Ramotswe has just set up shop as a private investigator when she takes a complicated case that will have her tracking down a missing 11-year-old boy. This is the first in a series with more than 20 books, and it is easy to get lost in all the detailed descriptions of life in Botswana. These are for older readers, but there is also an awesome series starring a young Precious that will entertain early readers.
The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen, $1.99. When you need to cool off this summer, consider a trek through the Himalayas with nature writer Peter Matthiessen. He recounts his 250-mile trek accompanying a zoologist searching for the elusive snow leopard, which has rarely been seen by researchers. The writing meanders through beautiful descriptions of the natural world, musings on Tibetan culture and Buddhism, and philosophical discussions on the meaning of life.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
The Cool Bean, by Jory John and Pete Oswald, $3.99. The team that brought us The Bad Seed and The Good Egg is back with a charming story about fitting in, confidence, and kindness.
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex, $3.99. This book is such a good time. In the Kingdom of Backyard, aggressive warrior Rock roams around trash-talking other inhabitants. Who can get him to calm down? This book begs to be acted out with lots of funny voices. Note: Families with strict rules against name calling may want to avoid (e.g., Rock tells Peach, “You look like a fuzzy butt!”).
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide, by Editors of Creative Publishing International, $2.99. I do a lot of crafts, but I don’t sew. As everyone around me scrambled for masks, I was reliant on dear friends to make them for my family. If this current situation has spurred you to get started with sewing, this book will be a useful first step. There are lots of illustrations and helpful tips for the sewing novice.
Creative Watercolor: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners — Create with Paints, Inks, Markers, Glitter, and More!, by Ana Victoria Calderon, $2.99. If you think watercolors are only for old-fashioned, pale, delicate art, think again! This books offers tips on creating bold but simple art with a modern style. The idea of embellishing watercolors is particularly interesting to me — bring on the metallic shimmer!
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 27, 2020
Explore the world with these transporting 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.)
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The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith, $4.99. Precious Ramotswe has just set up shop as a private investigator when she takes a complicated case that will have her tracking down a missing 11-year-old boy. This is the first in a series with more than 20 books, and it is easy to get lost in all the detailed descriptions of life in Botswana. These are for older readers, but there is also an awesome series starring a young Precious that will entertain early readers.
The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen, $1.99. When you need to cool off this summer, consider a trek through the Himalayas with nature writer Peter Matthiessen. He recounts his 250-mile trek accompanying a zoologist searching for the elusive snow leopard, which has rarely been seen by researchers. The writing meanders through beautiful descriptions of the natural world, musings on Tibetan culture and Buddhism, and philosophical discussions on the meaning of life.
Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth E. Wein, $1.99. Time to journey to WWII Europe! Amy review this one a few years ago: “Captured by Germans after her plane crashes in World War II France, a British agent slowly weaves her confession to her captors to put off a grisly execution. This is the best kind of historical fiction—it pulls you right in to the complicated landscape of 1943 politics, and through flashbacks, brings World War II England to life. With its bonus beautiful friendship story and pleasantly feminist voice, this is a great book to have on your World War II reading list. Be warned: It's definitely a tear-jerker. (Shelved as a young adult/high school novel.)”
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, by Helen Russell, $0.99. I found this “fish out of water” memoir fascinating. When Russell has the opportunity to move to Denmark, she decides to spent her time exploring and attempting to understand the culture. This funny and sometimes poignant books describes the struggles of fitting into a new culture, the elements of Danish culture that make Danes the happiest people in the world, and how to incorporate elements of Danish life into your own life.
STILL ON SALE
The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
The Cool Bean, by Jory John and Pete Oswald, $3.99. The team that brought us The Bad Seed and The Good Egg is back with a charming story about fitting in, confidence, and kindness.
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex, $3.99. This book is such a good time. In the Kingdom of Backyard, aggressive warrior Rock roams around trash-talking other inhabitants. Who can get him to calm down? This book begs to be acted out with lots of funny voices. Note: Families with strict rules against name calling may want to avoid (e.g., Rock tells Peach, “You look like a fuzzy butt!”).
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide, by Editors of Creative Publishing International, $2.99. I do a lot of crafts, but I don’t sew. As everyone around me scrambled for masks, I was reliant on dear friends to make them for my family. If this current situation has spurred you to get started with sewing, this book will be a useful first step. There are lots of illustrations and helpful tips for the sewing novice.
Creative Watercolor: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners — Create with Paints, Inks, Markers, Glitter, and More!, by Ana Victoria Calderon, $2.99. If you think watercolors are only for old-fashioned, pale, delicate art, think again! This books offers tips on creating bold but simple art with a modern style. The idea of embellishing watercolors is particularly interesting to me — bring on the metallic shimmer!
The Body: A Guide for Occupants, by Bill Bryson, $4.99. Bill Bryson brings his trademark knack for detail to the human body! Bryson goes through all of the major systems of the body to describe interesting facts and surprising secrets. If you enjoy your science with a casual, conversational style, this would make an excellent spine for a human anatomy class. The only things missing are illustrations!
The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean looks at the hidden code that influences everything in life — DNA. Here’s the publisher’s summary: “There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists. Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.”
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
Accidental Medical Discoveries: How Tenacity and Pure Dumb Luck Changed the World, by Robert W. Winters, $1.99. I love to learn about the circumstances of invention. What happened to inspire someone to come up with a new innovation? What were they trying to accomplish? This book is a fun dive into 25 medical discoveries, from contact lenses to dental implants to blood pressure medication.
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 26, 2020
Dig up a new read with the dinosaur 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.)
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The Complete Dinosaur, by M.K. Brett-Surman, Thomas R. Holtz, and James O. Farlow, $2.99. There are two groups of people: those who see a 1,000+ page book about dinosaurs and run away screaming, and those who see the massive tome as a challenge and opportunity. This is a magnificent reference book to have on hand for any dinosaur lover. The information is dense, but organized into sections on the discovery of dinosaurs, current practice in paleontology, the classifications of dinosaurs, paleobiology, and evolution.
The Big Book of Dinosaurs, by DK, $1.99. Elementary readers will love this big, full-color look at how dinosaurs lived. I like the 3D models used for illustration; they make the creatures come to life. The Kindle version is a replica of the print edition, so be sure to check it out on a full-color device for best effect.
DK Find Out Dinosaurs, by DK, Designed for a mid-elementary audience, this book features interactive elements like quizzes. Providing a bit more detail than The Big Book of Dinosaurs, this book offers a nice dino timeline.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. The book that started the whole Magic Tree House franchise is all about dinosaurs! When their treehouse transports Jack and Annie to the cretaceous period, they have to figure out how the magic works in order to get back home. Along the way, they observe many types of dinosaurs and survive many brushes with the dangers of the prehistoric past. This series is great for beginning readers (adults reading aloud may find it repetitive). There’s also a great nonfiction companion book with more details about the dinos the two kids encounter.
STILL ON SALE
Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
The Cool Bean, by Jory John and Pete Oswald, $3.99. The team that brought us The Bad Seed and The Good Egg is back with a charming story about fitting in, confidence, and kindness.
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex, $3.99. This book is such a good time. In the Kingdom of Backyard, aggressive warrior Rock roams around trash-talking other inhabitants. Who can get him to calm down? This book begs to be acted out with lots of funny voices. Note: Families with strict rules against name calling may want to avoid (e.g., Rock tells Peach, “You look like a fuzzy butt!”).
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide, by Editors of Creative Publishing International, $2.99. I do a lot of crafts, but I don’t sew. As everyone around me scrambled for masks, I was reliant on dear friends to make them for my family. If this current situation has spurred you to get started with sewing, this book will be a useful first step. There are lots of illustrations and helpful tips for the sewing novice.
Creative Watercolor: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners — Create with Paints, Inks, Markers, Glitter, and More!, by Ana Victoria Calderon, $2.99. If you think watercolors are only for old-fashioned, pale, delicate art, think again! This books offers tips on creating bold but simple art with a modern style. The idea of embellishing watercolors is particularly interesting to me — bring on the metallic shimmer!
The Body: A Guide for Occupants, by Bill Bryson, $4.99. Bill Bryson brings his trademark knack for detail to the human body! Bryson goes through all of the major systems of the body to describe interesting facts and surprising secrets. If you enjoy your science with a casual, conversational style, this would make an excellent spine for a human anatomy class. The only things missing are illustrations!
The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean looks at the hidden code that influences everything in life — DNA. Here’s the publisher’s summary: “There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists. Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.”
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
Accidental Medical Discoveries: How Tenacity and Pure Dumb Luck Changed the World, by Robert W. Winters, $1.99. I love to learn about the circumstances of invention. What happened to inspire someone to come up with a new innovation? What were they trying to accomplish? This book is a fun dive into 25 medical discoveries, from contact lenses to dental implants to blood pressure medication.
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 25, 2020
Freshen up your picture book collection with these fun 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.)
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Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, $0.99. Ramon loves to draw, but a comment from his brother has him second-guessing his abilities. Suddenly, making art doesn’t feel fun unless it is perfect. Luckily, his sister is around to provide a new perspective. This is a great book for kids who love to create and kids who struggle with perfectionism.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, by Aimee Reid, $2.99. Today’s kids did not grow up with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, and they missed out. This lovely biography introduces Fred Rogers and tells the story of how his ground-breaking show came to be.
The Cool Bean, by Jory John and Pete Oswald, $3.99. The team that brought us The Bad Seed and The Good Egg is back with a charming story about fitting in, confidence, and kindness.
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex, $3.99. This book is such a good time. In the Kingdom of Backyard, aggressive warrior Rock roams around trash-talking other inhabitants. Who can get him to calm down? This book begs to be acted out with lots of funny voices. Note: Families with strict rules against name calling may want to avoid (e.g., Rock tells Peach, “You look like a fuzzy butt!”).
STILL ON SALE
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide, by Editors of Creative Publishing International, $2.99. I do a lot of crafts, but I don’t sew. As everyone around me scrambled for masks, I was reliant on dear friends to make them for my family. If this current situation has spurred you to get started with sewing, this book will be a useful first step. There are lots of illustrations and helpful tips for the sewing novice.
Creative Watercolor: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners — Create with Paints, Inks, Markers, Glitter, and More!, by Ana Victoria Calderon, $2.99. If you think watercolors are only for old-fashioned, pale, delicate art, think again! This books offers tips on creating bold but simple art with a modern style. The idea of embellishing watercolors is particularly interesting to me — bring on the metallic shimmer!
The Body: A Guide for Occupants, by Bill Bryson, $4.99. Bill Bryson brings his trademark knack for detail to the human body! Bryson goes through all of the major systems of the body to describe interesting facts and surprising secrets. If you enjoy your science with a casual, conversational style, this would make an excellent spine for a human anatomy class. The only things missing are illustrations!
The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean looks at the hidden code that influences everything in life — DNA. Here’s the publisher’s summary: “There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists. Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.”
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
Accidental Medical Discoveries: How Tenacity and Pure Dumb Luck Changed the World, by Robert W. Winters, $1.99. I love to learn about the circumstances of invention. What happened to inspire someone to come up with a new innovation? What were they trying to accomplish? This book is a fun dive into 25 medical discoveries, from contact lenses to dental implants to blood pressure medication.
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 24, 2020
Get these best-selling books at low prices!
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
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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.
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, by Sherri Duskey Rinker, $1.99. It’s time for bed at the construction site. Each machine has finished its work and is settling in for the night. The calm, soothing words and personality-filled illustrations make this a perfect bedtime book. I have read it aloud more times than I could possibly count.
Circe, by Madeline Miller, $4.99. A sometimes dark but gorgeous reimagining of the life of the sorceress Circe (remember her? from The Odyssey?), this would be a great book to team up with The Odyssey and James Joyce’s Ulysses for a deep-dive into the classic Greek adventure epic.
The Only Woman in the Room, by Marie Benedict, $2.99. 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!
STILL ON SALE
Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide, by Editors of Creative Publishing International, $2.99. I do a lot of crafts, but I don’t sew. As everyone around me scrambled for masks, I was reliant on dear friends to make them for my family. If this current situation has spurred you to get started with sewing, this book will be a useful first step. There are lots of illustrations and helpful tips for the sewing novice.
Creative Watercolor: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners — Create with Paints, Inks, Markers, Glitter, and More!, by Ana Victoria Calderon, $2.99. If you think watercolors are only for old-fashioned, pale, delicate art, think again! This books offers tips on creating bold but simple art with a modern style. The idea of embellishing watercolors is particularly interesting to me — bring on the metallic shimmer!
The Body: A Guide for Occupants, by Bill Bryson, $4.99. Bill Bryson brings his trademark knack for detail to the human body! Bryson goes through all of the major systems of the body to describe interesting facts and surprising secrets. If you enjoy your science with a casual, conversational style, this would make an excellent spine for a human anatomy class. The only things missing are illustrations!
The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean looks at the hidden code that influences everything in life — DNA. Here’s the publisher’s summary: “There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists. Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.”
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
Accidental Medical Discoveries: How Tenacity and Pure Dumb Luck Changed the World, by Robert W. Winters, $1.99. I love to learn about the circumstances of invention. What happened to inspire someone to come up with a new innovation? What were they trying to accomplish? This book is a fun dive into 25 medical discoveries, from contact lenses to dental implants to blood pressure medication.
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 23, 2020
Get crafty this holiday weekend!
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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Botanical Line Drawing: 200 Step-By-Step Flowers, Leaves, Cacti, Succulents, and Other Items Found in Nature, by Peggy Dean, $4.99. The summer is the perfect time to explore the natural world and create beautiful botanical art. Here’s how this book will help: “This book focuses on the extremely popular subject matter of the natural world and includes flowers, leaves, succulents, houseplants, trees, branches, mushrooms, and more. These simple line drawings will allow you to branch out and have fun with your own personal style, as well as inspire you to add flourishes to other projects.”
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginer’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros, by Jim Miotke, $4.99. I’ve been following BetterPhoto for years. Miotke does a great job of articulating what makes a photo great. Lots of well-chosen examples illustrate the lessons. You’ll learn something useful, whether you are using your phone or a big fancy camera.
First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide, by Editors of Creative Publishing International, $2.99. I do a lot of crafts, but I don’t sew. As everyone around me scrambled for masks, I was reliant on dear friends to make them for my family. If this current situation has spurred you to get started with sewing, this book will be a useful first step. There are lots of illustrations and helpful tips for the sewing novice.
Creative Watercolor: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners — Create with Paints, Inks, Markers, Glitter, and More!, by Ana Victoria Calderon, $2.99. If you think watercolors are only for old-fashioned, pale, delicate art, think again! This books offers tips on creating bold but simple art with a modern style. The idea of embellishing watercolors is particularly interesting to me — bring on the metallic shimmer!
STILL ON SALE
The Body: A Guide for Occupants, by Bill Bryson, $4.99. Bill Bryson brings his trademark knack for detail to the human body! Bryson goes through all of the major systems of the body to describe interesting facts and surprising secrets. If you enjoy your science with a casual, conversational style, this would make an excellent spine for a human anatomy class. The only things missing are illustrations!
The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean looks at the hidden code that influences everything in life — DNA. Here’s the publisher’s summary: “There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists. Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.”
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
Accidental Medical Discoveries: How Tenacity and Pure Dumb Luck Changed the World, by Robert W. Winters, $1.99. I love to learn about the circumstances of invention. What happened to inspire someone to come up with a new innovation? What were they trying to accomplish? This book is a fun dive into 25 medical discoveries, from contact lenses to dental implants to blood pressure medication.
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 21, 2020
Explore the world of organisms with these books about topics in biology.
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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The Body: A Guide for Occupants, by Bill Bryson, $4.99. Bill Bryson brings his trademark knack for detail to the human body! Bryson goes through all of the major systems of the body to describe interesting facts and surprising secrets. If you enjoy your science with a casual, conversational style, this would make an excellent spine for a human anatomy class. The only things missing are illustrations!
The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean looks at the hidden code that influences everything in life — DNA. Here’s the publisher’s summary: “There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists. Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.”
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe, by Brian Cox, $2.99. Brian Cox has traveled the world to bring us some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. This books is a companion to a fantastic British documentary series. Cox is an astrophysicist, so he is able to seamlessly blend biology with other scientific disciplines. Beautiful photography and detailed infographics bring the text to life.
Accidental Medical Discoveries: How Tenacity and Pure Dumb Luck Changed the World, by Robert W. Winters, $1.99. I love to learn about the circumstances of invention. What happened to inspire someone to come up with a new innovation? What were they trying to accomplish? This book is a fun dive into 25 medical discoveries, from contact lenses to dental implants to blood pressure medication.
STILL ON SALE
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 19, 2020
Early chapter books about girls who do cool things!
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, by Andrea Beaty, $1.99. My family absolutely loves Andrea Beaty’s picture books about cool kids pursuing awesome adventures. The Questioners is a chapter-book continuation of the adventures in the picture books. In this one, Ada Twist (a budding scientist) has to help her uncle when his invention of helium pants gets out of control. Ada has to observe, research, and plan how to rescue him. The books in this series model solid STEM skills while being so wacky and entertaining that they never feel “educational.”
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, $0.99. It’s Fancy Nancy, all grown up! Or at least, a little more grown up. Nancy still loves elaborate words and outlandish vocabulary, but she is turning her attention to mysteries in her community. When something goes missing at school, Nancy and her friend Bree are determined to solve the mystery. These are great first chapter books for kids who enjoyed the picture book series.
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, $3.50. Princess Magnolia is preparing to present at the science fair, but when a science experiment gone wrong releases a goo monster, The Princess in Black must step in to save the day. This whole series is adorable and adventurous, full of entertaining illustrations. If you are looking for very early chapter books that are not basic and definitely not boring, you’ll love The Princess in Black.
The Startup Squad, by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear, $1.99. These kids are getting to work! I like the idea of a book about kids creating their own business. Here’s the publisher’s description: “All the great leaders had to start somewhere. And Teresa (“Resa” for short) is starting with the lemonade stand competition her teacher assigned to the class—but making it a success is going to be a lot harder than Resa thinks. The prize: line-skipping tickets to Adventure Central. The competition: Val, Resa's middle school nemesis. And the biggest obstacle to success: Resa's own teammates. Harriet is the class clown, Amelia is the new girl who thinks she knows best, and Didi is Resa's steadfast friend—who doesn't know the first thing about making or selling lemonade. The four of them quickly realize that the recipe for success is tough to perfect—but listening to each other is the first step. And making new friends might be the most important one...”
STILL ON SALE
Jane, by April Lindner, $1.99. In this retelling of Jane Eyre, Jane is a college student forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence when her parents die. She goes to work for mysterious musician Nico Rathburn. But as strange occurrences take place in his mansion, Jane wonders what he is hiding. This modern retelling hits most of the major plot points of the original novel, some of which seem implausible when moved to a modern setting.
Burning Brightly, by Alexa Donna, $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.
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure, by Ryan North, $4.99. Every time I read Romeo and Juliet I think about how preventable much of the tragedy was. With this hilarious choose-your-own-path novel, readers have the opportunity to see what might happen if Romeo got a second chance with Rosaline, or Juliet’s nurse was paying more attention, or… there were robots. There are more than a hundred endings, some stranger than others.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 17, 2020
Start a new series with these great 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.)
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Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, $2.99. Kids have fallen in love with Ramona for decades. She has the perfect combination of wacky mishaps and emotional resonance. You’ll folllow Ramona through cafeteria mishaps, conflicts with the local bully, and changes that come when her mom starts a new job. All of these challenges are told with humor and heart.
The Borrowers, by Mary Norton, $2.99. Things go missing in my house all the time. Maybe we have Borrowers! The Borrowers are tiny people who live in the floors and walls of an English house and “borrow” things from the world of the larger humans who occupy the main house. Norton’s imaginative premise has been captivating children for nearly 50 years.
Akata Witch, by Nnedi Okorafor, $2.99. Suzanne says: “Are you looking for something to fill the Harry-Potter-sized hole in your reading heart? Do you want to provide your middle school/YA readers with a more diverse bookshelf so that they don’t end up exclusively reading books by white guys about white guys for their entire educational career? (Not that I’m BITTER over here or anything.) I’ve got the book for you! This fantasy novel is about 12-year-old Sunny, born in America to Nigerian parents who have since moved Sunny and family back to Nigeria, where she discovers that she’s a Leopard Person, heir to certain magical abilities. Like Rowling, but in a completely different setting, Okorafor creates a magical world existing next to and within our own, and we get to see Sunny explore this world, making friends, finding teachers, and shopping for magical items. (Is it weird that I LOVE the magical-shopping parts in fantasy novels?)”
Mythos, by Stephen Fry, $3.99. Whether you love Greek mythology or have never found a way to get into it, Stephen Fry’s witty take on these classic tales may be the perfect addition to your shelf. These are written for adults (both because of tone and the hair-raising sex and violence of the original myths) and include the odd modern cultural reference that will either delight or confuse you. Stephen Fry is smart, funny, and so, so British.
STILL ON SALE
The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 15, 2020
These books combine superheroes with serious academic subjects!
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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The Physics of Superheroes, by James Kakalios, $4.99. Do you want to know why Ant-Man has so much strength? Why would growing up on Krypton give Superman powers here on Earth? Kakalios answers these burning questions and many more as he walks through major topics in physics through the lens of superheroes. This book is written for adults and contains many equations, but you don’t need to be able to follow all of them to enjoy the book.
Superheroes: The Best of Philosophy and Pop Culture, by William Irwin, $0.99. Annoyingly, this book used to be free, but I think 99 cents is still a reasonable price. I love this Pop Culture and Philosophy series as a means of introducing philosophical concepts. Connecting Batman to utilitarianism, for example, provides a concrete example for an abstract idea. This book contains chapters from many of the books in the series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll want to check out the books centered around more specific franchises (Avengers, Spider-Man, etc.).
The Psychology of Superheroes, edited by Robin S. Rosenberg, $2.99. Why do our superheroes behave the ways they do? And what the the popularity of superheroes say about human nature? This book explores psychological concepts through superheroes. Here’s the publisher’s summary: “Why do superheroes choose to be superheroes? Where does Spider-Man’s altruism come from, and what does it mean? Why is there so much prejudice against the X-Men, and how could they have responded to it, other than the way they did? Why are super-villains so aggressive? The Psychology of Superheroes answers these questions in a wide range of essays on topics from Aquaman to Arkham Asylum—exploring the inner workings our heroes usually only share with their therapists.”
STILL ON SALE
The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”
Kindle Deals for May 14, 2020
Books about libraries make the best stories!
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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The Invisible Library, by Genevieve Cogman, $2.99. If you are looking for a twisty, complicated novel with a whole lot of bookish plot, this one may fit the bill. The action centers around a library that collects fiction from multiple realities (including worlds with steampunk elements, fairies, or vampires). There’s a lot to keep track of, but that also means it’s easy to get fully immersed in the complicated world.
The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, $2.99. Susan Orlean writes beautiful, lyrical nonfiction. This book weaves elements of true crime (was a huge library fire actually arson?) with musings on the history and cultural importance of libraries. If you love libraries, investigative journalism, history, or books, you’ll find something to enjoy in these pages.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, $2.99. Dewey is the most famous library cat I know! Here’s the publisher’s description of his story: “Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.”
STILL ON SALE
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, $2.99. This powerful graphic novel looks at what it means to be Chinese in America. The story is told in three interlocking points of view: a boy who discovers he is the only Chinese person in his new school, the Monkey King of Chinese folklore, and a personification of Asian stereotypes. Their stories come together in exciting and unexpected ways.
The Way You Make Me Feel, by Maurene Goo, $1.99. Fun, friendships, flirting and… food trucks! This breezy YA novel is takes a heartwarming look at the second-generation immigrant experience. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.”
I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez, $1.99. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter, obedient and devoted to her family. Julia is none of those things. When Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is determined to find out more her sister’s life. Was she really as perfect as she seemed? And can Julia ever live up to that example?
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This beautiful picture follows a garden through the seasons to see what is happening above and below the surface. Information sections about organic gardening techniques and about each of the creatures encountered in the story provide a great jumping off point for further learning.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green, $1.99. This book is packed full of fascinating facts about trees, how they respond to the environment, communicate, defend themselves from predators, and more. Elementary students will find this book inviting and accessible, and older readers are likely to discover a few new facts as well! The gorgeous illustrations have a hand-painted feel.
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper, by Rick DeDonato, $3.99. Pipsie is the most adorable nature detective around. Join her on her explorations in this delightful picture book (one in a three-book series). Here’s the publisher’s description: “Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!”
The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting, by Emily Mills, $2.99. Many of the kids in my life absolutely love YouTube channels like Lucidchart, Because Science, and ASAPScience. The whiteboard illustrations really help to make concepts understandable. This book is a guide to taking notes in that visual style. Mills explains why visual notetaking is a valuable way to organize information and offers tips and techniques for creating illustrations that will be memorable and useful.
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, by Liz Lee Heinecke, $2.99. The weather is lovely, and so many spring/summer activities are canceled. Why not fill your extra time with some interesting science experiments? I love the breadth of this book; there are experiments for kids of all ages and all major branches of science. Great photo illustrations of little scientists at work make following the steps easy.
Tech Lab: Awesome Builds for Smart Makers, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. If your kids are in need of more complex projects, this book of technology projects for middle and high school may be just the ticket. Break out the soldering iron and try your hand at making a door alarm or even an AM radio! Breakout sections describe how each invention works. This book needs to be viewed on a tablet; the detailed illustrations and electrical diagrams will not work well on a basic Kindle.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book was part of my daughter’s mystery book club last year, and she was a huge fan. HSL has featured it as a readaloud of the week, and say this is why you’ll love it: Libraries! Puzzles to solve! Witty book references! While you shouldn’t look for nuanced character development, you’ll be so busy running around the library with Kyle and his allies to crack codes and untangle puzzles, you won’t miss it.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, $4.99. When a valuable painting disappears, Petra and Calder find themselves swept up in the conspiracy. Not sure who they can trust, the two children are determined to solve the mystery themselves. If your kid enjoys solving puzzles and cracking codes, this book is perfect. This edition comes with some cool bonus content!
Harry Potter’s Cookbook, by Roy Murray, $2.99. Looking to bring some magic to your table? Have you always wondered what knickerbocker glory or Christmas pudding taste like? This cookbook will have you making treats in no time. The recipes encompass many of the classics of British food, sweet and savory. Attractive photos of each recipe will get your mouths watering.
Good Eats: The Early Years, by Alton Brown, $2.99. Alton Brown is the king of culinary science. In addition to recipes for really good food, he takes the time to explain exactly why the processes work. If you enjoy your cooking with whimsical, nerdy fun, this is the book for you. (This version includes all of the illustrations in the original layout and is best viewed on a tablet. If you want text only, you can buy that here.)
A History of Food in 100 Recipes, by William Sitwell, $3.99. Did you ever wonder who made the first cupcake? Or what a medieval meal might have tasted like? This book begins with Egyptian bread and continues in chronological order until the recent past. Not all entries have recipes, but you’re certain to have find directions for several items of interest. Fascinating for foodies or those interested in the history of everyday life.
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. I regularly find myself looking at new suggesting that the world is a terrible place. But, as Steven Pinker suggests, violence in society has been on a steady decrease for millennia. This book is reassuring and inspiring, and at $2 for more than 800 pages, it’s a great value! The publisher’s description does a very good job of capturing the feel of the book: “This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives--the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away--and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious and provocative book is sure to be hotly debated in living rooms and the Pentagon alike, and will challenge and change the way we think about our society.”
What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Tanith Carey, $1.99. Are you spending a lot of time at home with young kids? Do you find yourself wondering why they do the things they do? This handy guide to developmental psychology in children ages 2-7 will answer many of your questions. The book presents dozens of scenarios (“I’m not tired!” “I must have the blue cup!”), explains some of the developmental reasons for the behavior, and suggests ways to respond. It’s very easy to browse for whatever help you might need.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, $1.99. When a young neuroscientist has a stroke, she is in a unique position to experience all of the failings of brain function she has been studying. This is a fascinating look at Taylor’s recovery from a devastating brain injury. She combines a scientific and personal perspective to create an engaging path to learning about the brain.
Notes on a Nervous Planet, by Matt Haig, $1.99. Why are our brains having trouble adjusting to Covid life? Matt Haig’s detailed look at anxiety and culture may help you to figure it out. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The societies we live in are increasingly making our minds ill, making it feel as though the way we live is engineered to make us unhappy. When Matt Haig developed panic disorder, anxiety, and depression as an adult, it took him a long time to work out the ways the external world could impact his mental health in both positive and negative ways. Notes on a Nervous Planet collects his observations, taking a look at how the various social, commercial and technological "advancements" that have created the world we now live in can actually hinder our happiness. Haig examines everything from broader phenomena like inequality, social media, and the news; to things closer to our daily lives, like how we sleep, how we exercise, and even the distinction we draw between our minds and our bodies.”
The Brain the Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, $1.99. Oliver Sacks, one of my favorite medical authors, recommends Doidge. Here’s the publisher’s description: “An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed—people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.”
I Want to be a Jedi, by Simon Beecroft, $2.99. Do you have what it takes to train with Yoda and Luke? This leveled reader if full of facts about the Jedi order. All of the illustrations are movie stills, and it will be fun for your young movie fans to try to remember what is happening in each scene.
Star Wars Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Christian Blauvelt, $1.99. Is space opera not your thing? Do you not love Star Wars as much as other members of your family? Did you (gasp!) not see all the movies? This handy illustrated guide will fill you in on major and minor characters, plot details you might have forgotten, and more. (Don’t go looking in here for details about the last movie, as this book was published in 2017.)
Star Wars: Princess Leia, by Mark Waid, $2.99. Get excited about the adventures of the original space princess, Leia Organa! This action-packed comic has Leia attempting to save the remaining people of Alderaan and undermining the Empire.
Star Wars Maker Lab, by Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton, $1.99. Build your own Death Star! Design an alien instrument and start your own band! Catapult things at your enemies just like the Ewoks! This book of 20 Star Wars-related crafts and science experiments will keep you busy for days. Detailed photo illustrations walk you through each step of the projects.
Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure, by Cavan Scott, $3.99. I love a good choose your own adventure story. Take destiny into your own hands as you go on a mission for the Rebellion! Color illustrations make the story even more vivid.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers, $2.99. Becky Chambers does an amazing job with creating unusual, fully realized characters in science fiction. The plot is a little bit complicated, so I’m going to defer to the publisher’s description: “Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”
Snow, Glass, Apples, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. This graphic novel is Snow White like you have never seen her before. Doran’s breathtaking illustrations are a twist on medieval illuminated manuscripts, with a dark, otherworldly feel. Gaiman’s creepy story is nothing like the Disney version!
Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumplestiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff, $1.99. Shurtliff’s fairytale retellings are good fun. Check out the publisher’s description for this one: “In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.”
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, by Mira Jacob, $4.99. This graphic memoir was one of the more interesting books I read last year. Jacob recounts conversations she has had with her young son about many complicated and uncomfortable topics. At six years old, Z has many questions about growing up biracial, the 2016 election, family, and justice in the world. Parents everywhere will find the back and forth of these chats familiar. Note: Good Talk is about a mom and a six year old, but is written for adult readers.
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, $4.99. Do you love Marie Kondo and want to hear more from her, or did you manage to skip the tidying up craze and now want a quick introduction? This graphic novel converts Kondo’s tips into a fiction story about a woman who decides to organize her space, relationships, and work life.
Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, by Jack Challoner, $1.99. This book, created by the Smithsonian Museums, is full of exciting projects that kids can do at home with easy-to-find ingredients. The activities are grouped into four subject areas: projects you can eat, projects with things from the junk draw, projects involving water, and projects best done outside. Creative illustrations and detailed photo instructions make the projects accessible and easy to complete.
Sensory Play: Over 65 Sensory Bin Topics with Additional Picture Books, Supplementary Activities, and Snacks for a Complete Toddler Programs, by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka, $4.99. Little kids love sensory play, the feeling of weird textures in their hands. This book collects dozens of ideas for bins that explore seasons, colors, letters, and holidays. With these bins and their accompanying book and snack suggestions, you can easily have a full educational day planned out.
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More, by Daniel and Korri Freeman, $4.99. This book is jam packed with fun projects for kids 10 and under. As the subtitle suggests, the authors have collected projects in many modalities. My favorite thing about this book is the sample projects created by real kids (not perfectly crafted samples made by talented adults).
Crepe Paper Flowers: The Beginner’s Guide to Making and Arranging Beautiful Blooms, by Lia Griffith, $2.99. This projects in this book are so lovely. The flowers range from fairly simple to intensely complex. The flowers are broken down into many steps, with several photo illustrations for each project. These are definitely projects for older kids/adults. Liven up your home with impressive and long-lasting arrangements!
Bed-Knob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton, $1.99. Meet the book that inspired a classic Disney movie! The book is pretty different from the movie, but both are worthwhile. The three Wilson children begin a life of fabulous adventures when they meet apprentice witch Miss Price, who gives them a magic bed-knob that can take them to any place and time. A chapter about cannibals has not aged well and should probably come with a discussion about generalizations and caricature.
Curious George, by H.A. Rey, $4.99. This is the story that started the enormous Curious George franchise. The story begins with George being captured in the jungle and taken to a new life in the city. From there, he has a series of wacky adventures, including a stint in jail, but the story still manages to be charming. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is also on sale.
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester, $4.99. This book comes with its own audio for a readaloud experience! Set your young ones up to have someone else read to them for a change. Tacky is, well, an odd penguin. He wears odd clothes and doesn’t behave like the other penguins, who treat him with suspicion and disdain. But when the flock is in danger, Tacky’s weirdness may be just what is needed to save the day.
The Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood, $4.99. We read this one and it’s companion, The Loud Book, so many time when my daughter was young. The winsome illustrations highlight the many different types of quiet: “pretending to be invisible quiet,” “swimming underwater quiet,” “first look at your new hairstyle quiet,” and more.
Sheep in a Jeep, by Nancy E. Shaw, $4.99. I’m a knitter, and I love a good wool-related story as much as I love a fun rhyme. This book delivers both. Sheep are good at many things, but these sheep are definitely not good drivers. Mayhem ensues.
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest, by Steve Jenkins, $2.99. The Earth is full of extremes, and Steve Jenkins is taking us on a whirlwind tour of many of them! Journey from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of Lake Baikal, from desert to ice cap. The impressive facts are illustrated with really interesting cut paper art.
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. I could have included this one in yesterday’s “novels in verse” collection, but I decided to save it for today. It’s the story of a young refugee who flees Vietnam with her family and immigrates to Alabama. From the publisher: “Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it ‘enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.’ An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions.”
Bee-bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park, $4.99. My daughter loved this book so much when she was a preschooler. The gentle rhymes and repetition really enliven this story of a Korean family making a delicious dinner of bee-bim bop. If your mouth is watering by the end, you’ll be pleased to find a (very tasty) recipe at the end.
Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic, by Kotaro Chiba, $2.99. At turns strange, scary, and beautiful, this book collects some beloved Japanese folktales. The woodcut illustrations set an ethereal atmosphere.
The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen, $0.99. When a ship full of circus animals is wrecked off the coast of Maine, the animals escape their cruel circus master. Van Dusen’s story is full of excellent rhymes and onomatopoeia. The painted illustrations are beautiful and funny, particularly those of the animals’ hilarious attempts to blend in with their surroundings.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like a Mall, by Wendy Mass, $3.99. Remember when we used to be able to go out shopping? Reading this YA novel right now is a little surreal, given all the coronavirus closures, but it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When 16-year-old Tessa suffers a shocking accident in gym class, she finds herself in heaven (or what she thinks is heaven), which happens to bear a striking resemblance to her hometown mall. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol, Tessa starts reliving her life up until that moment. She sees some things she'd rather forget, learns some things about herself she'd rather not know, and ultimately must find the answer to one burning question--if only she knew what the question was.”
Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, $1.99. This is not your classic Rapunzel story: Rapunzel rescues herself from the tower in this graphic novel Western. She teams up with Jack (you may recognize him from his beanstalk story) to seek revenge on the woman who kidnapped her. I love the genre-bending illustrations and the girl power message.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner, $4.99. This is a classic children’s novel about siblings pulling together to survive on their own. If your child enjoys it, they will pleased to know it is the first in a long series — the kids go on to have many adventures and solve mysteries along the way. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they’re faced with a problem they can’t solve themselves, they’re forced to look for adult help—and will find it in the most unlikely ally.”
All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor, $4.99. If you loved The Penderwicks, you’ll definitely enjoy one of the original big family tales. Five sisters living in early 20th century New York City have delightful adventures. This book is lovely to read near Passover — the family celebrates major Jewish holidays with extended family. Parents, take note of Mama’s clever way of getting the girls to help with the housework!
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Siblings go on a big adventure during a vacation trip to Okracoke Island in this heavily illustrated chapter book. The publisher’s description is very entertaining: “As soon as the Moody family drops anchor on "Artichoke" Island, they are greeted by Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a scraggly beard and a secret treasure map. Before you can say "Davy Jones’s Locker," Stink and Judy are racing across the island in search of gold. But—shiver me timbers!—they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot. Can Mad Molly O’Maggot and Scurvy Stink beat out their rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl? Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!”
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, by Jeff VanderMeer, $2.99. VanderMeer is a master of whimsical, imaginative writing, and he is sharing his ideas for how to create your own exciting work! What makes this book really unique among serious books about writing is the elaborate illustration work throughout. VanderMeer’s advice is wonderful for writers of any genre, but the sci-fi/fantasy references make reading through a lot of fun.
Write This Book: A Do-It-Yourself Mystery, by Pseudonymous Bosch, $1.99. This book is a slam dunk for kids who love Pseudonymous Bosch, but you don’t need to be familiar with that series to enjoy it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “This imaginative companion to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series teases, prompts, and leads readers through the steps of writing a story. Bosch's signature rip-roaring voice delivers an engaging narrative (for the reader to help complete!) and interactive puzzles and games. Readers get the chance to create their own story while enjoying a satisfying mystery as well.”
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Maleficent, and the McFlys Teach Us About Raising a Family, by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu, $2.99. This book is a good time! Take a look at some famous pop culture parents. Here’s the publisher’s description: “It takes a starship to raise a child. Or a time machine. Or a tribe of elves. Fortunately, Geek Parenting offers all that and more, with thoughtful mini-essays that reveal profound child-rearing advice (and mistakes) from the most beloved tales of geek culture. Nerds and norms alike can take counsel from some of the most iconic parent–child pairings found in pop culture: Aunt May and Peter Parker, Benjamin and Jake Sisko, Elrond and Arwen, even Cersei and Joffrey. Whether you’re raising an Amazon princess, a Jedi Padawan, a brooding vampire, or a standard-issue human child, Geek Parenting helps you navigate the ion storms, alternate realities, and endless fetch quests that come with being a parent.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill, $4.27. We studied this book as part of Brave Writer’s Arrow program last year, and it’s the kind of lyrical, moving book that lingers in your mind. From Amy’s review: “I thought this little middle grades fantasy was just lovely—a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together—the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch’s forgotten history, the mad mother—is brilliant. The characters—minor and major—live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own.”
Moving Target, by Christina Diaz Gonzales, $3.99. From the description, this seems like an exciting kids’ adventure along the lines of The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Here is what caught my eye: “Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target? Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear. Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.”
The Evil Wizard Smallbone, by Delia Sherman, $0.99. If your kids (or you) have worn out your Harry Potter books and you are looking for another magical tale, this one is for you! From the publisher: “When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.”
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly, $0.49. This inspiring story of African-American women working for NASA has been adapted into a picture book. Your child will get to know a group of “computers,” female mathematicians who made many of the calculations that led to successful space missions.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable, by Dan Gutman, $0.99. My daughter and I just started listening to this exciting middle grade novel as an audiobook. The pacing and wacky antics remind me of James Patterson’s middle grade books. Coke and Pepsi McDonald think they are living a normal tween life until they are attacked by mysterious assailants. Luckily, their family is about to begin a road trip all over America. As they tour real but wacky tourist sites, they also begin to uncover the reasons they are being hunted. It’s fun, it’s far-fetched, it’s just right for tweens who need a bit of adventure right now.
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands, by Mark Kenyon, $1.99. Adults and older kids feeling the strain of being indoors may also enjoy a little vicarious travel to some amazing places — our National Parks. Mark Kenyon combines historical fact with a travelogue of his own experiences at Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Teton, and other parks.
Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood, $2.99. The Bliss family runs a popular bakery with a secret: many of the recipes come from the family’s magic “Cookery Booke,” an ancient and powerful resource. Rosemary Bliss is looking after her siblings while her parents go out of town, leaving strict instructions not to open the book without supervision. When mysterious Aunt Lily shows up unexpectedly, the kids don’t think it would be too problematic to make some recipes from the book for her. What could possibly go wrong? This middle grade book is warm, funny, and packed with delicious details.
DK Readers: Journey of a Humpback Whale, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. Follow a whale named Triton as he travels across the ocean. Along the way, you’ll learn about how whales eat, breathe, communicate, and socialize with others. As always, DK Readers have simple vocabulary (with a glossary for tricky words) and gorgeous photo images.
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald, $0.99. Beginning readers love this series, a spin-off of the Judy Moody books. Stink has always been on the smaller side, so he has his sister measure him every day. When one day he comes up shorter, he starts a series of wacky adventures to make himself grow (or at least appear taller). Stink’s story is told through simple paragraphs and comic-style illustrations.
13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson, $0.49. This book is less than 50 cents! And it’s a fun one, too — Maureen Johnson writes unique YA novels (you may have heard of her Truly Devious series). When Ginny gets a letter from her Aunt Peg, who has been dead for three months, she is set on a course to an incredible adventure. Peg’s letter includes a passport, a plane ticket, and clues to where Ginny should head next. At each stop along the way, Ginny learns more about Peg’s life and begins to understand more about herself. The atmospheric details of each country she visits will be a fun diversion for those currently stuck at home.
A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond, $0.99. The sweet stories of this bumbling bear are a soothing distraction from current events. Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Paddington on his journey from Peru through his adoption by the Brown family. The plot differs in places from the recent Paddington movies, which could lead to interesting discussions about adaptations.
Anne Shirley Complete Book Collection, by L.M. Montgomery, $4.99. The exuberant flourishes of Anne Shirley’s language are delightful to this word nerd. I’ve enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series, though there are still a few books that I never got around to. This is the time! All of the books are available now in one massive digital box set. Join Anne as she walks along the Lake of Shining Waters, suffers several amusing mishaps, and eventually settles into adult life with her own family.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, $1.00. Did you know that Ian Fleming wrote more than the James Bond novels? He is also responsible for this charming and strange book about a magical car and the family who loves it. This is a high adventure children’s classic. It’s also SO different from the movie that you can have an interesting discussion with your kids about what it means to adapt a novel to film.
DK Readers: Sea Otters, by DK, $2.99. Another easy reader, this time with some of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Get to know more about sea otters and their habits! This level 1 books is suitable for beginning readers who are fluent in all the basic phonics.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. None of us are doing any traveling, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be learning about the world! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevedo, $2.99. I’m so excited to see this novel in verse on sale. The lyrical verse takes on some serious social issues. Here’s the plot description: “Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.”
Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids, by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons, $0.99. This guide to dealing with anxiety is written from the perspective of a (fictional) 14 year old. The half-narrative, half-guidebook format is engaging and doesn’t talk down to kids. If someone in your family is feeling particularly worried these days, this book may help.
Love the Home You Have: Simple Ways to Embrace Your Style, Get Organized, and Delight in Where You Are, by Melissa Michaels, $2.99. Many people around me are using this extra time to work on projects in their homes. If you are feeling like you need to make some changes, let Melissa Michaels guide you! She brings fresh ideas for your home, but also focuses on finding contentment with what you have.
Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, by Bryan R. Johnson, $3.99. This collection of interweaving stories from upper elementary readers will have kids trying to discover the code. Each of the stories focuses on one kid trying to lead an epic life. The plots are mostly realistic with some “tall-tale” twists. The publisher recommends these stories as a way to “encourage discussion about kindness, perseverance, integrity, friendship, identity, self-reliance, and self-worth.” I think many of us could use that right now.
DK Eyewitness Readers: Animal Hospital, by Judith Walker-Hodge, $2.99. I’ve seen requests for kids’ nonfiction, so I’ll be offering more books along these lines. In this easy reader book, kids can go behind the scenes of a veterinary hospital to see how vets help sick and injured animals. The story is framed around two children who find an injured duck. FYI: We’ve found that DK reader levels are somewhat more challenging than other leveled readers.
The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, $1.99. Are you ready to be transported to another realm and lose yourself in an immense series? Welcome to Discworld, the home of a wild and funny series spanning 40 books. The series parodies many of the common fantasy tropes, and is heavy on the puns. Try out this first book in the series, knowing that if you enjoy it, your reading life will be set for weeks.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a study of the different forms of nests found in nature. Engaging and poetic language introduce young readers to hummingbird, snake, prairie dog, and many other nests. This book is full of facts and extremely detailed illustrations, but maintains a cozy, warm feel.
The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship, by Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown, $0.99. Friendships are looking a little bit different right now, with few people able to meet up in person. Why not take the time to read about the history of societal thinking about friendship? In contemporary society, we tend to take for granted that women are social and forge meaningful friendships, but historically, men often believed women were incapable of deep connections. Learn more in this fascinating social history!
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, by DK, $1.99. This is a fun resource for young animal fans! Kids will love the whimsical illustrations and colorful photographs. There are sections on animal classifications and behavior, then detailed pages on specific animals. Short sentences and fun facts make this a good choice for early readers (or a read aloud).
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gail Straub, $2.99. This book is a little bit of everything. You’ll find gorgeous photos from remarkable places, stories from 40 women who struck out to discover the world, and practical advice on planning, packing, safety, and more. I found it to be a pleasant and inspiring diversion.
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever, by Gavin Edwards, $3.99. Several people I know have been turning to old Mister Rogers episodes to help their children deal with anxiety in recent days. Do you need some Kindness and Wonder in your life? From the publisher: “For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
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.
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.
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.”